Mackie makes his return to the ice

Forwrad Mackie Samoskevich rejoined the lineup on Sunday for the first time since Jan. 8. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft prospect scored the game-winner in overtime in Plymouth, Michigan, against Team USA. The University of Michigan commit now has 22 points in 17 games this season. Check out Samoskevich’s scouting reports on FC Hockey for more analysis about his game here.

The Sean Farrell show has plenty of sidekicks

With his two assists on Sunday, Sean Farrell continues to lead the USHL in points. The pair of helpers gave the Montreal Canadiens prospect 41 assists on the season, 14 more than teammate Matt Coronato for the USHL lead in assists. Farrell’s 18 goals give him his league-leading 59 points.

Speaking of Coronato, the Harvard University commit is second in the league in points with 55. His 28 goals lead the USHL over teammate Erik Middendorf, who has netted 23 goals himself. Middendorf is currently third in the points standings with 48 points. Chicago rounds out the top four slots in scoring, as forward Josh Doan currently has 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.

For more on Coronato’s draft talents in the upcoming draft, click here.

Rookies continue to contribute

Forward Adam Fantilli, a potential top draft pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, continues to show he has the skills to play in the USHL at an early age. The Nobleton, Ontario, native has registered eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 28 games this season. Fantilli has registered 11 points in his last nine games as he continues to show and all-around game that will continue to impress NHL scouts.

Not to be outdone, fellow rookie forward Jackson Blake continues to impress in his first season in the USHL. The University of North Dakota commit currently ranks second on the team in rookie scoring with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 21 games. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft hopeful continues add to his 5-foot-10, 148-pound frame with the excellent development from the Chicago Steel staff.

Off to Iowa to finish February

The Steel play a pair of round games to finish of the month of February. On Friday, Chicago will travel to Buccaneer Arena for a 7 p.m. CST matchup with the Des Moines Buccaneers. The following night, Chicago faces off against the Waterloo Black Hawks at 6:05 p.m. at Young Arena.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago beats Youngstown, splits with USA appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Chicago fell behind early 1–0 before scoring three straight goals to take a 3–1 lead into the first intermission. Forwards Sean Farrell, Quinn Finley and defenseman Ian Moore each beat Gambler goaltender Matt Davis.

The bank is open on Friday night! Farrell scores his 17th of the year! https://t.co/NkLRrXKsYO pic.twitter.com/9BlcQC4p6X

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 6, 2021

The Gamblers would level the score in the second period at 3–3 with two power play goals. With the score tied, Chicago goaltender Simon Latkoczy would not allow another shot behind him in stopping 33 shots total in the victory.

In the third period, Chicago took back the lead when forward Josh Doan netted his 16th goal of the season. Scottsdale, Arizona, native Erik Middendorf would score on the power play for his team-leading 20th goal this season, extending the Chicago lead to two goals. Chicago rounded out the evening with goals from forwards Jack Babbage and Andon Cerbone to cap off the 7–3 thrashing in Green Bay. The goal gave Cerbone his first of his USHL career.

BREAKING NEWS: Sean Farrell defies physics with this assist as Doan gets his 16th of the year https://t.co/ciwIjvv9BJ pic.twitter.com/uzychVvIZ8

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 6, 2021

On Saturday, Chicago used a six-goal first period to jump out to a 6–2 lead after one period of play. Coronato, Middendorf and forward Jack Bar all scored on Davis, who would be pulled after making one save on four shots.

Green Bay beat Chicago goaltender Nick Haas to shorten the Chicago lead to 3–1 before Moore, Sean Farrell and Coronato would all find the back of the net to give Chicago a five-goal cushion at 6–1 going into the first intermission.

Coronato matches his teammate, Erik Middendorf, for the USHL lead with his 20th goal of the year https://t.co/7V9o1MPqXS pic.twitter.com/pj2MO1ZDb6

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 7, 2021

Coronato would score his 22nd goal of the season, the lone goal in the second period, when he beat Green Bay goaltender Aaron Randazzo early in the second period. The goal capped off a hat trick for Coronato on the night.

Hat trick for Matt Coronato on a power play!

CHI – 7
GB – 2

16:13 – 2nd Period@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel pic.twitter.com/msfUFTeQUH

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 7, 2021

With the 7–2 lead moving into the third period, Chicago scored twice to extend their lead to 9–2 when Anthony Fantilli scored two goals within two minutes. With the pair of goals, Fantilli now has seven goals on the season.

Haas stopped 18 shots in the victory.

Chicago will be back in action at Fox Valley Ice Arena when the Des Moines Buccaneers come to town on Thursday for a 3:05 p.m. CST puck drop. Over the weekend, the Steel will host the Dubuque Fighting Saints for a back-to-back affair starting on Saturday with a 7:05 p.m. CST start, followed by a 3:05 p.m. puck drop on Sunday.

The post Sixteen goals too much for Green Bay as Chicago sweeps in Wisconsin appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Chicago jumped out to a 3–1 lead after one period of action. Ufko started the scoring for the Steel after intercepting a pass at center ice and using his speed to beat a Phantom defenseman wide and freezing goaltender Mattias Sholl with a nice forehand-to-backhand move.

At the 9:50 mark in the first period, Phantom forward Jaden Grant leveled the score with his first goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forwards Yusaku Ando and Jack Silich, tied the game at 1–1.

Chicago took back the lead at the 16:45 mark when Ufko beat Sholl with a booming slap shot. A hard-fought battle along the boards by forward Matt Coronato resulted in the puck on the stick of defenseman Jack Babbage, who found a streaking Ufko at the left dot for the one-timer to put the Steel back on top at 2–1.

Less than a minute later, Doan extended the lead to 3–1 with his 10th goal of the season. Ufko used his slick skating to rush the puck up ice, finding defenseman Lukas Gustafsson along the boards, who, in turn, put the puck on Doan’s stick in the center of the ice. Doan fired a sneaky-quick shot that beat Sholl five hole.

Both teams would share goals in the second period of play, as Chicago’s Adam Frantilli extended the Chicago lead to 4–1. A long stretch pass by forward Jackson Blake found Frantilli streaking through the middle of the ice for a breakaway. Frantilli beat Sholl between the netminder’s legs after a few dekes en route to the net. The goal gave the Nobleton, Ontario, native four goals on the season.

Youngstown defenseman Grant Hindman beat Chicago Slovakian goaltender Simon Latkoczy at the 11:41 mark in the period, but that would be the last goal for the Phantoms on the evening. Latkoczy stopped 24 shots in the victory, his first of the season.

Saturday’s contest would fall the Phantom’s way, 5–2, as Youngstown had Chicago goaltender Nicholas Haas’ number. Haas would stop 16 shots in the defeat.

Youngstown started the scoring when Reilly Funkfound the back of the net at the 15:23 mark of the first period. However, Chicago would answer right back in the final minute of play when Coronato buried his first goal on the weekend and goal No. 18 on the season. The power play goal was assisted by Doan and forward Sean Farrell.

Chicago took their only lead of the game when forward Erik Middendorf scored on the power play. Middendorf beat Phantom goaltender Kyle Chauvette with a long wrist shot from the point. The goal gave the Scottsdale, Arizona, native 17 for the season.

In what would be described as an “old school” game, as both teams combined for 22 penalties, Chicago would let up four straight in defeat.

The rubber match on Sunday was an entertaining affair that needed overtime to decide the game in Chicago’s favor 4–3, led by Doan’s hat trick.

Doan’s first goal of the game came at the 14:00 mark of the first period, on the power play, after some excellent movement by all five Steel players. Farrell took the puck along the half boards and found Middendorf down low along the red line. Middendorf then floated a pass to Doan, who was cutting backdoor before beating Chauvette with a quick wrist shot. The goal gave Chicago the early lead.

Youngstown found the back of the net behind Chicago goaltender Jack Stark three straight times to take a 3–1 lead midway through the contest. Forwards Ben Schoen, Grant and Ando all scored for the Phantoms.

Chicago answered back at the 18:10 mark of the second period to cut the Phantom lead to 3–2 when Jack Bar scored his first goal of the season and first of his USHL career. The goal, assisted by Farrell, beat Chauvette blocker side with a blistering wrist shot.

Early in the third, Doan scored his second of the game on the power play. Ufko took a rush up the ice and found Middendorf, who cut to the middle, lost the puck momentarily and then found an open Doan in the middle of the ice. Doan buried the shot to tie the game at 3–3.

In the 3-on-3 overtime, Doan finished off his hat trick on a nice 2-on-1 when Middendorf made a nice cross-ice pass to Doan, who beat Chauvette to end the contest. The goal gave Doan 13 on the season.

The Chaska, Minnesota, native Stark made 21 saves for the victory.

Chicago is back action on Friday, as they travel to Muskegon to take on the Lumberjacks for a 6 p.m. CST start. Both teams will then travel to Chicago for a game on Saturday for a 7:05 p.m. CST puck drop. The final game of the three-game series is scheduled for Sunday for a 3:05 p.m. CST start. Both home games will be contested at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

The post Doan and Ufko lead Chicago to two victories against Youngstown appeared first on The Rink.

Waterloo jumped ahead of Chicago at the 14:08 mark of the first period when Wyatt Schingoethe scored his fourth goal of the season. The University of Denver commit found a loose puck in front of Haas after a few clearing attempts by Chicago failed. The 1–0 lead would be the last marker for the visitors on the night.

Chicago would take full advantage of the long change in the second period by netting five goals behind Waterloo goalkeeper Charlie Glockner in a span of 11 minutes.

Michigan State University commit Erik Middendorf started the barrage with his fourth goal of the season at the 7:10 mark of the period. The game-tying goal was assisted by forward Sean Farrell, who had three points on the evening, and defenseman Ian Moore. Middendorf charged hard to the net on a short 3-on-2 break and pounded home a Farrell rebound in front.

Sweet 16 on the season for the Captain@Waubonsee | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/9WCjAUkw8R pic.twitter.com/c6jvDUvS1B

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 17, 2021

Moore would gave Chicago the lead for good at the 13:04 mark beating Glockner five-hole after a nice feed from Middendorf. With the score now 2–1 in Chicago’s favor, the Steel had outshot the Black Hawks 17–4 at this point in the contest. Forward Matt Coronato also assisted on the goal.

Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it

WE COULD USE SOME MOORE OF THAT!@Waubonsee | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/vX3Ai34JMi pic.twitter.com/dslledSHRr

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 17, 2021

Lucas Fantilli scored his first USHL goal when he fired a wrist shot from the point that found the top corner behind Glockner glove side. The goal came at the 15:17 mark of the middle frame with assists from Aaron Dowd and forward Nick Moldenhauer in his first game with the Steel.

We've got a first-timer!!! Luca from long range! https://t.co/Ik1uXOLc7y pic.twitter.com/426HFSMxI6

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 17, 2021

Chicago would tack on two more goals from Farrell, a draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens. With two markers, Farrell now has 12 goals on the season. Foothill Ranch, California, native Colton Huard assisted on both goals, while Coronato added an assist on the fourth goal of the game.

Farrell's 11th of the season!@Waubonsee | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/uOJvdDfLKa pic.twitter.com/7C8igzobzI

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 17, 2021

Chicago outshot Waterloo 34–26 on the evening.

Chicago is back on the ice for a three-games-in-as-many-nights series against the Youngstown Phantoms. On Friday and Saturday, Chicago will be in Ohio for 7:05 p.m. EST puck drops. On Sunday, Chicago will host the Phantoms at Fox Valley Ice Arena for a 3:05 p.m. CST start.

The post Chicago defeats Waterloo 5–1 with five-goal second period appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Samoskevich scored the first two goals of the game for the Steel in the second period to give the home team a 2–0 lead. Both goals were assisted by Blake.

The Stingray strikes for his fifth of the season!https://t.co/0TMNVBHERV | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/3siPogCO0i pic.twitter.com/nloM6ZRSSy

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 3, 2021

Green Bay fired back with a score of their own late in the third period to cut the Chicago lead to 2–1, only to have Blake score his sixth goal this season a few minutes into the third period. Blake’s goal was assisted by Luca Fantilli and Samoskevich.

The rookie now has 6 goals this season!https://t.co/0TMNVBHERV | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/h4bMKIB1FW pic.twitter.com/l8pcLJMhLQ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 3, 2021

After a second goal by Gambler forward Camden Thiesing cut the Steel lead to 3–2, this goal coming while Green Bay was shorthanded, forward Matt Coronato scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season. Coronato’s goal was assisted by Scottsdale, Arizona, native Erik Middendorf and forward Joe Miller.

Matt Coronato invented the term “All gas, no brakes”https://t.co/0TMNVBHERV | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/KUdUpCSJbA pic.twitter.com/oMeg4NDrke

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 3, 2021

Green Bay would answer the Coronato tally with two goals of their own to tie the game 4–4 at the 12:26 mark in the third period.

At the 14:58 mark of the third period, Coronato scored his second of the game, and 13th of the season, on the power play from a nice setup from defenseman Ryan Ufko. Forward Sean Farrell also assisted on the play.

Steel goaltender Nick Haas stopped 23 of the 27 shots he faced for his sixth win on the season. Haas is a spotless 6–0–0 on the year.

On Saturday, Chicago travelled to Mystique Ice Center in Dubuque, Iowa, for their matchup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, which resulted in a 2–1 overtime loss for the Steel. Both teams would only account for 24 shots apiece in the game.

Dubuque forward Primo Self scored his first goal this season at the 15:27 mark of the first period when he beat Chicago goaltender Ian Shane. The score would remain 1–0 until the third period of play when Coronato finally beat Dubuque’s goaltender Hobie Hedquist at the 16:46 mark of the third period. Coronato’s goal gave him 14 on the season. The play was assisted by Middendorf and Farrell.

Make it 15 straight games with a point for The Bison! https://t.co/5f6k7xaTb6 pic.twitter.com/2HMawyKESq

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 3, 2021

The Fighting Saints scored at the 1:23 mark of overtime to claim the victory when Andrei Buyalsky scored his first goal of the season. Shane made 23 saves in the losing effort.

With the split over the weekend, Chicago remains in first place in the USHL Eastern Conference with an 11–2–2–0 record, totaling 24 points in the standings.

Chicago’s next games are on the road on Friday and Saturday against Team USA. Both contests are slated for 7 p.m. puck drops.

The post Chicago defeats Green Bay, falls to Dubuque in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago 5, Youngstown 3

In game one, Chicago charged out to a 2–0 lead with goals from Adam Robbins and Matthew Samoskevich. Forward Matthew Coronato assisted on both goals. Robbins tapped home a rebound from an Erik Middendorf shot after finding his way to the front of the net. Coronato found Samoskevich with a perfect cross-ice pass for his tally.

ARob gets to the tough area@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/4EHgY5vbg0 pic.twitter.com/EckhgVEWB3

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 10, 2020

Youngstown tied the game at 2–2 beating Steel goaltender Nick Haas. Chicago took back the lead 3–2 when Montreal Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell scored seventh goal of the season. Farrell used his wicked wrist shot right before taking a hit from a Phantom defender.

Hab you seen the quick release that Sean Farrell has?@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/cRKOKfPgrH pic.twitter.com/IaU0lwfnVj

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 10, 2020

The Phantom scored two minutes later to tie the game at 3–3 after two periods.

Adam Fantilli scored his first career goal in the USHL at the 11:34 mark of the third period to give Chicago the lead. Coronato scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season into an empty net to finish off the visitors 5–3. Fantilli tipped home the pass from defenseman Ryan Ufko.

Fantilli finds the back of the net@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/C79MzqGJFR pic.twitter.com/pBZjvs7mQg

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 10, 2020

Haas stopped 21 shots for the victory for Chicago.

Chicago 5, Youngstown 4

Chicago scored the first four goals of the game Friday night before hanging on for a 5–4 victory at the end of the night.

Jake Doan scored at the 5:49 mark of the first period. The goal generated the 10th straight game with a power play marker. Doan took a pass from Farrell and found himself wide open in the slot.

Doan scores his third goal in the last three games!@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/rcVg5DBlaZ pic.twitter.com/gMgfp2rdtQ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 12, 2020

Chicago forward Luke Levandowski scored the first goal of his USHL career, at the 6:37 mark of the first period, only to be followed up with Jackson Blakes’ fifth goal to give Chicago the 3–0 lead after one period of play.

You always remember your first!@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/Ihy54a8B5I pic.twitter.com/r6dWXfXcnR

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 12, 2020

Middendorf continued the barrage with his seventh goal at the 0:31 mark of the second period. Chicago’s 4–0 lead would be cut in half when Youngstown forward Georgi Merkulov scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season, respectively.

Middy took a hard slide into the boards but skated off on his own and has returned to the game!@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/SJ8NKKBPOU pic.twitter.com/ePyewGCWPm

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 12, 2020

At the 7:57 mark of the third period, Coronato found the back of the net to give the Harvard commit 10 goals in 10 games this season.

10 goals in 10 games for The Bison@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/RLTqPylDp4 pic.twitter.com/TrGgZ9FRXO

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 12, 2020

The Phantoms beat Chicago goaltender Ian Shane two times late in the third period, but the Steel showed great teamwork with the goaltender pulled and held on for the 5–4 victory.

Shane stopped 15 shots on the evening.

Chicago 6, Youngstown 1

The Steel looked like the best team all night after scoring two goals in the first, three in the second and one in the third in a 6–1 series-sweeping victory.

Defenseman Colton Huard scored his first goal of the season at the 4:40 mark of the first period. Chicago would follow up the marker with three straight power play goals, giving the first-place Eastern Conference Steel their 11th straight game with a power play marker. Doan, defenseman Ryan Ufko and Middendorf goals gave Chicago a 4–0 lead early in the second period.

happiness from Huard!@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/PeerzDrKBl pic.twitter.com/tow35XZgew

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 13, 2020

Robbins scored his fourth goal and Coronato stayed hot with another tally, his 11th of the season. A late goal by Youngstown would be the only goal to squeak past Chicago goaltender Jack Stark, who stopped 17 shots in his first victory in the USHL.

Correction – Adam Robbins gets credit for the goal after the net front scramble!@RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/ipSTL7rtLH pic.twitter.com/iPTJPnSO0M

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 13, 2020

That makes 26 points (11G, 15A) in 11 games for The Bison! @RiverFrontCJD | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/uFZFyxOZ2M pic.twitter.com/mONK6aq8Vv

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 13, 2020

Chicago outshot the Phantom 40–18 in the game.

The Chicago Steel are back in action on Friday at 6 p.m. CST at the Mercy Health Arena to take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Both teams square off in Muskegon the following night for another puck drop at 6 pm. CST. The matchup in Muskegon are the last two scheduled games for the Steel for the calendar year.

The post Chicago extends win streak to seven with sweep of Youngstown appeared first on The Rink.

The first period was more of a wide open affair with both teams generating multiple opportunities. The teams traded goals to start, with Chicago’s Jackson Blake lighting the lamp, his fourth goal of the season, at 11:25 (Assists: Matthew Gleason, Luke Levandoski), followed three minutes later by Team USA’s Dylan Duke (Ethan Straky) at 14:26.

But the rest of the period belonged to the Steel—and forward Josh Doan, who rewarded himself by being at the front of the net on two successive goals, the first at 15:26 (Sean Farrell) and again at 19:19 (Jack Babbage, Farrell).

Babbage was victimized on Team USA’s second goal, when a puck caromed off Babbage’s leg, past Shane and into the Steel net, off what appeared to be a pass by USA forward Andre Gasseau.

Steel forward Farrell capped off a stellar 3-point night, with a power play goal at 18:59 of the second period (Matt Coronato, Erik Middendorf), pushing the score to 4-2.

Late in the third period, with the score 4-2 Chicago, the visitors pulled netminder Kaidan Mbereko for an extra attacker, but Shane came up big, thwarting Team USA. Steel defenseman Ryan Ufko finished the scoring for the night with Chicago’s fifth (empty net) goal at 19:37 of the third (Colton Huard).

The final was 5-2, with Shane registering 26 saves in an overall strong performance. The Steel take their four-game win streak against Youngstown this Thursday in a 2:05 PM Central start.

The post RECAP: Chicago Steel down Team USA, 5-2 appeared first on The Rink.

Green Bay opened the scoring on Friday after forward Cam Thiesing scored his first of two goals in the contest at the 2:31 mark of the first period. The goal would be the last lead the Gamblers would see in the game, as Chicago scored the next six goals of the game to take a commanding lead.

Forward Matthew Gleason scored his first goal of the season, at the 5:51 mark, to tie the game at 1–1 before forward Erik Middendorf beat Gambler goaltender Matt Davis at the 14:05 mark of the first period to give Chicago the 2–1. Chicago finished off the scoring in the first period when Coronato scored his third goal of the season to give Chicago the 3–1 lead entering the first intermission. The Harvard commit scored after pounding home a rebound from a Middendorf shot from the point.

Gleason’s first goal of the year!https://t.co/oE7UvB2PRk | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/i3KrISZDdU pic.twitter.com/z8HoDb1Ezf

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 21, 2020

Babbage wasted no time scoring his second goal of the season 50 seconds into the second period. The goal also gave forward Mackie Samoskevich his second assist of the game and seventh on the season, when the University of Michigan commit found Babbage with a nice back-door feed.

Number now has goals this yearhttps://t.co/oE7UvB2PRk | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/LFmJSylYp8 pic.twitter.com/KZ5S5lQD7F

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 21, 2020

At the 7:45 mark of the second period, Jackson Blake netted his second goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Adam Robbins, forced the hand of Gambler Head Coach Pat Mikesch to change goaltenders, as Aaron Randazzo came in off the bench for Davis. Robbins started the 2-on-1 rush after a nice defensive play in his own end.

Blake benefits from an offensive zone takeaway and dish from Adam Robbinshttps://t.co/oE7UvB2PRk | #WeAreSteel https://t.co/UxAdxYnyXO pic.twitter.com/FRsTGRLerG

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 21, 2020

Theising scored his second goal of the game, beating Chicago goaltender Ian Shane. After two periods of play, Chicago led Green Bay 6–2.

