Fourth year X-Men hockey forward Jason Bast has signed a professional contract with the Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) out of Boise, Idaho.

Bast joined the team last week and has made an immediate impact on the roster, tallying five points in four games. He made his debut with the Steelheads on March 12th then scored his first professional goal two nights later in a 4-1 win at Bakersfield.

He scored goals in three consecutive games on the road and was the team's nominee for ECHL Player of the Week. His first two goals were both game-winners at Bakersfield Friday and Saturday night.

The Steelheads are the AHL affiliate team with the Texas Stars and the NHL's Dallas Stars. Playing out of the ECHL's Western conference in the Mountain division, they hold a 32-24-3 to date and sit in fourth place.

Bast recently wrapped up his fourth season with the X-Men, collecting a career 109 points in 110 AUS regular season games. He led the X-Men in scoring this past season with 27 points (8 goals and 19 assists).