Forward Sean Farrell scored his third goal of the season midway through the last frame. The goal, assisted by forward Anthony Dowd, would only be followed up with Green Bay’s final tally of the game by forward Kyler Grundy to give Chicago the 7–3 victory on the evening.

Shane stopped 25 shots to earn his first victory of the season in net.

If Ian Shane makes a nice save can we call it a SHAVE?https://t.co/oE7UvB2PRk | #WeAreSteel pic.twitter.com/ctptd4LLnk

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 21, 2020

ICYMI from last night: Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan talks about the 7-3 win over the Green Bay Gamblershttps://t.co/5N0VmK6gUG

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 21, 2020

On Saturday, goaltender Nick Haas stopped 34 of the 37 shots he faced during regulation and overtime, while stopping both Green Bay attempts in the shootout, to earn the Buffalo, New York, native his first USHL victory in net.

Both teams traded goals in the first period of play. Green Bay started the scoring after forward Jesse Tucker scored his first goal of the season at the 11:29 mark. About a minute and a half later, Robbins tallied his first goal of the season for the Steel. Robbins made a strong play toward the net and pounced home his own rebound.

ARob to the rescue https://t.co/pQGpSCLS3z pic.twitter.com/sGRHvvjTuH

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 22, 2020

Defenseman Anthony Dowd scored his first goal of his USHL career early in the second period to give Chicago the 2–1 lead. Dowd buried home a spin-o-rama pass from Middendorf to finish off the electrifying play.

Career goal number for Anthony Dowd! https://t.co/MG8Qzm5EOg pic.twitter.com/aqXFPnzIqt

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 22, 2020

Thiesing scored his third of the season for Green Bay to tie the game at 2–2 at the 5:22 mark of the period. That short-lived tie was broken when Babbage netted his third goal of the season at the 7:33 mark of the second period. The goal, assisted by defenseman David Ma and forward Dawson Pasternak, gave the Tully, New York, native his third goal of the season.

Come for the rocket wrister, stay for the 10/10 celly from Babbage https://t.co/8TO1LKokjY pic.twitter.com/vzSqLJjjlU

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 22, 2020

Green Bay tallied the lone goal of the third period when Boston University commit Ryan Greene beat Haas for his second goal of the season.

With the game tied at 3–3, Green Bay showed an extra step in overtime, but could not solve the brick wall that was Haas. The Gamblers outshot the Steel 5–1 in the overtime, but it was Chicago that came out on top when Coronato and Farrell that beat Davis in the shootout to give the home team the 4–3 victory.

Sean Farrell with the game on his stick is a good place to be on a Saturday night. The shootout-winner pic.twitter.com/RnjiyOpGZ0

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 22, 2020

Chicago is back in action on Wednesday against the same Green Bay Gamblers. The teams will line up for the opening puck drop at 7:05 p.m. CST in Green Bay. Chicago will then be back on home ice on Friday against the Team USA U17 team and Saturday against the Team USA U18 team. Both games are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CST.

The post Chicago Steel deal Green Bay Gamblers a pair of losses over the weekend appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago found the scoresheet first when defenseman Jack Babbage beat Muskegon goaltender Christian Stoever. Babbage took a nice pass from forward Mackie Samoskevich on a 2-on-1 rush and found himself an empty net for the 1–0 lead at the 4:54 mark of the first period.

Jack jumps into the rush https://t.co/nSwBbMndCz pic.twitter.com/4BBnnofdbM

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

Montreal Canadiens forward prospect Sean Farrell extended the Chicago lead to 2–0 at the 7:04 mark of the period with the team’s first power play goal of the night. Farrell’s goal, assisted by defenseman Ryan Ufko and forward Matt Coronato, beat Stoever short side with a perfectly placed half-slapper from the right dot.

Farrell finds the back of the net https://t.co/2Y7texzv5D pic.twitter.com/pHhUdm29zI

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

Leading 2–0, Chicago found itself in the penalty bock when forward Josh Doan took a slashing penalty. Muskegon finished off the power play when forward John Farinacci beat Steel goaltender Ian Shane to cut the lead by half. The excellent effort by Lumberjack center Christophe Fillion and battle along the boards generated the opportunity for Farinacci to net his first goal of the season.

At the 14:19 mark of the period, forward Matt Coronato scored Chicago’s second straight power play goal and upped the Steel lead to 3–1. Coronato, a Harvard commit, found himself in front of the net after new Lumberjack goalkeeper Jan Skorpik made a stop that jumped up over his head and found Coronato’s stick for a hard-working tap-in goal.

First goal of the year for Matt Coronato https://t.co/u2ktzMgfoa pic.twitter.com/tyA2n47x2c

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

Muskegon tied the game at 3–3 after scoring two goals 47 seconds apart late in the first period. Guschin was the recipient of both goals, crushing any momentum that Chicago had built with their two-goal lead.

Muskegon took their first lead of the game at the 5:29 mark of the second period when forward David Hymovitch scored his first goal of the season.

Chicago found themselves back on the power play and scored their third consecutive on the man advantage when Farrell found the back of the net for his second of the night. The goal, assisted by Samoskevich and Ufko, would tie the game at 4–4 for only 29 seconds.

for Farrell tonight! https://t.co/oOXgB8pMar pic.twitter.com/ALTh2EZHbG

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

That short-lived tie was broken when White Bear Lake, Minnesota, native Cameron Berg scored his third goal of the season. Berg’s goal was followed up by another Lumberjack goal when defenseman Hank Kempf scored his first goal of the season. The two quick tallies gave the visiting team the 6–4 lead

The see-saw game would not disappoint as Chicago tied the game at 6–6 midway through the second period with goals from Coronato, his second of the game, and Ufko. The Ufko blast was the fourth registered power play goal for the Steel of the evening and gave Samoskevich his third assist on the evening.

Ryan with a rocket https://t.co/2n7eMZBKqz pic.twitter.com/Abvsa3mgMB

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

Muskegon took the lead back after Dunbar buried a wrist shot, on a 4-on-3 rush. The shot beat Shane glove side for Dunbar’s second goal of the contest. As the horn sounded to end the second period, the Lumberjack’s led 7-6.

Chicago tied the game at the 5:34 mark of the third period after forward Erik Middendorf scored his first goal of the season. The Scottsdale, Arizona, native beat taking a nice feed from Coronato beating Stover glove side. The power play goal was assisted by Samoskeveich, his fourth but not last assist of the evening.

Middy’s marker https://t.co/YEm2vOTu4U pic.twitter.com/Wzoi1Y7Xeh

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

Two minutes later, Dunbar scored his second goal of the game, unassisted, giving the Lumberjacks a short-lived 8–7 lead. That lead was tied again when right wing Jackson Blake scored his first goal of the season. The North Dakota commit pounced on a rebound after Samoskevich created a nice turnover in his own zone, used his speed to get to the net and created a chance for Blake after pulling Stoever out of his net.

Blake of the Year https://t.co/QEcdBMP6nr pic.twitter.com/z5QqivOcI5

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

With the game tied, again, at 8–8 Muskegon took the lead back when Dunbar finished off his hat trick at the 17:43 mark of the period. With Shane pulled for the extra attacker, Muskegon finished off the Guschin hat trick for the 10–8 victory on the road.

Shane turned aside 32 shots in the defeat. Skorpik stopped 17 shots in victory after replacing starter Stoever allowed three goals on five shots.

Chicago returns to the ice with a three-game series with the Green Bay Gamblers. Chicago hosts the Gamblers on Friday for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. The Steel will then take the road for the first time for games on Saturday and Nov. 25, both contests to start at 7:05 p.m., in Green Bay.

ICYMI – Steel defenseman Ryan Ufko Postgame from last night’s 10-8 loss to the Muskegon Lumberjackshttps://t.co/xHS2DabuV4

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 15, 2020

The post Chicago falls to Muskegon 10–8 in action-packed season opener appeared first on The Rink.

“We had a plan and we executed that plan,” Hardy said in a press release. “The players that we selected fit our clearly defined criteria, which is synergistic with our clearly defined style of play. We are very excited to welcome them and their families to our Chicago Steel family and very much look forward to influencing their development in the years to come.”

With the tender agreements during March signed by defenseman Jake Livanavage and forward Adam Fantilli, the Steel organization have a dozen new faces for their upcoming season.

Chicago’s 2020 Phase I USHL Draft

With the 11th pick in round one, Chicago selected forward Andon Carbone out of the Brunswick School in Connecticut. One selection later, Hardy snagged forward Zam Plante from the Hermantown Hawks 14UAA team. Plante is a Minnesota native.

In rounds four and five, Chicago selected two forwards and one defenseman. At 48th overall, Casy Laylin from St. Michael-Albertville High School gave Hardy three straight forwards selected. The first defenseman, Chris Able, was selected from the local Chicago Mission 15s. Able is a native of Libertyville, Illinois. Rounding out round five was forward Cameron Johnson of St. George’s School 15s in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Hardy rounded out his draft with three picks in round eight and two selections in round 10. Forwards Chris Delaney, Evan Hunter and Nick Moldenhaurd were all selected the eighth round. Delaney was picked out of the Boston Jr. Bruins 16U. Hunter plays up the road from Chicago for the Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 15s and Moldenhauer played for the Toronto Titans MMAAA.

Chicago’s two selections in round 10 consisted of defenseman Sam Court from the Winnipeg Wild MAAA and forward Mick Thompson of the New Jersey Avalanche 16U.

The Steel will draft Phase II of the USHL Draft today at 1 p.m. for players eligible born in the years 2000–2004. As a result of past trades, Chicago will not pick until the sixth round.

The post The Chicago Steel select 10 players in Phase I of the 2020 USHL Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Sean Farrell
Games: 44
Goals: 15
Assists: 41

Scouting notes:
Sean Farrell is a playmaker. He does an excellent job of finding his teammates and generating offense. Farrell is a quick decision maker and shows a soft touch on his passes. Farrell shows the ability to make plays under pressure and protect the puck despite his smaller frame. He stretches the defense well with his passes and creates space for himself with his stick handling and patience. Farrell has very good hockey sense. He does not let his lack of size hurt him along the boards and in front of the net. One thing to pick on, Farrell can look to not be as selfish and shoot the puck more.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Brendan Brisson
Games: 45
Goals: 24
Assists: 35

Scouting notes:
Brisson is always in a position to score goals. He finds the open spots in the defense with ease and holds off defenders in tight very well. Brisson supports his teammates and makes it easy for them. He goes hard to the net with a purpose and is a hard-nosed forward. When Brisson keeps his feet moving, he is a handful for defenders to contain, as he battles along the boards very well. With added strength, Brisson will be really difficult to contain. He plays with a ton of urgency in all three zones. Brisson possesses a good shot and nice touch and shows the ability to make plays at high speeds. His skating is excellent.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Sam Colangelo
Games: 44
Goals: 28
Assists: 30

Scouting notes:
Colangelo can score from all over the ice. He shows an easy release on his shot and can get that shot off quickly and in tight, finishing second on the team with 28 goals. Colangelo has a nice release, but can also make plays with his positioning in deep and with his drive to the net. He skates hard with a drive in his stride. When playing at top speed, he can beat defenders wide. Colangelo is good on his edges and does a nice job of missing defenders with his shiftiness and deception. He transitions quickly from the defensive zone. Colangelo plays with good positioning and an active stick in his own zone. His hockey sense is off the charts.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Luke Reid
Games: 45
Goals: 2
Assists: 17

Scouting notes:
Reid is a smart, resourceful defender. He has a simple approach to his game. He supports his defensive partner well. Reid seems to always be in a good position and makes simple plays to move pucks out of his zone. Reid has a nose for the puck in his own zone. His determination is excellent along the boards and wants to win battles. He is a smooth skater, but with some development can really take his skating to another level. Reid could be a sneaky shutdown defender at the next level with that added skating. He played against top weapons in the USHL and handled them well. Reid also shows a willingness to play a physical style.

Projection: Mid-round pick

Mathieu De St. Phalle
Games: 49
Goals: 30
Assists: 30

Scouting notes:
De St. Phalle led the Steel with 30 goals as an over-ager for the NHL Entry Draft. He is active in the offensive zone and can find holes in the defense and make them pay with his shot. De St. Phalle has a nose for open spaces on the power play and is very active knowing he can score different ways. He pushes play with his skates. He also owns willingness to use his teammates and find the open play. De St. Phalle knows he will be getting the puck back. With the puck on his stick, he keeps eyes up and makes quick, decisive plays. De St. Phalle was used in all situations and is an active penalty killer. He has a willingness to block shots and reacts well defensively with hustle and a never-quit attitude. De St. Phalle will not be just a goal scorer at the next level.

Projection: Mid-round pick

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine
Games: 45
Goals: 26
Assists: 31

Scouting notes:
Fontaine plays with an obvious confidence. He looks to make plays with his top-end speed. He can get a shot off quickly and has accuracy. Fontaine seems to always be around the puck and making plays. Fontaine has his head on a swivel and shows a knack for making simple plays with his line mates. He does not slow down through the neutral zone. When his feet are moving, he is tough to stop offensively. Fontaine is another over-ager for the NHL Entry Draft.

Projection: Mid to late-round pick

Victor Ostman
Games: 30
Save percentage: .913
Goals against average: 2.34

Scouting notes:
The Swedish goaltender uses his 6-foot-3 frame economically and positions himself well. Ostman shows the ability to make saves without any extra effort, but is also highly athletic. His athleticism may be underrated because he makes it look too easy. He moves well laterally, but can get out too far and get lost in traffic on cross ice passes. Ostman is strong on his pads and hard to knock around. He secures the lower half of the ice with strength and battles to see pucks through traffic. Ostman shows a compete level that NHL teams look for in a goaltender.

Projection: Mid to late-round pick

Jimmy Dowd
Games: 48
Goals: 4
Assists: 22

Scouting notes:
Dowd is an effective defenseman. He plays a simple game in all three zones. He is the type of defenseman you do not notice until you watch the game film, then you see his overall impact. Dowd plays with good hockey sense and creates separation from his defenders with smooth stick handling. He is locked in defensively in his own zone and plays a solid positional game. His stick always seems to be in passing lanes. Dowd wants his team to win and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Projection: Late-round pick

The post Scouting the Chicago Steel: 2020 NHL Entry Draft prospects appeared first on The Rink.

TEDDY BEAR TOSS
On Saturday, the same night Chicago broke the franchise record, Steel fans littered the ice after forward Dawson Pasternak beat Madison goaltender Zach Hearn only 40 seconds into the game. Teddy Bears flew from the stands to a total of nearly 400 stuffed animals. These stuffed animals were collected and donated to local charities including Big Hearts of Fox Valley, WINGA Program, Inc. and Mooseheart Child City & School.

Bears down, Chicago Steel! https://t.co/hWCSOYgTIX pic.twitter.com/DvTlW0dfek

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) March 1, 2020

GO JUMP IN A LAKE
The team supported the Special Olympics Chicago by attending the Polar Plunge. The charity event, in which General Manager Ryan Hardy and Broadcaster Mark Citron also attended, raised over $10,000 overall from the Chicago Steel organization. Citron can be viewed in the penguin outfit below.

https://twitter.com/ryanphardy/status/1234208217800040450

PLAYOFFS, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT PLAYOFFSWith the Steel’s victory on Friday night in Madison, the Chicago Steel clinched a spot in the Clark Cup Playoffs. In the game, Sam Colangelo registered his second career hat trick and gave the forward 26 goals on the season. Chicago goaltender Victor Ostman stopped a career high 40 saves in the playoff clinching game.

PAST WEEK POSTGAME INTERVIEWS

Head Coach Brock Sheahan

ICYMI from Saturday's 8-1 win against the Madison Capitols

Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan

Postgame Media pic.twitter.com/sfzMRtVRYB

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) March 2, 2020

Forward Josh Doan

https://twitter.com/ChicagoSteel/status/1234498213501165568

The post Steel clinch playoff birth, set franchise wins record appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago scored all four of its goals in the second period on Friday against Madison. In the wide-open period, the Steel outshot the Capitols 17–14.

Forward Brendan Brisson scored his 18th goal of the year when beating Madison goaltender Christian Stoever. The goal was assisted by Sean Farrell and Dowd.

strikes again https://t.co/fAXxTI7JCA pic.twitter.com/UWx3XVuvhU

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

Less than three minutes later, Dowd buried his second goal this season. The goal extended the Chicago lead to 2–0 and put Mathieu De St. Phalle on the scoresheet with the assist.

Are you Dowd with that? https://t.co/ZloIsWuylX pic.twitter.com/NUjlgVOI2L

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and De St. Phalle scored two power play goals, extending the Chicago lead to 4–0, before the end of the period. Fontiane’s goal was his 18th of the year while De St. Phalle scored his team leading 21st goal on the season.

is on the hunt for goals https://t.co/VBNnE3buoc pic.twitter.com/Hfgu2hyeNs

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

Matty with goal number 2⃣1⃣ of the year https://t.co/yx7X7XP4JZ pic.twitter.com/SEOi5CiHqv

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

Ostman’s shutout came after stopping 30 shots from the Capitols. The Swedish netminder’s record now stands at 18–4–0–0 on the season.

ICYMI from last night's 4-0 win over the Madison Capitols

Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan

Postgame Media pic.twitter.com/TJmcIXS2Em

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

ICYMI from last night's 4-0 win over the Madison Capitols

Steel netminder Victor Ostman (30 saves, 2nd shutout of the season)

Postgame Media pic.twitter.com/BoB2cTRXhd

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 1, 2020

On Saturday, Des Moines and Chicago played a back-and-forth contest that ended with Chicago scoring two goals to make things interested late only to see the Buccaneers come out of top 7–6.

Forward Matt Coronato put Chicago on the board with his 11th goal this season. The goal tied the game at 1–1 midway through the first period.

Coronato gets his 11th of the year https://t.co/lcXkGpslcr pic.twitter.com/wMYdd4di3I

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

Dowd scored his third of the season right before the end of the frame. Dowd, who was all over the ice making plays, took a pass from Tyler Carpenter and beat Des Moines goaltender Cameron Rowe to tie the game at 2–2.

Dowd Jr. now has goals in back-to-back games https://t.co/yWh1eriozS pic.twitter.com/kAojgDsZLD

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

Defenseman John Spetz tied the game at 3–3 when he beat Rowe on a power play goal early in the second period. The goal, assisted by Brisson and Luke Reid, gave Spetz his 10th tally this season.

Johnny https://t.co/OrK9kfPkeh pic.twitter.com/Qd65OrwDqT

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

One more game-tying goal came when Fontiane buried a shot past Rowe at the 5:22 mark of the second period. The goal tied the score at 4–4 and would be the last time Chicago would tie the game, as the visitors scored three straight goals to take a 7–4 lead with just over eight minutes left in the contest.

The man! https://t.co/cY25SUMTOc pic.twitter.com/bgt3d23MPz

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

Matthew Samoskevich and Farrell scored two goals 15 second apart to bring the game to 7–6 and force the visitors to hang on late, as Chicago put a barrage of shots on goal in an attempt to tie the game.

Samoskevich gets to 10 goals on the season https://t.co/uR35mJmGqy pic.twitter.com/2qv5Jjjb1m

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

Welcome to the Sean Show https://t.co/EpPzuxAu2Z pic.twitter.com/1Xa6HuaL9x

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 2, 2020

Ian Shane stopped 23 shots in the loss.

Chicago’s loss dropped the Steel to 28–7–1–0 in the Eastern Conference with a six-point lead over the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

ICYMI from Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Des Moines Buccaneers

Steel forward Mackie Samoskevich (1G, 1A)

Postgame Media pic.twitter.com/ZlmM1bl45r

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 3, 2020

ICYMI from Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Des Moines Buccaneers

Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan

Postgame Media pic.twitter.com/eSObfs1Q1M

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 3, 2020

Chicago Steel upcoming games

Friday at Green Bay Gamblers 7:05 p.m.
Saturday at Green Bay Gamblers 7:05 p.m.
Sunday vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks 3:05 p.m.

The post Jimmy Dowd, Jr. leads the Chicago Steel over the weekend appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Chicago outshot the RoughRiders 30–27 but fell behind 3–1 after two periods of play. Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle scored his 20th goal of the season early in the first period. The goal came from a nice feed from Luke Reid and Brendan Brisson.

Chicago’s only other goal in the game came when Mackie Samoskevich scored his ninth goal on the season. The goal, which cut the lead to 4–2, was assisted by Sam Colangelo and Matt Coronato.

Goaltender Victor Ostman took the loss while stopping 22 shots.

Chicago dropped their second straight the following day after falling behind early 2–0, only to fall to the home team 7–3.

Chicago received goals from Tyler Carpenter, Erik Middendorf and Owen Power. Goaltender Ian Shane stopped 26 shots in the loss.

The Palatine, IL native gets us on the board! https://t.co/QhbqHshyPz pic.twitter.com/xGH95FzPNg

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 26, 2020

A POWERful wrister https://t.co/s5naSSXzaR pic.twitter.com/AcLxkjDlOQ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 26, 2020

Chicago Steel upcoming games

Jan. 31 vs. Madison Capitols at 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Des Moines Buccaneers at 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05 p.m.

The post Chicago Steel drop two in Cedar Rapids, ending 13-game winning streak appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel needed some late game heroics on Saturday but the first-place Steel won both games on the road against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Chicago ran their record to 25–4–1–0 with the sweep, all the more impressive knowing the Fighting Saints currently reside in third place in the conference with a 20–8–1–0 record.

On Friday, goaltender Victor Ostman recorded his first USHL shutout with a 2–0 whitewashing of the home team. The Swedish netminder stopped 23 shots, 11 in the third period, while forwards Erik Middendorf and Gunnarwolfe Fontaine each scored.

Ostman was very appreciative of his team’s effort during the post-game interviews. “They blocked so many shots and helped me out tonight,” stated Ostman. “It was so nice to see them battling in front of me so I’m really thankful for that.”

The following night, Chicago set a franchise record with their eleventh straight victory and 18 of their last 19 games by the score of 4–3. Chicago scored two goals in the last minute of play to secure the win.

Erik Middendorf and Mathieu De St. Phalle each scored those last minute goals to overcome the deficit. Middendorf’s game winner was his seventh on the season. Goaltender Ian Shane turned aside 27 shots in net for the victory.

After the game, Head Coach Brock Sheahan spoke about the importance of playing good hockey and showing the right effort even when pressured at the end of the game. Click HERE for his comments.

The Steel are back in action this weekend with a two-game series against the Omaha Lancers. The Lancers will skate both nights at the Fox Valley Ice Arena at 7:05 p.m. CT.

FOUR PLAYERS NAMED TO FC HOCKEY TOP 100

The Steel’s success is not going unnoticed. Future Considerations released their winter rankings this past week and four members of the Steel are amongst the top talent for the 2020 NHL Draft.

Forward Sean Farrell ranked highest with his 33^rd overall ranking. The Harvard University commit currently leads the team with 39 points and 29 assists, while chipping in 10 goals.

Sam Colangelo used his big frame to rank 62^nd amongst the 2020 NHL hopefuls. The forward is currently second on the team with a 1.44 points-per-game average and is currently tied for the team lead in goals with 18, in only 25 games.

Steady defenseman Luke Reid follows up Colangelo at 77^th in the Future Considerations rankings. The Warman, Saskatchewan native is trusted with many roles for his hockey team and succeeds in all three zones on the ice. Reid currently has one goal and nine assists on the season.

Rounding out the list is forward Brendan Brisson. Brisson currently has 15 goals and 15 assists on the season for the Steel. The University of Michigan commit is ranked 88^th by Future Considerations.

You can check out all the Future Considerations winter rankings by clicking HERE.

The post Steel win 11th straight, four ranked for NHL Draft by Future Considerations Hockey appeared first on The Rink.

THE STEEL DEAL:

• Along with their nine-game winning streak, Chicago has won 16 of their last 17 games.
• Gunnarwolfe Fontaine registered scored his 16^th goal on the season in the Frosty Cup. Fontaine is tied with teammate Mathieu De St. Phalle for sixth in the USHL in goals. Chicago’s Sam Colangelo ranks third with 18 goals.

Fontaine with goal number 1️⃣6️⃣ https://t.co/UXSBeedUPV pic.twitter.com/f4LHbNKBGs

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) January 4, 2020

• Speaking of Colangelo, the Northeastern University commit registered a hat trick in the Frosty Cup and has scored seven goals in the Steel’s last four contests. The hat trick was Colangelo’s fourth multi-goal game this season.

When you get a Hat Trick at the Frosty Cup ya know you’re going to get picked for the post-game interview.

Hear from @scolangelo16 after his three-goal performance at the Cotton Bowl! pic.twitter.com/RPezujKdeU

— USHL (@USHL) January 4, 2020

• Brendan Brisson has also registered six goals in the last four games. Brisson now has 15 goals on the season.

When you get a Hat Trick at the Frosty Cup ya know you’re going to get picked for the post-game interview.

Hear from @scolangelo16 after his three-goal performance at the Cotton Bowl! pic.twitter.com/RPezujKdeU

— USHL (@USHL) January 4, 2020

• Matt Coronato registered three goals in two games in Texas. The Huntington, New York native continues his excellent play this season with 22 points in 25 games for the Steel.

And @MattCoronato after the second! The forward has three goals in two games at the Frosty Cup. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/ARUVBXEyQU

— USHL (@USHL) January 4, 2020

Chicago Steel Upcoming Games:
Fri., Jan. 10 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints 7:05 pm
Sat., Jan. 11 at Dubuque Fighting Saints 7:05 pm
Fri., Jan. 17 vs. Omaha Lancers 7:05 pm

The post Chicago Steel wins the inaugural Frosty Cup appeared first on The Rink.

In game one, Chicago’s John Spetz opened the scoring with his fifth goal this season. The goal, assisted by Erik Middendorf and Jack Babbage, would be the only regulation goal scored for the Steel.

Johnny Rockets with his 5th of the year https://t.co/eB3g31riGN pic.twitter.com/WBB32zhoch

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 14, 2019

Tri-City scored their only goal of the game when forward Joseph Berg netted his third goal this season. The goal was assisted by defenseman Andrius Kulbis–Marino and forward Asa Kinnear.

With the scored tied 1–1 after five minutes of overtime, both teams entered the shootout with goals by forward Mackie Samoskevich and Kulbis–Marino. Steel goaltender Ian Shane would stop the next two shots he faced before Chicago’s Mathieu De St. Phalle finished off the game with his shootout goal against Storm goaltender Daniel Allin, giving the Steel the 2–1 victory.

Mackie Samoskevich with a nasty move of his own! @ChicagoSteel pic.twitter.com/dOdL9KqUpV

— USHL (@USHL) December 14, 2019

Mathieu De St. Phalle calls game with a bar down shot to give the shorthanded @ChicagoSteel the extra point! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/3azsCuVR5o

— USHL (@USHL) December 14, 2019

On Saturday, Steel goaltender Victor Ostman stopped 24 shots and defenseman Ryan Rufko scored his first USHL goal of his career.

Rufko’s goal started the scoring at the 3:21 mark of the first period. The goal, assisted by Dawson Pasternak and Owen Power would be the first of three first period goals for the home team.

De St. Phalle scored only 25 seconds after Rufko, extended the Chicago lead to 2–1, when Matt Coronato and Samoskevich assisted on the University of Wisconsin commit’s 16th goal of the season.

Mathieu De St. Phalle calls game with a bar down shot to give the shorthanded @ChicagoSteel the extra point! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/3azsCuVR5o

— USHL (@USHL) December 14, 2019

Samoskevich scored his fifth goal on the year only four minutes later when Coronato and De St. Phalle assisted on the play. The goal extended Chicago’ lead to 3–1 and gave all three forwards a multi-point game on the evening.

Tri-City scored in the second period when Benji Eckerle deflected a puck off his skate and in behind Ostman for his eleventh goal on the season. After review, the goal stood as it was determined there was no kicking motion.

Chicago would kill off three third period penalties to stifle the visitors and hold onto a 3–1 victory.

The post Chicago Steel sweep the Tri-City Storm this past weekend appeared first on The Rink.

Friday Period One:

Muskegon opened the scoring with a goal from Cameron Berg at the 4:56 mark of the first period. Chicago would answer back less than two minutes later when Matt Coronato netted his fifth goal of the season for Chicago, tying the game at 1–1. Lumberjack forward Alexandros Gaffney took the lead back for the visitors with his fifth goal of the season, beating Steel goaltender Victor Ostman.

The visual https://t.co/v23EdKO0WM pic.twitter.com/m8cVftMwUD

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 30, 2019

Friday Period Two:

Muskegon extended their lead to 3–1 when forward Artem Shlaine scored his second of the year at the 4:54 mark of the second period. Not much action would take place until the second half of the period when Chicago scored three times as Sean Farrell, Coronato and Mackie Samoskevich each scored for the home team.

Muskegon also received a goal from Cameron Berg which evened the score after two period of play at 4–4. Muskegon goaltender Jack Williams faced 27 shots after two period of play, while Ostman only faced 18 shots total.

Friday Period Three:

Muskegon received goals from left-handed shooting defenseman Dylan Gratton and forward Jack Williams to power the Lumberjacks to the 6–4 victory over the Steel.

Saturday Period One:

The lone goal of the period came off the stick of Steel defenseman Owen Power. His sixth goal of the season, assisted by Farrell and Luke Reid, was the only shot to find the back of the net amongst the 13 Steel shots in the period.

Sean Farrell might have Superman-level vision and here’s the proof https://t.co/mAg31u6Ehu pic.twitter.com/R9Iffh3MbF

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 1, 2019

Saturday Period Two:

Another wild second period took place, this time in Michigan, as forwards Danil Gushchin and Tanner Kelly beat Ostman in the first few minutes of the period, giving the home team the 2–1 lead.

Not to be outdone though, forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored his eleventh goal of the season, firing a shot past Williams. Power and forward Mathieu De St. Phalle assisted on the game-tying goal.

A from https://t.co/lJE03ENMt1 pic.twitter.com/ZgtFbjjRhV

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 1, 2019

More like Victor stman https://t.co/p7YNhZJvYg

— USHL (@USHL) December 1, 2019

Saturday Period Three:

Gushchin opened the scoring in the third period on an unassisted goal to give the Lumberjacks the 3–2 lead at the 2:42 mark of the period.

At the 16:42 mark, forward Sam Colangelo beat Williams to tie the game and force an overtime period. The goal gives the Northeastern University commit 12 goals on the season.

Here is the goal from Sam, and we cannot stress this enough, GOALangelo https://t.co/FMqMHaxUVX pic.twitter.com/rO8ReBEHiC

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 1, 2019

Saturday Overtime:

Chicago would score on their only shot on goal needed in overtime as Fontaine beat Williams for his second goal of the game and goal 12 on the season. Ostman stopped 24 shots on the evening for the victory in net.

A big save at one end, the Man goes to work at the other and wins the game for the @ChicagoSteel! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/vvzYnsXrAf

— USHL (@USHL) December 1, 2019

Chicago will take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at home Friday Dec. 6 before traveling to Cedar Rapids for another contest on Saturday Dec. 7. Both games start at 7:05 p.m.

The post Chicago Steel split weekend with Muskegon Lumberjacks appeared first on The Rink.

“I want to thank the Steel family for the positive experience through my time in Chicago,” said Moore during an interview with the Steel. “The genuine care and love for working together that the players and staff have demonstrated has been something special to be a part of. I’m very thankful for the players, staff and management and the support they have given to me during my time here. With the strength of the staff and management, I have all the confidence in the world for the continued success of the Steel this season and that the growth and development of the players will continue.”

With Moore at the helm, Chicago reached the 2019 Clark Cup Final while setting the team record for victories by a rookie coach with 37 wins and 78 points during the regular season. Moore also guided the Steel to first place in the Eastern Conference this season with a 15–4–1–0 record.

“We’re going to miss Greg and everything he brought to our organization, but we couldn’t be more thrilled for him to earn this opportunity,” said Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy. “There are so many synergies between our program here and their program in Toronto. The Marlies are getting an incredible coach and special person to lead their team in the next chapter.”

Brock Sheahan has spent the last season and a half as the team’s Associate Head Coach and will make the transition to the bench boss effective immediately. Sheahan had mostly been in charge of developing the team’s defenseman.

“Brock has been integral in the growth of every facet of our program and I could not be more excited for him and his family that he will be the man to lead us into the next chapter of Chicago Steel hockey,” said Hardy.

Sheahan will make his coaching debut this Friday as Chicago take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at the Fox Valley Ice Arena at 7:05 p.m.

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The Chicago Steel won both games over the weekend in Sioux City to keep a strangle hold on first place in the Eastern Conference of the USHL. On Saturday, Chicago found an offensive explosion in route to a 6–3 victory while defeating them on Sunday 3–2 in overtime.

In the opener, the five-goal second period by the Steel was too much for the Musketeers to overcome. Forward Brendan Brisson scored twice to pace the Steel. The University of Michigan commit also added an assist on the evening to finish off his three-point night.

Chicago also received multi-point games from forwards Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and defenseman Owen Power. Victor Ostman turned aside 30 shots for the victory in net.

During the matinee game on Sunday, Chicago fell behind twice early before tying the game in the middle of the third period and finishing off the home team in overtime.

Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle scored his 11th goal of the season in the second period, but the Musketeers would take back the lead before forward Tyler Carpenter tied the game midway through the third period.

In overtime, forward Sam Colangelo won it for the Steel with an unassisted goal, his 10th of the season. Goaltender Ian Shane stopped 25 shots for the victory in net.

Team USA

With the 2019 World Junior A Challenge approaching in December, four Chicago Steel players were selected to represent the United States. Brisson, Farrell, Fontaine and defenseman Luke Reid will represent the Steel in British Columbia, Canada.

“We’re excited to watch Brendan, Gunnar, Luke, Sean and the rest of their teammates, including (former Steel) Josh Groll, represent the USHL and the United States while competing for a gold medal,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy during a team interview. “Additionally, we’re thrilled that once again Jim Schroeder has been invited to serve Team USA as Head Athletic Trainer.”

The World Junior A Challenge is set to begin Dec. 7.

Forward of the Week

Adding to the great week for Brisson, the USHL rookie was named the USHL Forward of the Week for his four-point weekend in Sioux City. Brisson netted two goals and added two assists. He also leads all first-year league members with eight goals and 10 assists on the season.

“We are so happy to see Brendan garner this type of recognition and we’re privileged to help him continue to grow his game over the course of the season and reach his full potential,” Hardy said about his forward.

Brisson and his teammates will travel to Madison this Friday for a single game before returning home on Saturday for the back end of the back-to-back with the Capitols. Both games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. CST puck drop.

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Ruikka scored twice and added a pair of assists over Madison. The Oulu, Finland, native also plays an approach that Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy applauds.

“Uula has been a rock-solid contributor for us for the past two seasons,” Hardy said. “He’s talented, but he’s a very selfless teammate who does not seek individual attention, which is why we are even more proud that the league has recognized his contributions.”

During Chicago’s 14 games this season, the Providence College commit has three goals and eight assists, placing him amongst the top five defensemen in scoring in the USHL.

Ruikka and his teammates will travel to Sioux City to take on the Musketeers for a pair of road games on Saturday and Sunday.

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On Friday, Chicago opened the scoring in the second period when Mathieu De St. Phalle netted his 10th goal of the season. The goal was assisted by defenseman Jack Babbage and goaltender Ian Shane.

Shane let the only Capitol goal of the game two minutes later when forward Kristoff Papp scored his sixth goal of the season. The game-tying goal ruined Shane’s shutout bid as the Manhattan Beach, California, native stopped 33 shots in the game.

Early in the third period, Colangelo gave the Steel the lead for good with his seventh goal on the season. The goal, assisted by forward Josh Doan, followed up by defenseman Uula Ruikka‘s second goal of the season when he beat Capitol goaltender Simon Latkoczy.

The @ChicagoSteel grab the lead late in the third in Madison with this snipe ! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/RRkKiX6aom

— USHL (@USHL) November 9, 2019

With the 3–1 victory, Chicago gained control of the Eastern Conference top spot in the USHL.

The next evening, Chicago scored three goals in each period, shellacking the visitors on home ice, as goaltender Victor Ostman stopped 31 shots on the evening.

Chicago scored the first three goals of the game when forward Mackie Samoskevich and Tyler Carpenter each scored their second and fifth goals respectively on the season. Defenseman Owen Power banged home his fifth of the season giving the Steel a 3–0 lead before Madison finally found the back of the net.

In the second period, Colangelo, Samoskevich and forward Brendan Brisson each scored to extend the Chicago lead to 6–1 after two period of play. Chicago outshot Madison 18–15 in the period.

Chicago’s final three goals, scored by Colangelo, Ruikka and forward Dawson Pasternak finished off the 9–1 slaughter of the Capitols.

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Youngstown jumped out to a lead in the first period when defenseman Aiden Gallacher beat Steel netminder Victor Osman. A penalty shot goal by forward John Beaton, given after an Owen Power delay of game penalty, extended the Phantom lead to 2–0 early in the second period. Youngstown extended found the back of the net again in the second period when forward Trevor Kuntar beat Osman for his ninth goal of the season.

Chicago outshot Youngstown 23–10 after two periods.

Forward Sean Farrell finally solved the mystery that was Basse in net for Chicago’s first goal of the game. The goal gave the Harvard University commit his sixth goal of the season.

Less than a minute later, forward Mathieu De St. Phalle beat Basse for his ninth goal of the season. Assisted by forwards Brendan Brisson and Farrell, Chicago cut the lead to 3–2 with over 18 minutes left in the game.

The @RPI_Hockey commit, @JohnBeaton_07 scores on the penalty shot to increase the @YtownPhantoms lead! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/8A8t02VZ5f

— USHL (@USHL) November 2, 2019

After an onslaught of shots on Basse, Chicago could not muster the tying goal before surrendering an empty net goal to give the Phantoms the 4–2 victory.

On Saturday night, Chicago jumped out to the lead with a late first period goal and finished off their opponents after three goals in the third period, defeating the Waterloo Black Hawks 5–3.

Chicago jumped on top when the University of Notre Dame commit Tyler Carpenter beat Waterloo goaltender Logan Stein at the 19:27 mark of the first period. The goal, Carpenter’s fourth goal of the season, was assisted by defenseman John Spetz.

Spetz would find the back of the net himself, at the 4:04 mark in the third period, for his second goal of the season. Spetz’s tally was assisted by forwards Brisson and Sam Colangelo.

Waterloo would answer back with a second period goal of their own when forward Patrick Guzzo beat Steel goaltender Victor Ostman.

Both teams exchanged goals less than a minute apart when Colangelo found the back of the net to extend the Steel lead to 3–1, however, forward Dane Montgomery scored his second of the season moments later.

With the score 3–2 in favor of Chicago, both teams exchanged goals again within a minute when Colangelo scored his second goal on the night, his third point, only to be matched again by Black Hawks forward Griffin Ness.

Waterloo pulled Stein in hopes of tying the game, however, defenseman Owen Power would seal the deal for the home team with an empty net goal. Power’s fourth goal of the season finished off Waterloo for a 5–3 victory.

Prior to this past weekends games, goaltender Victor Osman and defenseman Owen Power were named the Goaltender and Defenseman of the Week for the USHL for their games on October 25 and 26, respectively. Ostman and Power are the first recipients of the awards for the Steel this season.

GM Ryan Hardy on USHL Players of the Week

G Victor Ostman – “Really happy with his development, his attention to detail, his willingness to get better.”

D Owen Power – “He’s probably the best kept secret in hockey. I don’t know how much longer it’s going to be a secret.” pic.twitter.com/u7r3yYP0vk

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) October 30, 2019

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On Friday, Muskegon forward Ryan Sorkin started the scoring after beating Steel goaltender Victor Ostman with his second goal of the season. The goal, assisted by defenseman Ryan Poorman, was the only puck to find the back of the net in the opening period, which saw both teams fire 11 shots on net.

Chicago evened the score when Oulu, Finland, native Uula Ruikka beat the Lumberjacks goaltender Jack Williams with a goal assisted by forwards Sean Farrell and Mackie Samoskevich. The defenseman’s goal was his first of the season.

OO LA LA Ruikka !

The nasty Finnish by the Scandinavian to tie the game for the @ChicagoSteel! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/AnpzqHI04L

— USHL (@USHL) October 19, 2019

Less than two minutes later, forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine gave the Steel a 2–1 lead on the power play with his seventh goal of the season. Assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Owen Power, the lead would be Chicago’s only one of the game.

*Looks up definition of a perfect one-timer*

*Finds video of DSP to Gunnarwolfe* https://t.co/2Ax03uifBF pic.twitter.com/PdVEvRwGEv

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) October 19, 2019

The Lumberjacks scored two late goals in the second period when forwards A.J. Hodges and Alexandros Gaffney beat Ostman, giving the the visitors a 3–2 lead after two periods of play.

Muskegon scored at the 2:38 mark in the third period to extend their lead to 4–2 after forward Tanner Edwards notched his second goal of the season.

At the 6:51 mark in the final frame, Palatine, Illinois, native Tyler Carpenter scored his second goal of the season to cut the Lumberjack lead to one goal at 3–2. The forward’s goal was assisted by Northeastern University commit Sam Colangelo.

Head coach Greg Moore pulled Ostman for the extra attacker late, but Lumberjack forward Oliver MacDonald scored his eighth goal of the season to seal the Steel’s fate on the evening.

Chicago outshot Muskegon 34–24 for the contest, but the Lumberjacks won the game 5–3.

The following evening, Team USA jumped out to the early lead after forward Dylan Duke beat Chicago goalkeeper Ian Shane. The goal was Duke’s first of two on the evening.

The Steel tied the game when Farrell beat Team USA goaltender Kaidan Mbereko at the 19:35 mark of the first period. The goal, Farrell’s fourth of the season, was assisted by Power and Carpenter.

Chicago’s late power play goal would not be the last goal of the period as forward Jack Hughes scored a shorthanded tally with only two seconds remaining in the period. The unassisted goal gave Team USA a 2–1 lead heading into the first intermission.

The home team would not let the late backbreaking goal upset their pressure, as they continued to put pressure on Mbereko until defenseman Jack Babbage scored his first goal of the season to tie the game at 2–2. The Syracuse, New York, native’s goal was assisted by forward Dawson Pasternak.

Team USA’s Duke scored his second goal at the 14:49 mark when he beat Shane to give Team USA back to back shorthanded goals and a 3–2 advantage.

At the 17:04 mark, Chicago tied the game again after forward Matt Coronato netted his second goal of the season. The game-tying goal was assisted by Pasternak and Ruikka.

After two period of play, Chicago led in shots 27–21 in a fast-paced affair.

De. St. Phalle beat Mbereko to give Chicago their first lead of the game on the power play on a goal assisted by Fontaine and Power. However, for the second time in the game, Team USA would answer back less than a minute later to tie the game at 4–4.

Heading into overtime, Chicago took a 33–30 advantage in shots, but would fall to Team USA less than one minute into overtime when forward Luke Hughes beat Shane for his fourth goal of the season. The goal gave Team USA the 5–4 victory.

After two hard-fought contests at home this past weekend, the Steel will take to the road for a pair of games at the Fargo Force. Both games, Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. puck drops.

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At the 1:48 mark in the first period, Fontiane beat Gambler goaltender Nicholas Grabko to grab the 1–0 lead. The goal, Fontaine’s second on the season, was assisted by forward Sam Colangelo.

The Wolf Man bites again!

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine dazzles his way through the Green Bay defense and gets the @ChicagoSteel on the board! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/JX4zeNjucq

— USHL (@USHL) October 6, 2019

Chicago would waste no time extending their lead to 2–0 only 18 seconds into the second period when De St. Phalle beat Slabko. Farrell and forward Brendon Brisson assisted on the game-winner.

Per our tweet last night, DUDESCORESPOINTS@mattydsp28 pic.twitter.com/zPJ6loE9Yy

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) October 6, 2019

Farrell wasted no time finding the back of the net three minutes later for his third goal of the season. Farrell beat Slabko with an excellent top-shelf snipe, extending the Steel lead to 3–0.

And your final #SundayMorningSteelSnipe is courtesy of Sean Farrell pic.twitter.com/jehvZwXCll

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) October 6, 2019

At the halfway point of the game, Chicago was outshooting Green Bay 16–5, showing the type of dominance that Chicago was putting on display in front of their home crowd.

Green Bay finally dented the net in the third period on a five-on-three power play when forward Jesse Tucker beat Ostman.

When the horned sounded, Ostman secured his second victory on the early season and Chicago improved their record to 3–0–0. Ostman credited his team’s play in front of him for his success.

“They played great tonight,” Ostman said in a postgame interview. “They really made it easy for me and the shots that Green Bay had were mostly from the outside.”

The Steel will hit the road for a contest with the Green Bay Gamblers on Friday at Resch Center in Green Bay. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. CDT. Chicago will stay on the road for a back-to-back matchup with the Youngstown Phantoms on Sunday at 4:04 p.m. CDT and then again on Oct. 14 at 6:05 p.m. CDT.

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Against the Musketeers, Fontaine opened the scoring at the 11:40 mark in the first period, beating Sioux City goaltender Ethan Haider. The goal, assisted by defenseman Uula Ruikka and forward Elis Hede, was the only goal of the first period.

Sioux City evened the score after Finnish forward Joel Maatta beat Chicago goalkeeper Victor Ostman. Maatta’s goal, assisted by defensman Dominic Vidoli and forward Blake Biondi came after Chicago defensmean Owen Power was sent to the penalty box for cross checking.

The Steel would waste no time taking the lead back when forward Mackie Samoskevich fired a shot by Haider, giving Chicago the 2–1 lead. Samoskevich used a couple of Musketeer players to screen Haider and found the top corner for his first goal of the season. Illinois native Tyler Carpenter assisted on the power play goal.

An absolute SNIPE from Mackie Samoskevich gives the @ChicagoSteel the lead in the third period! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/wwqs4Unb6a

— USHL (@USHL) September 28, 2019

Fontaine scored his second goal of the game at the 17:34 mark of the third period to extend the Chicago lead to 3–1. Forward Sam Colangelo and Hede assisted on the power play goal.

Sioux City would not go down easy though, as Maatta scored his second of the game at the 18:16 mark. However, the Musketeers could not even the score late with Haider pulled from his net.

Ostman stopped 19 shots in the victory, his first as an USHL goaltender.

On Saturday, Chicago scored first again, as forward Mathieu De St. Phalle scored his first goal of the season. The University of Wisconsin commit took a nice drop pass and beat Sioux Falls netminder Grant Adams. The goal was assisted by Farrell and defenseman Jack Babbage.

Nice passing in the zone followed by a Mathieu De St. Phalle snipe has the @ChicagoSteel out in front 1-0 over the @sfstampede. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/YV7yvPTZqm

— USHL (@USHL) September 29, 2019

Both teams exchanged power play goals to start the second period. Poland native forward Jakub Lewandowski beat Chicago goaltender Ian Shane to tie the game at 1–1, only to be matched by Farrell’s first goal in a Chicago Steel uniform. Farrell’s goal was assisted by De. St. Phalle.

Sean Farrell goes short side shelf and gives the @ChicagoSteel their lead back! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/QMcKT9tqti

— USHL (@USHL) September 29, 2019

At the 15:48 mark of the second period, Colangelo netted his first of the season after he took a pass from Fontaine and buried a shot passed Adams, giving the Steel a 3–1 lead heading into the second intermission.

Sam Colangelo completes the odd man rush with his first of the season to increase the @ChicagoSteel lead to 3-1. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/CZ2WotHQP7

— USHL (@USHL) September 29, 2019

Forward Isaac Henkemeyer-Howe shortened the Steel lead to 3–2 early in the third period, but that would be the final puck to sneak by Shane the rest of the game.

Farrell sealed the deal with an empty-net goal late in the contest, giving Chicago the 4–2 victory in the Clark Cup rematch and a perfect record on the weekend at 2–0. Shane stopped 20 shots earning the victory.

The Steel will open up on home ice at Fox Valley Ice Arena on Saturday, as the Green Bay Gamblers come to town. This will be the only action for Chicago over the weekend.

The post Chicago Steel beat Sioux City and Sioux Falls at USHL Classic appeared first on The Rink.

Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy is optimistic about the roster littered with veterans and rookies.

“There is a long way for us to go to get where we want to be, but we believe the 23 players on our team have the talent and mental makeup to get us where we need to be,” Hardy said. “We have a nice mix of veteran players to blend with a lot of young talent. We’re excited to get to work.”

Here is the Chicago Steel’s roster:

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Chicago struggled early on Friday, as forwards Alexandros Gaffney and Danil Gushchin opened the scoring for the Lumberjacks. The lead would not last long as the Steel answered back with two goals of their own.

Forward Josh Doan buried the Steel’s first goal after a nice feed from defenseman Jimmy Dowd, Jr. The goal, at the 12:28 mark of the first period, was followed by a forward Elis Hede goal less than five minutes later. The tally, assisted by forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, tied the game at 2–2 heading into the first intermission.

Chicago would take their only lead of the game early in the second period after Brendan Brisson fired home a shot off a rebound in front of the net. That lead would not last long as forwards Alex Konovalov and Tanner Edwards scored 1:50 apart to give the Lumberjacks a 4–3 lead.

After the Edwards goal, Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst was replaced in net by Jack Williams. Williams would surrender one goal on 15 shots to finish the 5–3 loss on the road.

Back home at Fox Valley Ice Arena on Saturday night, both teams had their early chances in the first period but could not capitalize.

Muskegon forward Tanner Edwards scored the first goal of the game less than four minutes into the second period, beating Chicago netminder Ian Shane. The goal gave Muskegon the 1–0 lead.

Shane would be replaced by goaltender Victor Osman after stopping nine of 10 shots on the night. The goaltender change was part of the game plan and not due to performance. Osman looked sharp in his action, stopping 14 of 16 shots the rest of the contest.

Top Phase II draft pick Sean Farrell scored his first goal in a Steel uniform to tie the game at 1–1. The unassisted goal was followed up by another unassisted goal when 16 year old forward Matthew Samoskevich also scored his first goal for the Steel this exhibition.

Chicago took their 2–1 lead into the third period but would relinquish an early goal to Muskegon forward James McIsaac and then surrendered the lead when Alex Gaffney beat Ostman midway through the period.

Down 3–2, Fontaine buried his first of the preseason, on the power play, at the 14:06 mark of the period to force an overtime frame. The goal was assisted by Hede and Samoskevich.

In overtime, Brisson finished off the contest with a power play goal only 1:31 seconds into the extra frame. The goal, assisted by defenseman Luke Reid and Farrell, gave the Steel redemption for their loss the prior night.

ICYMI – Chicago Steel First Star of the Game Brendan Brisson after tallying the overtime game-winner on Saturday night against Muskegon:https://t.co/qGzlTpzGuK@brendan_brisson #WeAreSteel

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) September 16, 2019

Chicago will take the ice for another exhibition contest against the Madison Capitols, on home ice, on Sept. 20 at 7:05 p.m. CT. Both teams will face off again the following night in Madison, also at 7:05 p.m. CT.

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Chicago will open at home on Oct. 5 when the Green Bay Gamblers come to the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois. The Steel’s first official road game will be the following Friday, Oct. 11, when the team travels to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to take on the Gamblers.

In the first annual outdoor Frosty Cup, hosted by the Dallas Stars, the Chicago Steel will square off against the Green Bay Gamblers in the historical Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The teams will matchup on Jan. 2 as well before playing the outdoor game on Jan. 3.

The USHL will be comprised of an Eastern and Western Conference with eight teams in each conference. This is one less than last season, as the Central Illinois Flying Aces disbanded after last season.

The 62-game schedule features 29 homes games for Steel fans to come on out and cheer on their 2019 Clark Cup runner-up team.

The post Chicago Steel release 2019–20 regular season schedule appeared first on The Rink.

Early in the first period, Steel forward Robert Mastrosimone went hard into the end boards and struggled to get to his feet. Mastrosimone would attempt another shift before being sent off to the dressing room for the remainder of the contest. The projected first or second round draft pick was a huge loss to the Steel’s game plan.

Sioux Falls scored first when forward Anthony Romano beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins with his first goal of the playoffs. The power play goal was assisted by forwards Austen Swankler and Ethan Phillips.

Although outshooting the Stampede in the first period 11–4, the Steel entered the first intermission trailing 1–0.

The second period saw the Stampede extend their lead to 3–0 when right wing Blake Bride and center Sam Stevens both found the back of the net. The Stampede outshot the Steel 9–5 in the second period.

Early in the third period, Steel forward Josiah Slavin shortened the Stampede lead 3–1. The goal, assisted by forwards Nick Abruzzese and Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, was the Blackhawks prospect’s fourth goal of the playoffs.

With just under six minutes left in the game, Chicago head coach Greg Moore pulled Robbins in hopes of cutting into the Sioux Falls lead, but goals by Stampede forward Jared Westcott and defenseman Ryan Johnson would seal the deal for Sioux Falls.

Chicago finished the game outshooting Sioux Falls 21–17, but the Stampede would take the Clark Cup Final with the 5–1 victory.

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The Chicago Steel fell behind after the Sioux Falls Stampede scored a pair of second period goals and could not score in the final seconds after the Stampede retook the lead, falling 3–2.

The Stampede controlled much of the first period as both teams appeared to a bit rusty after a few days off between the Conference Final and the Clark Cup Final. Sioux Falls outshot Chicago 10–4 in the first period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net in the period.

Sioux Falls forwards Carl Berglund and Andre Lee scored in the first seven minutes of the second period giving the Stampede a 2–0 lead.

.@sfstampede SCORE
Check out GOAL from ICE LEVEL #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/fZkBd4zuPW

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Andre Lee keeps the goal going!#BeHerd pic.twitter.com/W8YlSMw27L

— Sioux Falls Stampede (@sfstampede) May 11, 2019

At the 11:04 mark in the second period, Steel forward Josiah Slavin put the visitors on the board after beating Stampede goaltender Jaxson Stauber. The goal, assisted by forwards Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Mathieu De St. Phalle, was Slavin’s third goal of the postseason.

Josiah Slavin gets @chicagosteel on the board! #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/arbRprVm12

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Chicago tied the score early in the third period when defenseman John Spetz beat Stauber with a blast from the point. The goal, assisted by defenseman Owen Power, gave Spetz three goals in the playoffs.

That thing had smoke comin' off it! @chicagosteel John Spetz with a blast to even this game up at #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/iH58z5JsrC

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Stampede forward Jared Westcott scored with just under five minutes to play in the game to give the home team the 3–2 lead late in the game. Chicago put a ton of pressure on the Stampede but could not tie the game. With the victory, the Stampede took a 1–0 lead in the Clark Cup Final.

Jared Westcott! And the Herd are back on top!

pic.twitter.com/W81MaBwP0z

— Sioux Falls Stampede (@sfstampede) May 11, 2019

Sioux Falls 3, Chicago 2 (OT2)

After losing the first game of the Final, the Steel came out and scored the first goal of Game 2, but could not take back home-ice advantage after falling to Sioux Falls 3–2 in double overtime. The hard-fought game was an instant classic for USHL fans.

Fontaine continued his hot playoff scoring his sixth goal of the postseason. Forward Robert Mastrosimone and defenseman Uula Ruikka assisted on the play. The goal gave the Steel their first lead of the Clark Cup Final.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine sends one howlinnnnnn' off the post and in @chicagosteel lead 1⃣-0⃣ after #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/DSTztnIScC

— USHL (@USHL) May 12, 2019

The Steel would outshoot the Stampede 12–6 in the second period, but the home team was the only team to score in the period when defenseman Max Crozier beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins, at the 15:41 mark of the period. The Crozier goal was the Providence College commit’s fourth goal of the playoffs.

Max Crozier gets Sioux Falls on the board with a blast from the point @sfstampede ties it at #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/TeWg5Eim56

— USHL (@USHL) May 12, 2019

Mastrosimone took back the lead for the Steel with his seventh goal of the playoffs, beating Stauber blocker side on the power play. The goal was assisted by Fontaine.

Mastrosimone out here poppin' bottles with a one-timer snipe on the PP! @chicagosteel #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/1yW1j2Y3a8

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

The Stampede tied the game with just under three minutes left in the game when forward Sam Stevens beat Robbins with an unassisted goal, scoring off the draw as the referee dropped the puck.

Blink and you'll miss it
Sam Stevens off the puck drop!! @sfstampede tie this game to force #ClarkCup Final OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/DWY9U4TqCi

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

Both teams would fend off chances throughout the first overtime, forcing a second overtime. At the 16:05 mark in the second overtime, Lee beat Robbins glove side for the 3–2 victory and a 2–0 lead in the Clark Cup Final.

Andre Lee is the DOUBLE OVERTIME HERO @sfstampede take a 2-0 series lead in the #ClarkCup Final #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/qmOU5TBFEZ

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

The post Chicago falls in double overtime, trails Clark Cup Final 2–0 appeared first on The Rink.

The Steel advanced to the Final with a 3–1 series win over the Eastern Conference regular season champions Muskegon Lumberjacks, as forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored the overtime winner in Game 4.

“It felt amazing just to be able to go to the Clark Cup,” Fontaine said. “Scoring the game-winning goal was amazing.”

Sioux Falls swept the Tri-City Storm in the Western Conference Final to advance to the Clark Cup Final, having no problem with the Western Conference top seed.

Chicago has taken the time off to prepare and regroup again for the upcoming series. The team has a good game plan in place that has worked already in the playoffs.

“Our goalie coach, Mike Garman, does a great job of getting us ready for the opposing goaltender,” Fontaine said. “This week, we had a nice day off on Sunday, have worked hard on the ice and weight room and have taken some free time to regroup for the Clark Cup.”

A key to the Chicago’s playoff success has been their great defensive pressure in their own end and goaltending.

Of note, Steel goaltender Justin Robbins has been outstanding.

“Robbins has been unreal,” Fontaine said. “He’s awesome right now!”

However, the forward knows that an overall game will be important against the Stampede.

Fontaine noted the Steel need to continue their consistent play in order to be successful in the Final.

“Carrying over our offense and strong defensive effort will be key,” Fontaine said. “We need to be solid on defense and keep outworking our opponent.”

Chicago looks to avenge their two regular season losses to Sioux Falls. With the team’s defensive commitment and ability to score against any team, Chicago has a great opportunity the next few weeks.

Chicago Steel players to watch:

Nick Abruzzese — The team regular season leading scorer has not slowed down in the playoffs. The Harvard commit has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in eight games played. The seven goals lead the team. The top-line center will be thrust into all high pressure situations and will play a major role in the outcome of the series.

Robert Mastrosimone — The Boston University commit is tied with Abruzzese for the team lead in points with 13 (six goals, seven assists) and has kept up with his offensive chances while leading the team with 26 shots in the playoffs. Mastrosimone play a nice 200-foot game with solid back check and chases the puck well with an active stick.

Matteo Pietroniro — Pietroniro leads all Steel defenseman in points (nine) and assists (eight). The Boise, Idaho, native also leads the Steel with three assists on the power play. The team captain will look to continue to play big minutes on the backend. Pietroniro is the backbone of the defensive unit. Look for the captain to once again play a major role in the series outcome.

Justin Robbins — Robbins has been spectacular in the playoffs with a 2.31 goals against average, while supporting a .918 save percentage. The Quinnipiac commit has been started every game for the Steel this playoff, culminating in six victories. The experience gained over from the past seasons has really shown in Robbins’ game.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine — After scoring the game-winning overtime goal against the Muskegon Lumberjacks, the left-handed shooting forward looks to continue his solid start in the playoffs. The Northeastern University commit has scored eight points (five goals, three assists) in the Steel’s six games. If there ever was a quiet assassin in this series, Fontaine could be the one.

Sioux Falls players to watch:

Max Crozier — The defenseman leads all Sioux Falls players with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) this playoff. The Providence College commit has registered five power play points (two goals, three assists) and is the only Stampede player averaging at least a point per game (1.11).

Andre Lee — The forward leads the Stampede in goals in the playoffs with seven. Lee also leads Sioux Falls in power play goals with three. The University of Massachusetts-Lowell commit is also lead the team with a 23 percent shooting percentage.

Jaxson Stauber — Stauber has been outstanding this playoffs for the Stampede. The Minnesota State commit has posted a 1.49 goals against average and a .943 percent save percentage. The Steel will look to solve the hot goaltender this series.

The Clark Cup Final dates: (best of five)
Game 1 — Chicago at Sioux Falls on Friday, May 10, at 7:05 p.m.
Game 2 — Chicago at Sioux Falls on Sunday, May 12, at 5:05 p.m.
Game 3 — Sioux Falls at Chicago on Friday, May 17, at 7:05 p.m.
Game 4 — Sioux Falls at Chicago on Saturday, May 18, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 5 — Chicago at Sioux Falls on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

The post Clark Cup preview: Chicago Steel vs. Sioux Falls Stampede appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago selected three players in the second round, starting with forward Jack Harvey (Round 2, 19^th overall). Harvey is a forward from Stacy, Minnesota, and recorded 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 13 games played this season.

Jackson Blake (Round 2, 22^nd overall) was Chicago’s second selection of the second round. The forward from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, played 27 games for Shattuck St. Mary’s U15 team this season recording 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 24 games. Jackson in the son of former NHL player Jason Blake, who played 871 games in the NHL.

With their last pick in the second round, Chicago selected Sam Lipkin from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. The 6-foot-1 left wing played 41 games for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, where he scored 69 points (36 goals, 33 assists) for the season. Lipkin also played prep hockey at La Salle College High.

Chicago’s next selection did not come until the fifth round when Brad Lambert (Round 5, 62^nd overall) was selected out of Lahti, Finland. The forward played for three different Pelican teams in Finland this season.

Thor Byfuglien rounded out Chicago’s fifth round selections when he was selected with the 62^nd overall pick. The Roseau, Minnesota, native is the second cousin to former Chicago Blackhawks player Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien played for the Roseau Bantam AA team this season recording 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 50 games as a defenseman.

With the next three selections, Chicago selected forwards Michael Abgrall (Round 6, 87^th overall), Parker Murray (Round 7, 102^nd overall) and defenseman Brendan Fitzgerald (Round 8, 117^th overall) to finish out their Phase I Draft.

Abgrall, a Richmond, British Columbia, native, skated in 29 games for the Burnaby Winter Club Elite 15’s this season. The forward registered 48 points (26 goals, 22 assists) before also playing in five games for the Powell River Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Murray played three seasons with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. With the U16 team this season, Murray tallied 17 points (14 goals, three assists) in 23 games. Murray also scored 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) for the Bantam AAA program in 45 games.

Fitzgerald played in 18 games for the Islanders Hockey Club 16U of the United States Premier Hockey League. The North Reading, Massachusetts, native is the son of former NHL veteran Tom Fitzgerald, who played 1,097 NHL games.

“I’m very pleased with the nine players that we were able to add to our franchise in today’s Phase I Draft,” said Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy. “In preparation for the draft, our scouting department built a 25-player list and we were able to get through all eight rounds without deviating from it. This speaks to the preparation and professionalism of Tristan Musser, Vinny Smith and the rest of our scouting staff. Steel fans have a lot of prospects to be excited about for years to come.”

Chicago is will also partake in the Phase II Draft today. Chicago will also hold their annual Tryout Camp on June 6–9 at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

The post Chicago Steel select nine players in USHL Phase I Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Steel win in OT. 3-2. @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext @USHL #ClarkCup #WeAreSteel pic.twitter.com/iJ3ewUuf0Z

— Puckin Hostile (@PuckinHostile) May 5, 2019

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The Steel and Muskegon Lumberjacks fought a tightly contested battle in game four of the Clark Cup Eastern Conference Final. The teams played to a 0–0 deadlock after two periods until the third-period fireworks began.

Chicago opened the scoring on a Nick Abruzzese five-on-three power play goal, off a great feed from captain and power play quarterback Matteo Pietroniro, at the 5:25 mark of the period. The one-timer from the right circle narrowly eluded Muskegon goalie Brandon Bussi, who played a solid game, despite only seeing 16 Steel shots on net.

The Lumberjacks answered with a powerplay goal of their own from 2019 NHL draft prospect Egor Afanasyev assisted by Blackhawks prospect Mikael Hakkarainen. Afanasyev, the league’s 10th-leading scorer in the regular season, had been very quiet in the series before his goal.

The teams traded goals from Fontaine and Ryan Savage in the final 10 minutes, with the Lumberjacks tying the game with just 30 seconds remaining in regulation. As a result, the fans in Geneva, Illinois, were treated to overtime playoff hockey.

Fonataine was not finished with his big night just yet, though. While not giving up any shots on net in the overtime, the Steel pressured Muskegon hard with an intense forecheck from the drop of the puck. One minute and thirteen seconds into the extra time, Fontaine intercepted an errant rebound up the middle of the Muskegon zone and pushed the puck through two defenders. He set up his shot and snapped the puck past Bussi for the game (and series) winner.

OVERTIME SERIES WINNER!
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine sends the @chicagosteel to the Clark Cup Final! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/wsTpmFnhU3

— USHL (@USHL) May 5, 2019

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While Fontaine, Robert Mastrosimone and Abruzzese grabbed the headlines on the scoresheets, goaltender Justin Robbins played his second straight stellar game in goal for the Steel. He saved 65 of 68 shots (.955 save percentage) on net in games three and four. In games one and two, Robbins stopped 64 of 71 shots (.901 save percentage).

With the win, Chicago will travel to face the Western Conference Champion Sioux Falls Stampede in the best-of-five series beginning Friday, May 10 and will return to the Fox Valley Ice Arena for Game 3 on Friday, May 17 and Game 4, if necessary, on Saturday, May 18.

Clark Cup Final tickets will go on sale Tuesday, May 7 at the Steel box office, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com. Tickets start at just $10 and fans can catch the action up close with seats on the glass available for just $20. The group ticket minimum for Clark Cup Playoff games is just 10 people, and the Budweiser Lounge and Steel Suites are available for playoff games by calling 855-51-STEEL.

The post The Steel Deal: Steel headed to Clark Cup Final after thrilling overtime win appeared first on The Rink.

Forward Robert Mastrosimone put on a show for the fans and showed why he is considered one of the top players in the top players in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft with a goal in the first two minutes of the first period and a highlight reel shorthanded goal in the second period.

On his second period goal, Mastrosimone was forechecking Muskegon center (and 2018 Blackhawks draftee) Mikael Hakkarainen closely as the Lumberjacks tried to break out of their own end. The Steel league-leading playoff scorer (tied with teammate Nick Abruzzese) picked Hakkarainen’s pocket at the Muskegon blue line and scored on a partial breakaway.

4⃣@chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Tespc803Mj

— USHL (@USHL) May 4, 2019

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While Mastrosimone was the star on the offensive side of the rink, goalie Justin Robbins played a phenomenal game in the Steel end of the ice and was the team’s second star. He stopped 35 of 36 shots and made 18 third-period saves to keep the Steel well ahead and out of danger.

.@ChicagoSteel took a 2-1 lead in their series over Muskegon. We caught up with Steel Head Coach Greg Moore and forward Robert Mastrosimone following the Game 3 victory #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/SjSY61Iwvo

— USHL (@USHL) May 4, 2019

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The teams are back in action tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena, as the Steel look to close the series in front of their home crowd in Game 4. If a Game 5 is necessary, it will be played Monday, May 6 in Muskegon, Michigan.

Tickets for Game 4 are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the Steel Box Office, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com. Tickets start at just $10 and fans can catch the action up close with seats on the glass available for just $20. The group ticket minimum for Clark Cup Playoff games is just 10 people, and the Budweiser Lounge and Steel Suites are available for playoff games by calling 855-51-STEEL.

The post The Steel Deal: Steel one game from Clark Cup Finals, look to close out tonight appeared first on The Rink.

“We stole a game by tying it late and finding a way in overtime with a real nice play from Mastro (Robert Mastrosimone),” said Chicago forward Nick Abruzzese. “We got into some penalty troubles and it was important to get that game. It’s now a best-of-three series.”

Chicago has taken the five days between games to regroup and sharpen up their overall game in practice.

The team did not skate on Monday after a late night of travel back from Muskegon but will practice each day leading up to Friday’s game with the Lumberjacks.

“It’s been nice to have some time off to recover,” Abruzzese said. “If we stay out of the penalty box we can be very successful as a team. Five-on-five we can play fast through the neutral zone and use that to our advantage.”

With home-ice advantage back in the Steel’s favor, Friday will be a hard-fought contest between two very talented teams. Both Chicago and Muskegon are filled with next level players that have already been drafted or will hear their names called this summer.

Chicago Blackhawks fans can come out and get a look at two of their prospects already in the organization in Muskegon forward Mikael Hakkarainen and Chicago forward Josiah Slavin.

This year’s NHL Draft will most likely bring the names of Abruzzese, Mastrosimone, Egor Afanasyev, Jackson LaCombe and Alex Yakovenko to the forefront on draft night. However, both teams have plenty of unfinished business.

“Putting in the hard work and being recognized is pretty cool, but, at the same time, it does not mean anything for this weekend,” Abruzzese said. “I try to be the best player I can be and help our team win.”

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago heads home with series tied 1–1 for games for Games 3 and 4 appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel fell behind 2–0 early with two power play goals from Chicago Blackhawks forward prospect Mikael Hakkarainen but fought back for a 5–4 overtime victory. The Steel received the game-tying goal from forward Josiah Slavin, another Blackhawks prospect, with 2.9 seconds left in regulation before forward Nick Abruzzese scored the game winner in overtime.

Hakkarainen’s two late-first-period goals finished off a sluggish start by the Steel. Chicago was outshot in the first period 17–8 and only killed off one of the three penalties taken in the frame. Steel goaltender Justin Robbins made several key saves throughout the period, otherwise, the score could have really gotten away from Chicago.

Back back from HAKK @muskegonjacks lead 2-0 #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/vETVq3dfhI

— USHL (@USHL) April 27, 2019

Steel forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored his second goal of the playoffs, shortening the Muskegon lead to 2–1, taking a nice pass from defenseman Matteo Pietroniro before beating Lumberjacks netminder Brandon Bussi.

Another power play goal by Muskegon extended the Lumberjacks lead back to two goals before Slavin scored his first of two goals on the evening to cut the Muskegon lead back to one goal.

Muskegon scored early in the third period when forward Bobby Lynch scored his second goal of the postseason.

Only 12 seconds later, Abruzzese scored his fourth goal of the playoffs with a goal assisted by Pietroniro.

Pietroniro with a perfect two-line pass to Abruzzese @chicagosteel quick to respond #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/naLesy4FmK

— USHL (@USHL) April 28, 2019

The game-tying power play goal, with under three seconds left in the game, gave Slavin his second goal of the game, on the power play, assisted by Pietroniro and Fontaine.

OVERTIME WINNER
Abruzzese wasn't taking any chances this time… It's good @chicagosteel lead the series 1⃣-0⃣ #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/k4clHpav7t

— USHL (@USHL) April 28, 2019

Chicago took a 1–0 series lead when Abruzzese scored the overtime game-winner, assisted by forward Robert Mastrosimone and defenseman Luke Reid.

Muskegon outshot Chicago 40–34 for the game, while Robbins stopped 36 shots for the victory.

Muskegon 3, Chicago 2

The Lumberjacks wasted no time when forward Jagger Joshua scored 19 seconds into the opening frame. The goal, assisted by forward Ryan Savage and defenseman Declan Carlile.

The early Lumberjacks goal did not put Chicago on their heals, as Mastrosimone buried his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Fontaine and Slavin.

Hakkarainen took back the lead at the 13:01 mark in the first period with his fourth goal of the playoffs and third of the series.

Muskegon would extend their lead to 3–1 when forward Jack Williams scored his second goal of the playoffs. The goal was the only goal of the second period.

Fontaine put Chicago on the board early in the third period, with his third goal of the season, on the power play goal assisted by Abruzzese and Slavin.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine sends one howlin' past Bussi for the PPG! @chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/26un4x5pUN

— USHL (@USHL) April 28, 2019

Chicago continued to push the pressure on Muskegon to tie the game during the rest of the period but the Steel could not solve Bussi for the game-tying goal.

Muskegon outshot Chicago 31–26 for the game.

The series returns to Fox Valley Ice Arena for Game 3 on Friday, May 3 for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 7:05 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena. With the series tied 1–1, Chicago looks to take advantage of the home-ice advantage they took back from Muskegon.

The post Chicago wins series opener in Muskegon, series tied 1–1 appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts “Gatekeeper” and “JJ” are joined by staff writer Ray Napientek to chat about the few things abuzz in Blackhawks speculation.

• Blackhawks potential suitors for Ilya Mikheyev
• Kris Versteeg returns to Rockford
• Derek King named Rockford head coach
• Mark Eaton discussed Hawks defensive prospects
• Just what IF the Blackhawks draft Bowen Byram?
• Kane officially a nominee for Ted Lindsay Award
• Don Granato and the Blackhawks mutually part ways
• A little Chicago Steel talk at the end
• We answer some listener and reader questions

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 52 – School’s out for Summer appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago 3, Cedar Rapids 1

Forward Christian Sarlo scored his second goal of the series at the 6:07 mark in the first period when he fired a shot past RoughRiders goaltender Blake Pietila. The goal, assisted by forward Cole Quisenberry and defenseman Owen Power, was the first of two goals in just over one minute.

Finnish defenseman Uula Ruikka fired his second goal of the season, extending the Chicago lead to 2–1, with assists from defenseman Luke Reid and forward Jake Schmaltz.

Chicago outshot Cedar Rapids 9–8 heading into the first intermission. After the break, the RoughRiders came out firing, scoring the only goal of the second period when forward Aidan McDonough scored his fourth goal of the season, finally beating Robbins.

Early in the third period, forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine buried a shot past Pietila, extending the Chicago lead to 3–1. The goal, assisted by defenseman John Spetz and forward Josiah Slavin, was all the Steel needed to hold off the RoughRiders and take a 2–1 series lead heading into game four on Wednesday night.

Chicago 4, Cedar Rapids 1

Chicago’s regular season scoring leader Nick Abruzzese fired his third goal of the playoffs past Pietila with only 10.4 seconds left in the first period to give Chicago the 1–0 lead. The goal was assisted by Mastrosimone and captain Matteo Pietroniro.

Abruzzese scores with just 1⃣1⃣ seconds left in the first! @chicagosteel leads 1-0 #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/2ucQPLiUYW

— USHL (@USHL) April 25, 2019

At the 1:38 mark in the second period, Spetz scored his second goal of the playoffs, giving Chicago their only power play goal of the evening. Forwards Mathieu De St. Phalle and Adam Robbins assisted on the goal.

RoughRiders forward Jack O’Leary cut the Chicago lead to one goal when he fired a shot past Robbins, at the 18:50 mark of the second period, but that would again be the only goal to slip past Robbins, who played outstanding again this evening.

Mastrosimone scored twice in the third period to seal the series victory for Chicago. The Steel outplayed the RoughRiders for much of the game, outshooting Cedar Rapids 26–18 for the game, while killing off all five power plays the RoughRiders were handed.

With the victory, Chicago faces off against the Eastern Conference regular season champion Muskegon Lumberjacks in the best-of-five series in the Eastern Conference final. Chicago won the last two regular season matchups against Muskegon.

Eastern Conference Final Schedule

Game 1: Chicago at Muskegon – Saturday, April 27 at 6:15 p.m. CT
Game 2: Chicago at Muskegon – Sunday, April 28 at 4:15 p.m. CT
Game 3: Muskegon at Chicago – Friday, May 3 at 7:05 p.m. CT
Game 4: Muskegon at Chicago – Saturday, May 4 7:05 p.m. CT (if necessary)
Game 5: Chicago at Muskegon – Monday, May 6 at 6:15 p.m. CT (if necessary)

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago defeats Cedar Rapids, advances to conference finals appeared first on The Rink.

Nick Abruzzese earned an All-USHL First Team spot after leading the league in scoring with 80 points (29 goals, 51 assists) in only 62 games. The Harvard University commit’s 80 points was the second-highest point total in franchise history. Abruzzese broke the franchise record for assists in a season with his 51 and became just the third Steel player to reach 100 points during his career with the franchise.

Team captain Matteo Pietroniro broke the franchise’s single-season goal mark for a defenseman with his 18 goals this season in earning All-USHL Second Team honors. The Boise, Idaho, native finished tied for seventh among USHL defenseman in goals. Pietroniro now holds the Steel record for defenseman in a career with 27 goals. With 70 assists total with the Steel, he also ranks second all-time in franchise history.

Forward Robert Mastrosimone scored 31 goals this season to bring his career total to a franchise record 47 goals, earning him All-USHL Third Team honors. Mastrosimone also recorded his 100th career point this season to join Abruzzese. The Boston University commit also finished his career with 58 assists placing him seventh all-time in Chicago franchise history.

Rookie defenseman Owen Power was named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team after a record season for the youngster. The 16-year-old scored 11 goals this season, although starting the season at only 15 years of age, and registered 25 points for the season. Power was fourth in the league this season among all defensemen with his 11 goals.

General Manager Ryan Hardy was named the 2018–19 USHL General Manager of the Year in his rookie season in the role after spending the previous two season scouting for the Boston Bruins.

“Our goals in Chicago are, first and foremost, to facilitate the development of talented hockey players and, secondly, to compete for the Clark Cup,” Hardy said. “Garnering personal accolades is not relevant in our program. While I am appreciative of the recognition from my peers, this honor does not reflect the work of one individual, but rather the talent, hard work and passion of the coaching staff, hockey operations department and, most importantly, every one of the players who have donned the Chicago Steel crest this season.”

Hardy joins an excellent group of rookie general managers to have won the award. Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper won the award in 2008–09 with the Green Bay Gamblers. Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery also won the award with the Dubuque Fighting Saint in 2010–11.

Hardy is quick to deflect the attention to rookie head coach Greg Moore, associate head coach Brock Sheahan, Director of Player Personnel Tristan Musser, Director of Hockey Operations Chris Hoeler, assistant coach Mike Garman, strength and conditioning coach Virgil Strzelecki, Athletic Trainer Jim Schroader and Equipment Manager Parker Hoffman.

“If there is one aspect of this season that I take the most personal pride in, it would be the identification and procurement of our coaching staff, who are more responsible for this honor than I am,” Hardy said.

The post Abruzzese, Pietroniro, Mastrosimone, Power and Hardy earn USHL end-of-season awards appeared first on The Rink.

Center Nick Abruzzese registered five points in a 6–3 victory over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. Abruzzese scored twice and assisted on three Steel goals to help secure the game one game victory.

Chicago opened the scoring when defenseman Matteo Pietroniro fired a shot from the point which found its way through a screen, beating Cedar Rapids goaltender Blake Pietila. Pietroniro’s goals was assisted by defenseman Jimmy Dowd and Abruzzese.

Cedar Rapids tied the game when forward Jerry Harding beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins tying the game at 1–1 midway through the opening period.

Harding would not be done for the evening, scoring his third goal of the playoffs and second of the game, beating Robbins shorthanded to give the RoughRiders their only lead of the evening at 2 – 1.

With the early second period goal which gave Cedar Rapids the lead, Chicago scored three straight goals to take a 4–2 lead mid-way through the period.

Defenseman John Spetz opened the barrage with a nice goal assisted by Abruzzese and Neil Shea firing a shot past Pietila.

Forward Christian Sarlo scored only 37 seconds before Abruzzese to extend the Chicago lead to two goals. Sarlo buried a nice feed from forward Travis Treloar, while Abruzzese scored on a Pietila rebound off a shot from forward Robert Mastrosimone.

Never leave the Bullshark in open water
Mastrosimone finds Abruzzese lurking @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/IGCLl1QYFj

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Cedar Rapids scored with 36 seconds remaining in the second period to cut the Steel lead to 4–3 when forward Max Sasson scored his second goal of the playoffs.

The third period would be all Chicago’s when Shea and Abruzzese scored to extend the Steel lead to 6–3 and earning Robbins the victory in net, stopping 23 RoughRiders shots. Abruzzese and Mastrosimone both finished the game +5 after dominating most shifts while on the ice.

THIS LINE
THIS GOAL @chicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/e5MPPP0qxN

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Pietroniro goes up the middle Abruzzese fakes & goes hole
for his 5⃣th point tonight @chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/B6ybknoZnn

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Cedar Rapids 4, Chicago 3 (OT)

Chicago looked to retain home-ice advantage with another victory against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders but came up short in overtime 4–3. RoughRider forward Aidan McDonough was the backbreaker scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals, giving the Northeastern University commit three goals in this season’s playoffs.

Defenseman Will Zmolek scored the night’s first goal for the RoughRiders beating Robbins for a power play goal after Chicago defenseman Owen Power was sent off for hooking.

The Steel bounced right back tying the game at 1–1 when Mastrosimone beat Pietila with his first goal of the playoffs. The goal, assisted by Abruzzese, was countered only a few seconds later when forward Liam Walsh scored for the RoughRiders.

With just over a minute until the first intermission, Shea scored his second of the playoffs to tie the game at 2–2 with a pretty goal assisted by Mastrosimone and Dowd.

Everyday I'm HUSTLIN'
Mastrosimone turns on the jets & sets up Shea for a huge goal @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/JdscaGtdOs

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Finnish defenseman Uula Ruikka put the Steel on top for the first time in the game, beating Pietila with a shot through traffic that appeared to deflect off a RoughRider in front.

The lead would not be for long as McDonough tied the game only eleven seconds later. Both teams shared chances in the third period, when Chicago outshot the opponents 10–4, but both teams would not find the back of the net.

At the 9:22 mark of overtime, McDonough registered his second goal of the evening, on the power play, deflecting a puck past Robbins for the game-winning goal.

OVERTIME GAME WINNER!
The series is tied heading back to @RidertownUSA #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/URujp4NaNg

— USHL (@USHL) April 22, 2019

With the series tied 1 – 1, Chicago travels to Cedar Rapids for a pair of games on Tuesday and Wednesday, both starting at 7:05 p.m. CT at Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

The post The Steel Deal: Abruzzese registers five points in win, teams head to Cedar Rapids tied 1–1 appeared first on The Rink.

GAME 1 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Saturday, April 20, at 7:05 p.m.
GAME 2 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Sunday, April 21, at 5:05 p.m.
GAME 3 – CHICAGO AT CEDAR RAPIDS          Tuesday, April 23, at 7:05 p.m.
GAME 4 – CHICAGO AT CEDAR RAPIDS          Wednesday, April 24, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
GAME 5 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Saturday, April 27, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

The Chicago Steel face off against the Cedar Rapid RoughRiders in the best-of-five series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Chicago earned a first-round bye with a second-place finish in the conference. Cedar Rapids swept Team USA this past week in a best-of-three series to advance to the semifinals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

CHICAGO:
Nick Abruzzese: The crafty forward finished first in the USHL this season in scoring (29 goals, 51 assists, 80 points) and mans the top-line center position. Aburzzese also tied for the team lead in shorthanded goals (two) and led the team with 21 power play goals. Abruzzese plays an important role on offense, defense and special teams. The Harvard University commit also maintained a 25.7 shooting percentage on the season.

Robert Mastrosimone: The East Islap, New York, native led the Steel in goals (31) and finished second on the team in points (80). Mastrosimone was second on the team in power play goals with seven and lead the team in shots (161). Mastrosimone also tied Abruzzese in shorthanded goals with two. The Boston University commit will need to continue his excellent offensive production against a stingy RoughRider defense and goaltending.

Matteo Pietroniro: The team captain logs a ton of ice time for the Steel and had an excellent season finishing with 18 goals, 31 assists and 49 points. Pietroniro lead the team with 102 penalty minutes and was second in power play assists (14). Those that have watched the Steel this season can make an argument that Matteo is the heartbeat of the team on the backend. Pietroniro can really shut down the Cedar Rapid attack, which is average at best.

Josiah Slavin: The Chicago Blackhawks’ seventh round draft pick in 2018 was an excellent mid-season pickup by General Manager Ryan Hardy. Slavin has been a great addition to the Steel power play as a net front presence. Slavin finished the season with 24 goals and 27 assist with Chicago and Lincoln. His scoring touch brings a great second wave behind Abruzzese and Mastrosimone.

CEDAR RAPIDS:
Jason Polin: Polin scored five goals in two games in the first round against Team USA. During the regular season, the Western Michigan University commit scored 30 goals and 20 assists, good enough for second overall on the Cedar Rapids roster.

Nathan Smith: Smith lead the team with 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists) for a team-best .90 points per game. The center also led the team with 12 power play goals while tying with Polin for the team lead with five game-winning goals.

Liam Walsh: The Merrimack College commit finished third on the team with 21 goals to go along with his 21 assists. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound winger tied for the team lead (Polin) with two shorthanded goals and brings an excellent piece to Polin and Smith on the wing.

Will Zmolek: Zmolek led all RoughRider defenseman in points with 26 (four goals, 22 assists). The 6-foot-3, 191-pound Bemidji State commit also lead the team in penalty minutes with 107. Zmolek can be argued to be Pietroniro lite. Zmolek will log plenty of ice time for Cedar Rapids.

Blake Pietila: The Cedar Rapids goaltender had an excellent season and was arguably the team’s best player this season. The Michigan Tech commit finished 30–13–3–1 with a 2.30 goals against average and excellent 0.912 save percentage. Look for Pietila to try and keep his team in the series with his top-notch skills in the crease.

NOTES:

• Chicago holds a 19–10–2–0 record at home this season at Fox Valley Arena. Cedar Rapids has recorded a 35–6–2–1 record at home. Chicago will want to make sure not to lose home ice advantage in the first two games. The RoughRiders are tough at home.
• Something has got to give. Chicago finished the season with a league best 3.92 goals per game, second best in the USHL. The RoughRiders are also second in the league with a 2.60 goals against average. The series is a clear example of offense versus defense.
• Special teams: The Steel finished second in the USHL with a 24.6 percentage success rate with the man advantage. Cedar Rapids power play scores at a 17.7 percentage rate. Chicago’s penalty kill is 12^th in the league at 78.6 while the RoughRiders are eighth in the league shorthanded at 80.7 percent.

The post Series preview: Chicago Steel vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders appeared first on The Rink.

Ville Ruikka, Uula’s father, coaches soccer in their hometown in Finland but knew that soccer was not for Uula early on.

“I played soccer and coached in a major junior league here in our hometown,” Ville said. “Uula played soccer for many years but told me that hockey was his passion and someday he was going to chase his dreams.”

Ruikka was drafted by the Lincoln Stars of the USHL in Phase II of the draft, but elected to stay at home and play for the Karpat U18 team in Finland. While with Karpat U18, the left-handed shooter registered 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 37 games. He also spent six games with the Karpat U20 team where he registered one assist.

In the 2018 USHL Phase II Draft, Chicago selected Ruikka and brought him overseas for his rookie season. The Miami University commit wasted no time scoring his first USHL goal, as he found the back of the next at Madison on October 12, 2018. Ruikka’s first multi-point game would come only eight days later when he registered a goal and an assist against the Green Bay Gamblers.

“Uula is a wonderful kid who has done a good job transitioning from Finland and adapting to a new culture,” said Chicago Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy. “On the ice, he is a team-first guy with a lot of skill to go along with his great skating ability.”

Being 14 hours from home was not only an adjustment for Uula but also his family.

However, Ville has felt good at home knowing he has had a great billet family.

“The billet family concept is really great and we are much more relaxed knowing a great family is taking care of our son,” Ville said. “We visited Chicago one week in October and met Brian and Marcy Gravenhorst. They are a real nice family.”

Having electronics definitely has helped the 18-year-old adjust being away from home. Uula uses his laptop and smartphone for so much communications that sometimes it seems like he is home in Finland. Ville said the family communicates with Uula regularly using FaceTime and WhatsApp.

Ruikka now has a few days off with his teammates to prepare for their second-round playoff opponent this Saturday. Hardy also looks forward to having the defenseman next year.

“He has been an asset for us this year and should take an even bigger step next season,” Hardy said.

The post Ruikka enjoys rookie season away from home, adds team-first attitude on defense appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel scored three goals in a span of 1:40 of the third period and held off a late push by the Central Illinois Flying Aces for a 6–5 victory. With the win, Chicago maintained sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference, which holds a first-round bye in the Clark Cup Playoffs.

Chicago scored first when forward Christian Sarlo beat Central Illinois goaltender Mitchell Gibson at the 2:11 mark of the first period. The goal, assisted by forwards Travis Treloar and Jake Schmaltz, was Sarlo’s 12th goal on the season.

Defenseman Connor Meyer put the Flying Aces on the board two minutes later to tie the game at 1–1. The goal beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins five-hole on a breakaway.

At the 14:49 mark in the first period, forward Josiah Slavin buried his 23rd goal of the season on the power play. Defenseman Matteo Pietroniro and forward Neal Shea assisted on the goal.

After Central Illinois tied the game late in the first period, the Flying Aces scored first to start the second period and take the lead at 3–2 at the 7:45 mark of the period.

Chicago answered back when Shea fired his 15th goal of the year, again on the power play, with an assist from defenseman John Spetz and Owen Power.

With the score tied 3–3 after two period of play, Chicago jumped on the Flying Aces with a three-goal barrage. Forwards Robert Mastrosimone, Mathieu De St. Phalle and Slavin scored in a span of 1:40 to extend the Chicago lead to 6–3.

The Flying Aces scored twice in the second half of the third period, however, Chicago held on for the 6–5 victory, giving Robbins his 25th win of the season.

Chicago 8, Muskegon 1

With another must win situation on Saturday night, the Chicago Steel scored first and often to stun the Muskegon Lumberjacks 8–1. The victory secured the first-round bye the Steel were fighting for with the Youngstown Phantoms and Cedar Rapid RoughRiders.

Defenseman Luke Reid started the scoring with his second goal of the season at the 3:51 mark of the first period. Muskegon answered back three minutes later with their only goal of the night.

Chicago answered back at the 12:54 mark when Cole Quisenberry found he back of the net for his 11th goal of the season.

Samoskevich with a perfect feed to Quisenberry alone in front! @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/UjCVxdXBUd

— USHL (@USHL) April 13, 2019

After one period of play, Chicago led 2–1 but would explode for three goals in the second frame when forward Adam Robbins, Power and forward Nick Abruzzese extended the Steel lead to 5–1.

Abruzzese’s goal, on a penalty shot, was his first of the game as he would score again early in the third period.

Shark attack!
The Bullshark, that is.
Abruzzese goes hole on the penalty shot and scores!@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/lwIfiusOzT

— USHL (@USHL) April 14, 2019

Mathieu De St. Phalle and Quisenberry both scored within the next four minutes to extend the Steel lead to 8–1 and the victory on the evening. Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst stopped 21 shots earning 12th victory of the year.

While earning the first-round bye in the Clark Cup Playoffs, Chicago will play the top remaining seed amongst the first-round winners (Youngstown, Cedar Rapids or Team USA) while Muskegon earned the first seed in the Eastern Conference and will play the lower remaining seed.

The first two playoff home games with take place on Saturday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. The second game of the series will be played on Sunday, April 21 at 5:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago clinches first-round bye with weekend sweep appeared first on The Rink.

“Greg Moore has done a remarkable job transforming a new staff and young team in a very short period of time,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy. “His knowledge of the game, creating mind, attention to detail and work ethic are as good as I’ve seen at every level.”

The 35-year-old Lisbon, Maine, native was brought to Chicago after two decades of experience with the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

As a player, Moore won championships at several different levels. As a coach, he returned in helping Team USA in the USHL and helped guide USA to the gold medal at the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championships in Slovakia.

“The players in our program have benefited immensely from his knowledge and his demeanor,” Hardy said. “Greg will coach in the NHL some day; it’s just a matter of how fast he wants to get there.”

Moore played his collegiate career at the University of Maine, culminating in a 28-goal senior campaign. His play helped Maine to two NCAA Frozen Fours, including a National Championship in 2004. The Calgary Flames selected Moore in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

After three seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, Moore was traded to the New York Rangers, along with Jamie McLennan and Blair Betts, in exchange for Chris Simon and a seventh round pick in the 2004 draft.

The Rangers called up Moore in the 2007–08 season, playing six games at the NHL level at right wing. Moore would spend two more seasons in the AHL, after signing with the New York Islanders and a trade to Columbus, before cracking the NHL lineup again with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Moore also spent time in the Philadelphia Flyers, Augsburger Panther and the Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg on the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, a German professional ice hockey league.

Behind the bench this weekend, Moore’s Steel take on the Central Illinois Flying Aces on Friday at home before concluding the regular season at the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Both contests will play a major role in the playoff picture, as Chicago wants the first-round bye in the Clark Cup Playoffs, earned for finishing either first or second in the conference.

The post Moore guides Chicago to playoffs in first season behind the bench appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel kept up with their opponents chasing them for second place in the Eastern Conference beating the Waterloo Black Hawks 3–1. Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst stopped 36 shots to lead Chicago in Waterloo, Iowa.

The evenly matched game remained tied at 0–0 halfway through the second period. Herbst and Waterloo goaltender Jared Moe both made a few spectacular saves early on in the game. Moe, a Winnipeg Jets sixth-round draft pick in 2018, would be the first to break when forward Josiah Slavin beat Black Hawks defenseman Hank Sorensen to the outside and slipped a shot five-hole for the 1–0 Chicago lead.

Ok Josiah Slavin, we get it, you've got skillz. @chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/QWkdGUnlY2

— USHL (@USHL) April 6, 2019

The first goal, at the 16:36 mark of the second period, would be followed up less than a minute later when forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine buried his 20^th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Adam Robbins, extended the Chicago lead to 2–0 as both teams went into the second intermission.

Defenseman Owen Power opened up the scoring in the third period, on the power play, beating Moe for his 10th goal of the season. Assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and Robbins, extended the Steel lead to 3–0.

Waterloo forward Ryan Drkulec beat Herbst at the 8:07 mark of the third period to cut the Steel lead to 3–1, but that would be the only goal for Waterloo. With the victory, Chicago extended their lead over Cedar Rapids and Youngstown to three points heading into their Saturday night matchup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Dubuque 5, Chicago 0

On Saturday, Dubuque Fighting Saints goaltender Matthew Thiessen stopped a team record 44 saves in shutting out the Steel 5–0 in Dubuque, Iowa. The Vancouver Canucks draft pick stood on his head all night, stopping 31 shots through two period before whitewashing the Steel on 13 shots in the third period.

Fighting Saints forward Matias Maccelli, a potential 2019 NHL draft prospect, scored twice to reach the 30 goal mark this season. Dubuque also received goals from defenseman Chris Lipe, forward Bram Scheerer and forward Dylan Jackson.

Chicago returns to home ice on Friday, April 12 for Fan Appreciation Night for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. The Steel then finish up the regular season in Muskegon, April 13, for a 7:15 p.m. start. Chicago clings to a one-point lead for the second-place spot in the Eastern Conference, which comes with a first-round bye.

Click here to see the Eastern Conference Playoff Race information.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago splits weekend, big weekend ahead in playoff race appeared first on The Rink.

The Slate Hill, New York, native currently leads the USHL in scoring (76 points), assists (49) and is tied for ninth in goals (27). Abruzzese is also scoring at a 26.2 percent clip on all his shots, a number that is quite impressive at any level of hockey. The first-line center has also been tasked with shutting down the opponent’s top-line players.

At 5’9” and 160 lbs., pro scouts need to watch Abruzzese closely in order to truly enjoy his full body of work this season. The NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings ranked Abruzzese the 200^th best prospect amongst North American skaters, a ranking that may seem low when it is all said and done for Abruzzese.

“Too often in the scouting community we put too much emphasis on evaluating with the tape measure and birth certificate,” Chicago Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy stated. “By any metric, Nick Abruzzese is an elite player with the hockey sense and playmaking capabilities that translate to the upper echelon of the players in the NHL.”

Abruzzese’s accomplishments on the ice have not gone unnoticed by the USHL. The left-handed shooting center has twice been the recipient of USHL Forward of the Week, once last season and once this season. An impressive feat, knowing the amount of high-end talent throughout the top junior league in the country.

The accomplishments do not stop on the ice, as Abruzzese is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Harvard, an Ivy League school that participates in the ECAC for hockey, who recently lost to Massachusetts in the NCAA Northeast Regional play. Harvard, coached by Ted Donato, has qualified for the NCAA Tournament three of the last four seasons, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2016–17 season, when the Crimson finished with a 28–6–2 record.

“His mindset and approach to his development are also exceptional,” Hardy said. “The team with the courage to draft him will get potentially the steal of the draft.”

As the Chicago Steel look to make a deep run in the Clark Cup playoffs, the former New Jersey Avalanche product, the same organization that helped develop Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce, will look to lead the way with his scoring, playmaking ability and leadership that has helped the Steel fight to hold onto the second place spot in the Eastern Conference, which would earn the team a first round bye in the playoffs.

The post USHL scoring leader Abruzzese braces for Clark Cup Playoffs, NHL Draft appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel looked to bounce back after their 1–0 loss to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Friday, but fell to the Madison Capitols in overtime 5–4. Four different Steel players found the back of the net, but could not beat Madison goaltender Garrett MacKay in overtime.

Less than a minute into the contest, forward Robert Mastrosimone beat MacKay to put the Steel on the board. The goal, assisted by defensemen John Spetz and Owen Power, gave the Boston University commit his 29^th goal this season.

Madison beat Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst twice before the midway point of the first period, giving the Capitols a 2–1 lead, when forwards Skylar Guitierrez and Kristoof Papp scored.

Forward Nick Abruzzese answered right back for the Steel with a power play goal, his 26^th goal of the season. The Harvard University commit fired a wrist shot past MacKay, with the help of a great screen in front by Blackhawks’ prospect forward Josiah Slavin.

With the score tied at 2–2 after the first intermission, the Capitols took the lead back at the 7:15 mark of the second period after defenseman Christian Berger scored his sixth goal of the season. The power play goal put the Capitols back on top, only to see the Steel fire back with two straight goals.

Forwards Sam Colangelo and Neil Shea put the Steel back in front 4–3 with just under 11 minutes to play in the game, but the Capitols would answer back only 27 seconds after the Shea goal, which was his 14^th of the season, when forward Alex Mella scored his 10th goal of the season.

In overtime, Madison forward Lucas Hermann found a loose puck and skated down the ice and fired a shot past Herbst’s glove side.

Waterloo 7, Chicago 5

Chicago looked to bounce back from the overtime loss with a victory against the Waterloo Black Hawks, but would fall short 7–5 in a wild affair. Four different players had multi-point games as Abruzzese, Gunnarwolffe Fontaine, Mastrosimone and Matteo Pietroniro led the way.

Waterloo struck first as forward Vladislav Firstov scored on an uneven rush, beating Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins.

Less than a minute later, Pietroniro tied the game, 1–1, when he beat Black Hawks goaltender Evan Fear for his 18^th goal of the season.

Waterloo would score four unanswered goals to extend their lead to 5–1 with just over 13 minutes to play in the second period. With that being said, Chicago showed their resiliency and character, bouncing back with three straight goals of their own.

Abruzzese, Mathieu De St. Phalle and Mastrosimone all answered to cut the Waterloo lead to 5–4. De St. Phalle and Mastrosimone’s goals were on the power play, two of six power play goals total throughout the game.

Before the end of the second period, the Black Hawks answered back to take a 6–4 lead into the second intermission.

Fontaine scored his 19^th goal of the season for the Steel when he fired a shot past Fear. The goal, assisted by Adam Robbins, would be the last time the Steel would solve the Black Hawks goaltender.

Waterloo finished off the scoring with less than five minutes to play, giving them the 7–5 victory.

Chicago travels to Waterloo for a rematch with the Black Hawks on Friday for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. On Saturday, the Steel travel to Dubuque for another 7:05 p.m. contest. The Steel need to be at their best, as they hold the second spot in the Eastern Division standings by one point over the Youngstown Phantoms and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago drops both, hold onto second place in Eastern Conference appeared first on The Rink.

The Steel controlled much of the first period, while any chance the RoughRiders could muscle up, were turned aside by Robbins. Chicago outshot Cedar Rapids 8–2 in the period.

If the first period was controlled by the Steel, the same could not be said of the second period. Cedar Rapids outshot Chicago 12–5, using the excellent play by Robbins to keep the game tied. Chicago fought off the only power play of the night with an excellent penalty kill at the end of the period.

Both teams traded excellent chances in the third period, only to come up empty on each shot. Robbins and Pietila kept the puck out of the net, even with some tough, madhouse scrambles in front of the net. Chicago outshot Cedar Rapids 9–5 for the period, ending regulation with a 22–19 advantage.

In overtime, RoughRider forward Aidan McDonough ended the game at the 2:52 mark. McDonough took a nice feed from forward Jason Polin, made a nice toe drag past a defender, and buried a shot blocker side of Robbins.

Chicago returns to Fox Valley Arena, both Friday and Saturday, for games against the Madison Capitols and the Waterloo Black Hawks, both starting at 7:05 p.m. Friday night is “Pucks and Pups” night presented by Woofbeach. Fans are encouraged to bring their dog to the game. On Saturday, the first 500 fans will receive a “College” t-shirt, celebrating the Animal House Anniversary, sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.

The Rinkcast Podcast – Epidode 49 – featured a large portion of content of the Chicago Steel. Listen to your favorite Chicago playoff team HERE.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago earns point, blanked by Cedar Rapids in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts Jeff “Gatekeeper” Osborn and John “Double J” Jaeckel are joined by The-Rink Junior / Chicago Steel writer Ray Napientek to talk about the Blackhawks and the Steel.

• We have a new review (thanks Mark from Algonquin)
• The Blackhawks are basically eliminated “officially” from the postseason
• Chad Krys and Jack Ramsey enter the organization
• More talk about what the team needs to do this summer
• What is going on with the Chicago Steel?
• Stan Bowman talk, Dylan Sikura talk
• We answer some listener and reader questions

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post The Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 49 – Steel Deal appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Reid scored his first career USHL goal against the Green Bay Gamblers. The University of North Dakota commit has registered 18 points (1 goal, 17 assists) in 53 games played this season. Reid also registered a +8 rating for the week, improving his yearly total to +13.

With the announcement, Reid joined the Captain Matteo Pietroniro as the second Steel defenseman awarded this season.

“Luke is one of the most competitive players I have been around,” said Head Coach Greg Moore. “This honor has been long coming for a player who has been a big contributor offensively and defensively for our team.”

Reid and his teammates are back in action this weekend for back-to-back home games, both starting at 7:05 p.m. Friday night is “Pucks and Pups” as the Madison Capitols visit before the Waterloo Black Hawks come to town, on Saturday, in which the first 500 fans receive a “College” t-shirt.

The post Reid awarded USHL Defenseman of the Week appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel defeated the Green Bay Gamblers 8–3, on Friday, after falling behind 3–1 in the second period. The seven unanswered goals the Steel scored came from seven different players. The victory also gave Steel goaltender Justin Robbins his 23^rd win, breaking the previous record.

Forward Sam Colangelo scored his first career USHL goal, at the 11:10 mark in the first period, burying a shot past Gamblers goaltender Maxsim Zhukov.

Not sure exactly what happened here, but it ended real nice
Sam Colangelo gets his 1⃣st @ChicagoSteel goal! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/02alVIwIyE

— USHL (@USHL) March 23, 2019

Green Bay answered back with three straight goals of their own, the last coming on the power play, at the 2:59 mark of the second period. Forwards Luke Mylymok, Tyler Spott and Austin Heidemann tallied for the Gamblers.

That would be it for the Gamblers, as Robbins shut the door the rest of the way. The Steel scored three goals in a span of 3:02 to take a 4–3 lead, before adding two more goals in the period, to take a 6–3 lead into the second intermission.

Chicago’s three goal outburst started when Jake Schmaltz scored his fourth goal of the season. The power play goal was assisted by Owen Power and Mathieu De St. Phalle.

Not to be outdone, forward Josiah Slavin scored his 20^th goal of the season.

Josiah Slavin hot on the backhand
Great set up from Mastrosimone and Robbins @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/I50Xomrey2

— USHL (@USHL) March 23, 2019

Forward Cole Quisenberry and Christian Sarlo added two more goals, their tenth and eleventh goals this season, to close out the second period.

Jake Schmaltz found the back of the net for his second goal of the game, extending the Steel lead to 7–3, before defenseman Luke Reid finished off the scoring with his first goal this season.

Justin Robbins turned aside 20 shots for the victory.

Justin Robbins picked up his 23rd win of the season tonight, setting a new franchise record for single-season wins! #WeAreSteel pic.twitter.com/X4W7GCoNrT

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) March 23, 2019

Chicago 6, Lincoln 1

Steel Goaltender Justin Robbins added another victory to his all-time victory total, stopping 16 of the 17 shots he faced, helping his team defeat the Lincoln Stars 6–1. Chicago received goals from six different players, holding onto the third spot on the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Forward Josiah Slavin scored his 21^st goal this season beating Stars’ goaltender Samuel Hlavaj. The goal is the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects fourth goal in three games.

Josiah Slavin (@chicagosteel) gets on the board against his former team! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/vI56Y6MyPH

— USHL (@USHL) March 24, 2019

Chicago took a 2–0 lead with under two minutes to play in the first period, when forward Robert Mastrosimone scored his 28^th goal this season. The goal, assisted by Nick Abruzzese and Mathieu De St. Phalle, gave the Boston University commit his 100^th career point with the Chicago Steel.

Congratulations to #WeAreSteel forward Robert Mastrosimone (@rmastro9424) who became just the fifth player in franchise history to reach career regular season points with his goal today! pic.twitter.com/Vc2YlDXDdC

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) March 24, 2019

Forward Sam Colangelo scored his second goal in as many games, giving the Steel a 3–0 lead, at the 16:14 mark of the second period. The goal was assisted by forward Christian Sarlo.

Defenseman Owen Power scored his ninth goal of the season, when burying a shot past Hlavaj, assisted by forward Jake Schamltz and defenseman Uula Ruikka.The goal gave Chicago a 4–0 lead heading into the second intermission.

Keep your out for Owen Power (@ChicagoSteel) #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/FwfkVUjn5R

— USHL (@USHL) March 24, 2019

The Steel would not be finished pouring it on the Stars. Less than two minutes in to the period, forward Nick Abruzzese extended the Steel’s lead to 5–0, before De St. Phalle finished off the scoring for the Steel.

Lincoln finally beat Robbins, at the 7:33 mark in the third period, when defenseman Samuli Niinisaari scored his seventh goal this season.

The victory left Chicago (34–19–2–0) a three point lead over the Youngstown Phantoms and Cedar Rapids Rough Riders for second place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Chicago is set for back-to-back home games on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. On Friday, the Madison Capitols come to town for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Fans can bring their Dogs to the game for the “Pucks and Pups” celebration. On Saturday, the Waterloo Black Hawks come to Fox Valley Ice Arena for a 7:05 p.m. start. The first 500 fans receive an Animal House “COLLEGE” t-shirt, presented by Waubonsee Community College.

The post The Steel Deal: Robbins, Mastrosimone Break Records, Help Lead Steel To Victories appeared first on The Rink.

The Gamblers opened the scoring on their home ice, at the 4:09 mark of the first period, when forward Nicholas Zabaneh scored his 11^th goal of the season. Forwards Gleb Murtazin and Luke Mylymok assisted on the goal. As it turned out, this was the only puck to slip past Robbins the rest of the evening.

Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Slavin tied the score at 1–1, netting his 18^th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Adam Robbins and defenseman Luke Reid, was the first of back-to-back goals by Slavin.

At the 17:09 mark of the first period, Slavin scored on the power play, when defenseman Matteo Pietroniro shoveled a pass over to forward Robert Mastrosimone, who fired a shot on Gambler goaltender Ryan Ullan. The rebound from Ullan found Slavin at the side of the net, who buried his shot for the 2–1 lead.

Midway through the second period, De St. Phalle scored his 9th goal of the season. The University of Wisconsin commit finished a 2-on-1 with forward Christian Sarlo, and snuck a backhand past a sprawling Ullan. The goal was De St. Phalle’s sixth point (2 goals, 4 assists) in the past six games.

Classic @ChicagoSteel goal
These guys must practice this or something…#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/ZOsOZRISCs

— USHL (@USHL) March 20, 2019

With the 3–1 lead, Chicago did not take their foot off the pedal, outshooting the Gamblers 13–2 in the third period, and 39 – 20 for the game. Even though Chicago could not find the back of the net in the second half of the game, the Steel’s savvy play and hard work in their defensive end was outstanding.

With the victory, Chicago finds themselves back in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The victory also secured their third straight Clark Cup playoff appearance, which begins April 15.

Chicago returns to Green Bay for another matchup on Friday night for a 7:05 p.m. contest. On Sunday, Chicago skates on home ice for the “Daddy Daughter Princess” celebration for a 3:05 p.m. puck drop against the Lincoln Stars.

The post The Steel Deal: Steel Clinch Playoff Berth, Slavin Scores Twice appeared first on The Rink.

If a player has played in a league that does pay their players, they can still play for an USHL team, but cannot play for a college team. As an example, Matteo Pietroniro played three season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) which pays their players, albeit it acts more like a small stipend.

The Chicago Steel has an excellent history of players moving onto the college level, which you can view HERE, after their playing days are done in the USHL. With that being said, here is a list of the current Chicago Steel team college commitments:

Nick Abruzzese – Harvard University
Mathieu De St. Phalle – University of Wisconsin
Jimmy Dowd – Penn State University
Joshua Groll – University of Michigan
Robert Mastrosimone – Boston University
Owen Power – University of Michigan
Cole Quisenberry – Brown University
Luke Reid – University of North Dakota
Adam Robbins – Princeton University
Justin Robbins – Quinnipiac University
Uula Ruikka – Miami University
Christian Sarlo – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Jake Schmaltz – University of North Dakota
Neil Shea – Northeastern Unversity
Jaccob Slavin – Colorado College
Casey Staum – Colorado College
Matthew Sutton – Brown University
Travis Treloar – Western Michigan University

Currently in the NCAA conference tournaments in college hockey, Penn State (Jimmy Dowd) plays in the Big Ten finals against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Brown (Matthew Sutton, Cole Quisenberry) takes on Cornell in one semifinal game in the ECAC, while Harvard (Nick Abruzzese) matches up against Clarkson in the other semifinal.

In the Hockey East Conference, Boston University (Robert Mastrosimone) faces off against Northeastern (Neil Shea) in a semifinal matchup.

The NCHC semifinals includes Colorado College (Jaccob Slavin, Casey Staum) as they matchup with St. Cloud state this weekend.

As you can see, current roster players on the Chicago Steel will soon play huge roles at their respective colleges. With the excitement of March Madness, keep an eye out for more college teams to make the NCAA tournament, as we are sure to see more future Steel colleges in the National Championship mix.

For more college hockey news and future NCAA tournament games you can click HERE.

Until their college careers start, the Steel are smack in the middle of a playoff race in the Eastern Conference in the USHL, with games at Green Bay, on Tuesday and Friday, before coming home for a matinee game on Sunday against the Lincoln Stars.

The post Looking To The Steel Future: Chicago College Commitments appeared first on The Rink.

Youngstown 4, Chicago 3

On Friday, Chicago jumped on the scoreboard first, as Mastrosimone scored his 25^th goal of the season at the 1:13 mark of the first period. The goal, assisted by defenseman Uula Ruikka and forward Jake Schmaltz, kept the Boston University commit atop the Steel goal scoring lead.

Smooooth moves from Uula Ruikka to set up Mastrosimone @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/G5UqfQGJoE

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Chicago took the 1–0 lead into the first intermission, outshooting Youngstown 8–7 in the hard-fought first period.

The Phantoms jumped to a 2–1 lead with back-to-back goals by Craig Needham and Jack Malone, the second goal coming at the 5:50 mark of the second period, which seemed to put the Steel on their heels for a few shifts.

Mastrosimone scored his second goal of the game, and 26^th of the season, when he finished off the rebound from a shot by defenseman John Spetz. The goal, also assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle, was the only power play goal scored in the game.

He slips… he scores!!!
Mastrosimone on the rebound ties it up for @ChicagoSteel#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/twVyW6Itcq

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Forward Nick Abruzzese put the Steel on the board first in the third period, giving Chicago the 3–2 lead. The goal, scored at the 3:42 mark, was assisted by defensemen Owen Power and Luke Reid.

That would be the last goal for the Steel. Youngstown tied the game, at the 10:29 mark of the third period, when Malone scored his second goal of the game, after a nice stretch pass from forward Matthew Barnaby, who beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins five-hole.

GO LOOONG!
Barnaby Malone@YtownPhantoms #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/E4nb65td1V

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Phantoms’ defenseman Aiden Gallacher scored his first goal of the season, at the 15:38 mark, to give Youngstown the lead, and ultimately the victory, 4–3.

Chicago outshot Youngstown 29–22 but could not tie the game with Robbins pulled for the extra attacker.

Chicago 3, Dubuque 2

The great news about USHL hockey, after dropping a hard-fought game on Friday, the Steel could not sit back and think about the loss, as they hosted the Fighting Saints the next evening. Dubuque would jump out to a 1–0 lead, however, Chicago came racing back with three straight goals, and held off a late push by Dubuque, giving Chicago the 3–2 victory and a much needed two points in the standings.

Dubuque took the lead, at the 3:47 mark in the first period, when right winger Riese Gaber scored his 19^th goal of the season, beating Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst.

Riese Gaber is really feelin' it lately @fightingsaints #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/aCJmLnib69

— USHL (@USHL) March 17, 2019

The score would remain 1–0 until Mastrosimone tied the game on an unassisted goal midway through the second period. Mastrosimone stole the puck along the left boards and buried a wrist shot blocker side.

Mastrosimone is a straight up hustler
The with the steal and score@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/0DG7NNM0hF

— USHL (@USHL) March 17, 2019

Chicago would score a late goal in the second period, when Matteo Pietroniro buried his 17^th goal of the season. The captain’s goal was assisted by forward Adam Robbins.

After two period of play, Chicago lead 2–1 while outshooting Dubuque 12–11. The offensive push would not be much better in the third period, as Dubuque fired a total of six shots on net, besting the Steel by one shot.

One of Chicago’s five shots did find the back of the net when forward Josh Groll beat Dubuque goaltender Matthew Thiessen, a Vancouver Canuck draft pick, to extend the Chicago lead to 3–1.

Dubuque forward Matias Maccelli scored for the Fighting Saints to bring the visitors to within a goal midway through the third period, but could not beat the Steel defense for the game-tying goal.

Chicago walked away with the 3–2 victory, in a game with 34 shots total, and one penalty called in the game. Herbst stopped 15 shots for the victory.

With the victory, Chicago kept control of the second spot in the Eastern Conference, a race that has seen the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Youngstown Phantoms creep into.

https://twitter.com/USHLKevin/status/1107119721554608129

Chicago will be back in action this week for three games. Chicago plays in Green Bay on Tuesday, March 19 and Friday, March 22. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. The Steel then return home, on Sunday March 24, for “Daddy Daughter Princess Day” for a 3:05 p.m. puck drop, at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Fans can also enjoy a post-game “Skate with the Steel.”

The post The Steel Deal: After Loss on Friday, Chicago Tops Dubuque on Saturday appeared first on The Rink.

Sioux Falls 7, Chicago 4

The Chicago Steel jumped out to a 2–0 lead against the Sioux Falls Stampede, but a five goal second period by Sioux Falls did the Steel in, losing 7–4. Steel forward Nick Abruzzese picked up his 100^th career USHL regular season point, while Ville Rasanen scored his first career USHL goal.

Chicago defenseman John Spetz put the Steel on the board, just over five minutes into the game, on the power play for his 8^th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Owen Power, was the first of three power play goals for the Steel in the game.

Two minutes later, defenseman Ville Rasanen added to the Steel lead, firing a wrist shot past Stampede goaltender Jaxson Stauber. The Finnish product’s goal, assisted by forward Christian Sarlo, proceeded a six-goal onslaught by the Stampede.

Stampede forwards Ethan Phillips and Anthony Romano scored on the power play to end the first period and start the second. A few minutes later, forwards Sam Stevens and Austen Swankler extended the Stampede lead to 4–2. Before the second period finished, left wing Jared Wescott scored back-to-back goals, giving Sioux Falls the 6–2 lead heading in to the second intermission.

Steel Head Coach Greg Moore switched goaltenders after the fifth Stampede goal, replacing Justin Robbins with Reilly Herbst.

The Steel showed their resiliency when scoring two quick goals to start the third period. Forward Robert Mastrosimone fired his 24^th goal of the season three minutes into the period. The goal, assisted by forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Josiah Slavin, shortened the Stampede lead to 6–3.

Captain Matteo Pietroniro scored his 16^th goal of the season three minutes later. The power play goal, assisted by Fontaine and Abruzzese, gave the Steel back-to-back power play goals and pulled within two goals at 6–4.

.@ChicagoSteel keepin' things interesting!
Back within #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Se758r525y

— USHL (@USHL) March 9, 2019

Sioux Falls attempted three shots in the third period, as Chicago tried to claw their way back into the game, only to be denied with an empty net goal by forward Artem Ivanyuzhenkov, finished off the Steel 7–4.

Chicago outshot Sioux Falls 30–19 for the game, but could not take advantage of the edge in shots.

Team USA 5, Chicago 4 (OT)

Chicago bounced back the following evening to earn a point against Team USA, forcing overtime with two third period goals, before falling in overtime 5–4. In overtime, Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst made a great play on a Team USA penalty shot, only to surrender the game winning goal with 20 seconds left in the extra frame.

Former Chicago Mission 16U forward Landon Slaggert scored the first Team USA goal, at the 2:44 mark of the first period. The goal, Slaggert’s fourth of the season, was answered less than a minute later when Steel defenseman Owen Power scored his eight goal this season. The University of Michigan commits goal was assisted by forward Robert Mastrosimone.

With the game tied 1–1, Team USA scored two goals five minutes apart to extend their lead to 3–1. Forwards Tanner Latsch and Chase Yoder found the back of the net, for their third and fifth goals, respectively.

The wild first period would continue, forward Nick Abruzzese netted his 22^nd goal of the season, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Jimmy Dowd, to cut the Team USA lead to 3–2 at the first intermission.

The only goal of the second period belonged to Team USA. Forward Hunter Strand fired a shot past Herbst to extend their lead to 4–2 after 40 minutes of action.

The Steel began the third period with two goals in the first 91 seconds. De St. Phalle took advantage of mishap by Team USA goaltender Drew Commesso, who turned the puck over to De St. Phalle for a tap in goal.

A few moments later, Abruzzese powered in a warp around goal to tie the game at 4–4. The Harvard commits goal was his 23^rd on the season and force overtime.

The Steel could not take advantage of the one minute power play to start the overtime before Herbst made a nice play on the penalty shot, poking the puck from Team USA forward Thomas Bordeleau before getting off a shot attempt.

Team USA scored the game-winner, on a breakaway, as defenseman Eamon Powell fired a wrist shot past Herbst. Chicago outshot Team USA 35–33 for the game, while showing a lot of character to force overtime and gain a much-needed point on the weekend.

Chicago will be back in action this weekend for a pair of home games against the Youngstown Phantoms and Dubuque Fighting Saints. On Friday, the Steel celebrate “Irish Night” on St. Patrick’s Day weekend at 7:05 p.m. against the Phantoms. On Saturday, the Steel face off with the Fighting Saints, as Chicago will wear their custom gray and black jerseys during the game, that will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the Geneva Academic Foundation. Puck drop for the Saturday is set for 7:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Abruzzese’s 100th Career Point Not Enough appeared first on The Rink.

In Dubuque, Chicago jumped out to a 2–0 lead when captain Matteo Pietroniro and forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored four minutes apart, late in the first period. Pietroniro’s goal, assisted by forward Nick Abruzzese and Robert Mastrosimone, was his 15th goal of the season. Fontaine’s 18^th goal of the season was assisted by forward Neil Shea.

Matteo Pietroniro goes BAR @ChicagoSteel#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/tHmFFRBJdG

— USHL (@USHL) March 2, 2019

Chicago took a 2–0 lead into the first intermission, however, the Fighting Saints answered back with four unanswered goals and led 4–2 with 15 minutes left to play in the third period.

Mastrosimone finally got the Steel back on the scoreboard, at the 14:52 mark of the third period, to draw the Steel within one goal. The goal, Mastrosimone’s 22^nd of the season, was assisted by Abruzzese and defenseman John Spetz.

Chicago pulled goaltender Justin Robbins late in the game in an attempt to tie the game, but Dubuque finished off the Steel with an empty net goal.

The Steel would waste no time getting revenge on the Fighting Saints on Saturday. However, the game did not start as the Steel drew it up.

Dubuque scored two goals within the first four minutes of the first period to take a 2–0 lead. At the 8:07 mark of the first period, Mastrosimone scored his 23^rd goal of the season, cutting the Dubuque lead to 2–1.

Dubuque answered back to take a 3–1 lead with five minutes left to play in the first period, before Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Josiah Slavin scored his 16^th goal of the season, cutting the Dubuque lead to 3–2 before the first intermission.

Shea tied the score, at the 2:51 mark of the second period, which would be the only goal of the second period, after the wild first frame. The goal, assisted by Mastrosimone and Pietroniro, gave Shea thirteen goals on the season.

Neil Shea with the hot (back) hands! @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/1E9tLmFgb8

— USHL (@USHL) March 3, 2019

Slavin scored his second of the game, and 17^th of the season, at the 3:32 mark of the third period, to give the Steel a 4–3 lead.

Try following this puck without getting dizzy, we dare you. @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/h24AjbZlMo

— USHL (@USHL) March 3, 2019

The Steel would finish off the scoring with an empty net goal by forward Josh Groll, his eight of the season, to give Chicago the 5–3 victory and a split on the weekend.

Chicago plays this weekend, March 8 and 9, against the Sioux Falls Stampede and Team USA U17. Friday’s game with the Stampede, features LEGOLAND night for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Saturday’s game with Team USA U17 features Pajama Day for another 7:05 p.m. face off.

Dubuque 5, Chicago 3

Chicago 5, Dubuque 3

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Splits Back-to-Back With Dubuque appeared first on The Rink.

“Christmas time last year (2017) he (Slavin) was really on nobody’s draft radar,” Hardy stated “and I talked to the Lincoln Stars’ General Manager and planted the seed, that if the situation presented itself, I would be interested in obtaining him.”

That opportunity came on January 22 this season, as the Steel traded for Slavin in a multi-player deal. Since joining the Steel, Slavin has eleven points (4 goals, 7 assists) while adding a big body in front on the power play, a scoring threat and overall 200-foot effort.

“He really added to our culture we have here in Chicago,” said Hardy, “It’s been a perfect fit. As a player, he’s really smart and can really score. His maturity and appetite to be better every single day is outstanding. He’s a really great person”

The Colorado College commitment has played 153 USHL games over the past three seasons, accumulating 90 points (43 goals, 47 asssits) and looks to help guide the Steel this season on a long playoff run.

Around the scouting circles, Slavin has the work ethic and determination to be good at the next level. His glaring need for the NHL would be his skating ability. Hardy has seen first-hand the extra time Slavin has put into his skating skills and would not be shocked to see Slavin in a Chicago Blackhawks’ uniform in the future.

“He’s the type of player that goes from unknown to the NHL, he’s that good,” stated Hardy.

Former Blackhawks’ head coach Joel Quenneville was also impressed with Slavin at the Blackahwks’ 2018 development camp, “The kid that might have impressed me the most was Josiah Slavin. He looks like he could be a player.”

For now, you can see Slavin and his Chicago Steel teammates, as they host the Dubuque Fighting Saints, this Saturday March 2 at Fox Valley Arena in Geneva, IL , for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. For future games, click HERE for the Chicago Steel schedule.

Slavin scoring on February 1 this season for the Chicago Steel

Josiah Slavin is on with his new team!@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/y6KnIdIX5a

— USHL (@USHL) February 2, 2019

Slavin at the Chicago Blackhawks Development Camp in July 2018 from the Rinks very own Eric Andrews

Josiah Slavin has a good first step. pic.twitter.com/4lDhRx3UZD

— Eric Andrews (@WALaxer19) July 17, 2018

The post From Unknown to Chicago, Slavin Making A Name For Himself appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel fell to the Tri-City Storm on Friday night 5–3. The Steel jumped out to a 3–2 lead but could not answer the Storm’s three unanswered goals.

Defenseman Zac Jones put the Storm up 1–0 with his sixth goal of the season. Jones beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins through a tough screen in front.

Robert Mastrosimone answered back with his 21st goal on the season, his eighth in eleven games, after finishing off a nice play by defenseman John Spetz. Forward Cole Quisenberry also assisted on the play.

Twenty-three seconds later, the Storm retook the lead after forward Joe Berg beat Robbins for his sixth goal of the season. Chicago was outshot in the first period 14–8 as the Storm led 2–1 at the first intermission.

Chicago came storming out of the intermission with two goals in the first 8:11 of the second period. First, forward Nick Abruzzese scored his 21^st goals of the year, tying Mastrosimone for the team lead, on a goal assisted by defenseman Luke Reid and forward Neil Shea. The second goal came of the stick of Spetz, his sixth of the season, assisted by Mathieu De St. Phalle.

That would be all she wrote for the Steel on the scoresheet. The Storm answered back less than a minute after the Steel took the lead and led 4–3 after two periods of play. The final Storm goal was an empty net goal, sealing the Steel’s fate.

Chicago 4, Tri-Storm 3

A short memory is a good quality for a team on the road, playing a back-to-back at the USHL leading Tri-City Storm. Chicago took an early 2 – 0 lead in the second period of play, then let the lead slip away at 3 – 2, before finishing off the Storm in overtime 4 – 3.

Forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine opened the scoring, at the 6:33 mark of the second period, for his 17^th goal, assisted by Reid. Just over three minutes later, Shea connecting with defenseman Matteo Pietroniro for this twelfth goal on the season. Chicago looked to be in control of the tight fought game, however, the Storm answered back with three goals of their own.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine with amazing patience rips home the rebound!
@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/lAdEKHooRr

— USHL (@USHL) February 24, 2019

With the score 3–2 in favor of the Storm, John Spetz scored at the 17:35 mark of the third period to tie the game and force overtime.

Johnny Spetz ties the game, and then finishes the job in OVERTIME! @ChicagoSteel win #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/HzCqkBCWQr

— USHL (@USHL) February 24, 2019

In overtime, Spetz scored again, at the 1:08 mark, to give the Steel a split on the road. Both goals were assisted by Pietroniro, Mastrosimone and Justin Robbins, respectively.

Chicago 3, Omaha 2

Forced to move the game back a few hours because of inclement weather, the Steel beat the Omaha Lancers 2–1 behind 24 saves by goaltender Reilly Herbst, topping of a successful road trip out west.

Forward Jake Schmaltz started the scoring for the Steel when he buried a shot past Omaha goaltender Akira Schmid. The goal, Schamltz’s third on the season, was assisted by Fontaine and Shea.

Jake Schmaltz finishes off some beautiful passing from the @ChicagoSteel! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/DAvBUv6rin

— USHL (@USHL) February 25, 2019

The Lancers tied the score early in the second period, only to have the Steel score the game winner at the 4:56 mark of the second period. Josh Groll scored his seventh on the season. The goal was set up by a nice play from Quisenberry.

Watch this unreal kick pass from Cole Quisenberry to set up Josh Groll (@ChicagoSteel) #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/fn2ET63ORT

— USHL (@USHL) February 25, 2019

The Steel are back in action in Dubuque, Friday March 1, at 7:05 p.m. and play the following night at Fox Valley Arena against the same Fighting Saints, also a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. The Steel home game will be the 2^nd Annual Weiner Dog Races, followed by a post-game skate with the Steel.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Splits at Tri-City, Beats Omaha appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel defeated the Eastern Conference leading Muskegon Lumberjacks 6–1 behind their strong special teams play. Chicago scored three times on the man advantage and once shorthanded, while exploding for five straight unanswered goals.

Forward Nick Abruzzese opened the scoring for the Steel, on the power play. Chicago defenseman Matteo Pietroniro sent a nice shot toward the Lumberjack goaltender Brandon Bussi, only to have his rebound pounded home by Abruzzese. Forward Robert Mastrosimone was also credited with an assist on the play.

The Lumberjacks tied the game only 20 seconds later. Forward Jagger Joshua found the back of the net after multiple chances in close. The goal would be the only one Steel goaltender Justin Robbins stopped 24-of-25 shots for the game.

Chicago took the lead for good when Mastrosimone fired a wrist shot past the glove of Bussi, giving Chicago their second power play tall on the night. The goal, Mastrosimone’s 19^th on the season, was assisted by Abruzzese and defenseman John Spetz.

Mastrosimone out for target practice this evening @ChicagoSteel take back the lead #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/8u8Z2zCxCA

— USHL (@USHL) February 16, 2019

Mastrosimone scored again for Chicago, their third straight power play goal, only 30 seconds into the second period, as the crafty forward finished a nice passing play with Abruzzese and Pietroniro. The goal extended Chicago’s lead to 3–1.

Chicago scored again on special teams, this time shorthanded, when forward Cole Quisenberry beat Bussi on the breakaway. The goal, Quisenberry’s eighth on the season, forced the Lumberjacks to make a change in net as Ryan McInchak replaced Bussi.

Skate fast.
Score goals.
Cole Quisenberry nets a shorty @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/NfYjsj11zC

— USHL (@USHL) February 16, 2019

Defenseman Owen Power scored his seventh goal of the season, at the 14:44 mark of the second period, to give Chicago a 5–1 lead. The goal, assisted by Abruzzese and forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, gave the University of Michigan commit seven goals on the year.

Defenseman Jimmy Dowd scored his first goal of the season with less than five minutes to play in the game and giving the Steel the 6–1 victory.

USA 7, Chicago 2

Chicago would finish 0-for-6 on the power play and struggled for an eight-minute stretch in the second period, resulting in a tough 7–2 loss. The Steel played better than what the score indicated, however, Team USA U18’s showed their speed, depth and relentless forechecking throughout the game.

After Team USA scored 30 seconds into the game, Chicago responded with two quick goals late in the first period. Forward Nick Abruzzese scored his 20^th goal of the season, burying a shot past Team USA goaltender Cameron Rowe. Less than a minute later, forward Cole Quisenberry beat Rowe to give the Steel a 2 – 1 lead. The goal was set up by a beautiful pass by forward Robert Mastrosimone.

2⃣-on-1⃣
Mastrosimone to Quisenberry
Need we say more? @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/uuIFjIZSFS

— USHL (@USHL) February 17, 2019

Chicago took a 2–1 lead into the first intermission but looked a bit flatfooted in the second period. Team USA scored five unanswered goals in the frame, to take a 6–2 lead into the third period.

The only score off the third period came from the stick of defenseman Domenick Fensore. The goal capped off Team USA’s 7–2 victory. The loss snapped the Steel’s 14-game home winning streak.

Chicago plays the next four games on the road starting with three games this weekend, beginning with the USHL leading Tri-City Storm on Friday and Saturday, before heading to Omaha for a Sunday matinee with the Lancers. The fourth straight road game is the following weekend, March 1, against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Chicago will then return home on March 2 for the backend of the home-and-home.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats Muskegon, Falls to Team USA appeared first on The Rink.

The Harvard University commit leads all USHL scorers this season with 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) and finished this past weekend with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) while on the road at Sioux Falls and Sioux City.

“This weekend was a great opportunity for Nick to measure his game against some of the biggest names in the USHL as far as the 2019 NHL Draft is concerned,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy. “His development trajectory this season has been tremendous and he has established himself as arguably the best player in the league with his play.”

Overall, this weekly award is the fourth time this season a Chicago Steel player has been named a “Player of the Week.” Including Aburzzese’s two honors, defenseman Matteo Pietroniro and goaltender Reilly Herbst have also been named at their respective positions.

The post Abruzzese Named USHL Forward of the Week appeared first on The Rink.

Sioux Falls 8, Chicago 6

Chicago started the scoring midway through the first period when forward Nick Abruzzese scored his 17th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Luke Reid fave the Steel the lead for 43 seconds before the Stampede tied the game. The goal would put Abruzzese over the 50 point mark for the season, the first player to do so this season in the USHL.

After outshooting the Stampede 12–4 in the first period of play, the game was tied at 1–1 heading into the first intermission.

Sioux Falls scored at the 2:21 mark of the second period to take the lead 2–1. The goal, unassisted, scored by forward Andre Lee, would only be the start of a back-to-back wild-scoring in the game.

Steel defenseman Owen Power tied the score at the 5:11 mark of the second period, beating Stampede goaltender Alex Calvaruso. The goal, assisted by forward Cole Quisenberry, was the University of Michigan commit’s sixth goal of the year.

Another quick strike by the Stampede gave them a 3–2 lead with just under fourteen minutes to play in the second period.

Chicago tied the game when Abruzzese scored his second goal of the game. Assisted by forwards Robert Mastrosimone and De St. Phalle, the goal (18) gave the Harvard commit nine points in his last seven games.

Both teams would combine for eight goals in the third period, started by Mastrosimone scoring :12 into the period. The goal, assisted by De. St. Phalle and Power, gave Chicago their only lead in the game at 4–3.

Sioux Falls scored only a few minutes later to tie the game at 4–4, before taking the lead again. The goals, scored by Stampede forward Artem Ivanyuzhenkov and defenseman Brandon Tabakin, were scored 1:12 apart.

Chicago forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine tied the game with his 15^th goal of the season, extending his point streak to eight games (7 goals, 2 assists).

Lee scored his second goal of the game, on the power play, to give the Stampede the lead at 6–5.

The Stampede found the back of the net two more times to extend their lead to 8–5. Forward Anthony Romano scored his 14^th of the season, moments before Lee finished off his hat trick with an empty net goal.

Steel forward Christian Sarlo scored his tenth goal of the season, assisted by Jim Dowd and Matthew Sutton, at the 19:57 mark of the game, giving the Stampede the 8–6 victory.

Chicago 5, Sioux City 3

Chicago would open the game on Saturday a little flat and found themselves trailing 2–0 after the first period. The Musketeers outshot the Steel 9–2 in the period.

After regrouping at the first intermission, Chicago cut the Sioux City lead in half when forward Travis Treloar scored his 13^th goal this season. The goal, assisted by forwards Cole Quisenberry and Robert Mastrosimone, was finished off on a nice breakaway goal by the Western Michigan commit.

Travis Treloar breakaway GOAL @ChicagoSteel pull within #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/KjVz4CzWD0

— USHL (@USHL) February 10, 2019

Sioux City extended their lead to 3–1 when winger Kevin Lombardi scored his sixth goal of the season. The goal would be the last one to beat Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst.

At the 14:39 mark of the third period, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine continued his hot scoring with his 16^th of the season, assisted by Nick Abruzzese and Neal Shea.

After two periods of play, Chicago was outshot 21–10 but held the momentum going into the second intermission.

Forward Neal Shea tied the score only 25 seconds into the third period. The goal, Shea’s 11^th on the season, was assisted by Fontaine and Abruzzese.

Chicago Blackhawk’s forward prospect Josiah Slavin gave Chicago the Steel their first lead of the game, 4–3, when he buried home a nice pass from Abruzzese, beating Sioux City goaltender Jake Sibell.

Perfect execution from the @ChicagoSteel finished off by Slavin #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/QlyOM1l23Z

— USHL (@USHL) February 10, 2019

Chicago finished off the scoring with an empty net goal, at the 18:57 mark, to give them the 5–3 victory. Forward Mathieau De St. Phalle found the empty net for his seventh goal of the season, assisted by defenseman Owen Power.

Chicago will look to extend its 13-game home win streak, on February 15, when Muskegon comes to town for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop for Military Appreciation/Hometown Heroes night. The Steel will then host Team USA U18 on Saturday, February 16, for a 7:05 p.m. contest. The first 500 fans will receive a collectible Steel snow globe.

TRADE ALERT FROM FEBRUARY 5
The Chicago Steel traded forward Adam Gajarsky, a 2019 Phase II 3rd round pick and a 2019 Phase I 9th round pick to the Fargo Force for a 2019 Phase I 2nd round pick and a 2019 Phase II 6th round pick.

https://twitter.com/ryanphardy/status/1094465188638720000

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Splits Sioux Road Trip appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel traveled to Plymouth, MI to take on Team USA U18, this past Friday, and lost a hard-fought contest 5–4. The loss snapped a seven-game win streak for Chicago. Newly acquired winger Josiah Slavin, a Chicago Blackhawks’ draft pick last season, scored twice to lead the Steel.

Team USA found the scoresheet first when forward Michael Gildon scored his seventh goal of the season. The Ohio State commit’s goals was assisted by defensemen Case McCarthy and Marshall Warren.

5⃣0⃣0⃣ goals later…@MichaelGildon does the honor: pic.twitter.com/iBmZsoulkX

— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) February 2, 2019

Just over a minute later, Chicago tied the game when Slavin tipped home a goal from a nice set up by Jimmy Dowd. Robert Mastrosimone set up the play with a nice cross-ice pass to Dowd. Slavin found himself in front of the net for the tip-in.

Josiah Slavin is on with his new team!@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/y6KnIdIX5a

— USHL (@USHL) February 2, 2019

At the 11:31 mark of the first period, Team USA took a 2–1 lead when forward Judd Caulfield scored his first goal of the season. Caulfield would not be done on the scoresheet, however. The North Dakota commit assisted on Danny Weight’s fifth goal of the season, midway through the second period, to give Team USA a 3 – 1 advantage.

Weight for it … @dannyweight extends Team USA's lead to 3-1 after a slap pass from Judd Caulfield!#NTDP |#USAvsCHI pic.twitter.com/DYoF8UVgRy

— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) February 2, 2019

Chicago scored at the 8:06 mark of the second period to cut the lead to one, when Neil Shea buried home his tenth goal of the season, from a nice pass by Mastrosimone.

Robert Mastrosimone makes it happen, even when tightly defended

Neil Shea finishes it off!@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/wXyq99ObyT

— USHL (@USHL) February 2, 2019

Weight would score his second of the night, sixth of the season, unassisted at the 12:13 mark of the period to extend the lead back to two for Team USA.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine responded with a pretty goal of his own, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Ville Rasanen and Jake Schmaltz. Fontaine has played excellent this season, so much so, the RPI commit should begin to receive more attention from NHL scouts.

https://twitter.com/ryanphardy/status/1091886643961884673

Chicago tied the game at the 1:07 mark in the third period when Slavin scored his second goal of the game, thirteenth of the season. The Steel would find some nice chances after the Slavin goal but could not put another goal on the board.

Team USA would strike last last, at the 8:46 mark, to take the 5–4 lead and hang on for the victory. The goal, scored by Boston University commit Alex Vlasic, was assisted by Alex Turcotte and Matthew Boldy.

Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst made 26 saves on the night. Even though this is not a team looking for moral victories, as the Steel are a legit contender for the Clark Cup, Chicago was a bounce away from taking a game from the Team USA U18 on the road.

Chicago 4, Youngstown 0

The Steel returned home on Saturday for a spirited contest with the Youngstown Phantoms. Chicago kept their cool as the Phantoms tried to play a physical game, which helped lead the home team to an impressive 4–0 game.

Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins stopped all 23 Phantom shots. The Quinnipiac commit was not tested early, as he faced on shot through the first half of the first period, but came up big when needed.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored first for the Steel, at the 6:53 mark of the first period, when the East Greenwich, RI native roofed a shot over the glove of Phantom’s goaltender Chad Veltri. The power play goal, assisted by Adam Robbins and John Spetz, gave Fontaine the first of two goals tonight.

Hard work by @ChicagoSteel in the corners leads to this beauty by Gunnarwolfe Fontaine! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/4bMIxRxD9N

— USHL (@USHL) February 3, 2019

Chicago scored less than a minute later when Owen Powers fired a shot past Veltri, scoring his fifth goal of the season. The hulking University of Michigan commit’s goal was assisted Cole Quisenberry and Luke Reid.

At the 3:06 mark of the second period, Chicago took a 3–0 lead on a pretty goal by Robert Mastrosimone. The goal gave Mastrosimone 17 goals on the season, and the #5 play on Sportscenter’s Top 10 Plays.

Here's #WeAreSteel forward Robert Mastrosimone (@rmastro9424) making @SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays at #5! pic.twitter.com/iFqlKY4vOE

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) February 3, 2019

Chicago added the final goal of the game in the third period when Fontaine scored on the power play, set up by Dowd.

The shutout victory moved the Steel record to 25–13–1–0 (51 points) and strengthened their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference over the Phantoms by nine points.

The Steel play both games this weekend, Feb 8 and Feb 9, on the road. Friday the Steel take on the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:05 p.m. then travel to Sioux City for a contest with the Musketeers at 7:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Splits Weekend, Led By Robbins Shutout of Phantoms appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel opened the weekend dominating the Fargo Force 8–2 at Fox Valley Arena. Newly acquired Chicago Blackhawks’ forward prospect Josiah Slavin scored his first goal as part of the Chicago Steel. The eight goals scored by Chicago was a season high.

Fargo scored first as forward Zach Faremouth gave the visitors the lead halfway through the opening frame. However, the lead would not last long, as Chicago would rip off the next six goals of the contest.

Opening the scoring for the Steel was forward Cole Quisenberry. The Brown University commit buried a wrist shot past Fargo goaltender Matthew Sankner. The goal, assisted by forward Matthew Sutton and defenseman John Spetz, was Quisenberry’s seventh goal of the season.

Less than a minute later, forward Robert Mastrosimone scored his fifteenth goal of the season, burying the puck past Sankner from a nice feed from center Adam Robbins. Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle would also assist on the play.

Never leave a alone in the slot… @ChicagoSteel lead #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/PfQpjHZ7tv

— USHL (@USHL) January 27, 2019

Chicago would take a 3–1 lead into the first intermission after Slavin scored his eleventh goal of the season, first in a Steel sweater. Forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine slid a nice pass over to Slavin for the goal. Defenseman Luke Reid also assisted on the goal.

Normally we don't approve of diving… but in this case, we'll allow it @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/TqBSb3e2Vt

— USHL (@USHL) January 27, 2019

Chicago was outshot in the first period 9 – 6, but buried half of their chances.

The second period would be much of the same, as the Steel poured in four goals on sixteen shots, taking a 7–2 lead into the second intermission.

Mastrosimone scored his second goal of the game to start the period. The goal, assisted by forward Nick Abruzesse and De St. Phalle came within the first minute of the period.

The Boston University commits goal brought a change in net for the Fargo Force. Sankner was pulled for Ryan Bischel.

The onslaught of goals continued when defenseman Matteo Pietroniro scored his USHL defensemen leading thirteenth goal of the season. The power play goal was assisted by Slavin and Abruzesse.

At the 10:00 mark of the period, forward Adam Gajarsky scored his first career USHL goal. The Kromeriz, CZE native fired a shot past the glove of Bischel. The goal gave Gajarsky three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in his last four games. Quisenberry assisted on the play.

Fargo would pull Bischel for Sankner, keeping the goalie carousel in motion.

With the score 6–1, Fargo got back on the scoresheet with a goal from forward Ben Meyers, giving him 25 goals on the season.

The Steel entered the third period with the 6–2 lead but would not be satisfied. Defenseman Owen Power scored his fourth goal of the season, at the 15:26 mark of the period. Assists on the goal were credited to forward Christian Sarlo and Jake Schmaltz.

Western Michigan commit Travis Treloar would finish off the scoring when he beat Sankner to give the Steel the 8–2 victory. The goal, assisted by Spetz, gave Treloar 11 goals on the season.

Steel goaltender Justin Robbins stopped 23 of the 25 shots faced in the game, improving his record to 16–8–1–0. The victory also gave Chicago their eleventh straight win at home.

Post-Game interview: Head Coach Greg Moore: CLICK HERE
Post-Game Interview: Josiah Slavin: CLICK HERE

Chicago 4, Fargo 2

The Steel would be right back in action the following day for a matinee game with the Fargo Force. With the 4–2 victory, Chicago would extend their overall win streak to seven games, while extending their home win streak to twelve games.

Chicago found the scoreboard first when Nick Abruzesse scored shorthanded. The Harvard University commit buried a nice pass from forward Robert Mastrosimone, after pulling Fargo goaltender Ryan Bischel out of his crease.

The makes it happen.

The finishes it off.

(@ChicagoSteel) #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/D9cpnqdH9i

— USHL (@USHL) January 27, 2019

The lead would not last long as the Force scored on the same penalty to tie the game at 1–1. Fargo would also take the lead late in the period, giving them the lead 2–1 with just over three minutes left in the first period.

Forward Travis Treloar tied the game, at the 18:42 mark of the first period, firing a shot past Bischel, for his fourteenth goal of the season. The goal, assisted by defensemen Luke Reid and Matteo Pietroniro, would lead the Steel into the intermission with the momentum.

Chicago scored the lone goal of the second period when Pietroniro beat Bishel. Forward Jake Schmaltz found Pietroniro, who fired a shot for his fourteenth goal of the season.

Matteo Pietroniro buries a great feed from Jake Schmaltz.

The @ChicagoSteel are back up by a goal. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/6HuThmj1lD

— USHL (@USHL) January 27, 2019

The tightly contested game would remain 3–2 until Chicago found the back of the net, at the 19:45 mark of the third period. Abruzesse scored his second of the game when forward Mathieu De St. Phalle found Abruzesse with a nice feed.

Chicago (24–12–1–0) was led again by Justin Robbins in net stopping 16 of the 18 shots faced.

Post-game Interview: Head Coach Greg Moore: CLICK HERE

On Friday, the Steel travel to Michigan to take on Team USA at 6:00 p.m. The Steel are back in action, at home, this Saturday, February 2, for Chicago Blackhawks Night when the Steel face off with the Youngstown Phantoms, at 7:05 p.m. Stanley Cup champion Brandon Bollig and mascot Tommy Hawk with make special guest appearances.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Sweeps Fargo, Extends Steak To Seven Games appeared first on The Rink.

The Boise, ID native registered five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the three games. The left-handed shooting defenseman also recorded a +6 rating over the week. With 14 goals this season, Pietroniro leads all USHL defensemen, trailing by one point for the overall lead with 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists).

The honor is the third for the Chicago Steel organization this season. Goaltender Reilly Herbst and center Nick Abruzesse both received honors for the first week of December. Abruzesse was named USHL forward of the Week, while Herbst garnered USHL Goalie of the Week.

USHL Defenseman of the Week Matteo Pietroniro (@ChicagoSteel) found the back of the net in all three of his games en route to a five-point week.https://t.co/EQo4JXMoxb #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Vj11tAtIPx

— USHL (@USHL) January 28, 2019

The post Pietroniro Named USHL Defenseman of the Week appeared first on The Rink.

Slavin, a 6’3″ 190 lbs. (primarily) left-wing, is a 2018 7th round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Entry Draft. He is also is the younger brother of former Steel and current Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin.  He has served at the Lincoln captain and is second on the team in scoring with 28 points (10G,18A) in 32 games.  During this summer’s Blackhawks development camp he turned quite a few heads, but is committed to Colorado College for next season.

Carrick, a 6’1′ 183 lbs Orland Park native, is the younger brother of another NHLer in defenseman Connor Carrick.  He has two goals in ten games this season for the Stars, and is committed to Penn State next season.

Lincoln will also receive the Steel’s 2019 Phase 2 2nd, 3rd, and 9th Round picks as well as a conditional 2020 Phase 1 3rd Round pick as well as future considerations. Chicago also receives Lincoln’s 2019 Phase 2 4th round pick as part of the trade.

The Steel return to the Fox Valley Ice Arena for a pair of weekend games against the defending Clark Cup Champion Fargo Force on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27. Saturday is Game of Thrones Night, celebrating the matchup between the last two Clark Cup Champions. It’s also a Raising Cane’s Kids Day with a $10 deal for kids that includes a Red Zone ticket, Steel drawstring backpack and free Raising Cane’s kids combo card. Sunday is a Steel Family Pack game on Trains, Trains, Trains day presented by Wausau Homes North Aurora. The Steel Family Pack includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and four chuck-a-pucks starting at just $48. The Steel Family Pack must be purchased in advance.

Tickets for all Steel home games are on sale now starting at just $10 and stadium seating on the glass is available for just $20. Parking is always free. The Steel offer discounted tickets for groups.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

The post Steel Trade For Blackhawks Prospect Slavin, Orland Park Native Carrick appeared first on The Rink.

Goaltender Justin Robbins stole the show for the Chicago Steel with his first shutout of the season, on Friday, against the Central Illinois Flying Aces. The Quinnipiac commit stopped all 30 shots he faced in backstopping the Steel to a 2 – 0 victory.

Chicago took the lead in the first period after forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine found the back of the net, on an unassisted goal, at the 5:40 mark of the period. The RPI commit, coming off a hat trick last weekend, now has nine goals on the season.

The Wolf Man strikes again! Gunnarwolfe Fontaine from the top of the circle @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/kn0WjpBrEC

— USHL (@USHL) January 19, 2019

The Steel would hold that lead until the 1:02 mark of the third period when forward Adam Robbins scored, on the power play, his tenth goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Travis Treloar and defenseman John Spetz, gave Chicago a 2 – 0 lead.

Chicago would hold off the Flying Aces the rest of the third period for the victory. The win extended Chicago’s winning streak to three games. The whitewashing gave Robbins his second career shutout in the USHL.

Chicago 5, Sioux City 1

Chicago would be right back in action the next night as the Sioux City Musketeers came to town for “Teddy Bear Toss” night. The Steel kept the crowd on edge waiting for their first goal until the second period, but would strike four times in the third period for the 5 – 1 victory.

Justin Robbins was back in net and played another stellar game. Robbins stopped 28-of-29 shots giving the veteran a .983 save percentage on the weekend.

Chicago struck first after forward Nick Abruzzese scored his fourteenth goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle gave the Steel a 1 – 0 lead, at the 14:38 mark of the second period. The goal brought a rain of teddy bears from the crowd of 1551 in attendance.

De St. Phalle with the gorgeous cross ice finds Abruzzese @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/BL6yABfygC

— USHL (@USHL) January 20, 2019

The score would remain 1 – 0 until the 2:38 mark of the third period when forward Travis Treloar scored on the power play. The Western Michigan commit’s goal, assisted by forward Adam Robbins and De St. Phalle, was his tenth of the season. The goal would end up being the game winner.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine would extend the lead to 3 – 0, again on the power play, when he buried a shot after a nice feed from forward Robert Mastrosimone. The goal was also assisted by Adam Robbins.

Gorgeous puck movement from Mastrosimone as he finds Gunnarwolfe Fontaine for the goal. @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/KZ6CRO28t2

— USHL (@USHL) January 20, 2019

Sioux City would finally crack the Robbin’s code for the first time on the weekend at the 12:11 mark of the third period. However, that would be all the Musketeers would muster.

An empty net goal by forward Cole Quisenberry extended the Chicago lead to 4 – 1. The goal gave the Brown University his sixth goal of the season.

Forward Josh Groll would finish off the scoring with :27 seconds left in the game for his fifth of the season.

Chicago extended their winning streak to four games before hitting the road to take on Team USA on MLK Day.

Chicago 4, Team USA 3

The Steel hit the road to play Team USA for a matinee game on Monday. After taking two games at home, the team was in good spirits for the trip.

https://twitter.com/ryanphardy/status/1087055184960851974

At the start of the contest, Team USA controlled much of the play. Chicago would surrender a goal at the 11:05 mark of the first period giving USA the 1 – 0 lead. The Steel were outshot 11 – 8 in the period and looked to regroup at the intermission.

Team USA would strike again when forward Luke Tuch scored on the power play. The goal, at the 4:01 mark of the second period, extended the USA lead to 2 – 0. However, Chicago would score four of the next five goals.

Forward Josh Groll got the Steel on the board with his sixth goal of the season. Groll’s goal, assisted by defenseman Luke Reid, shortened Team USA lead to 2 – 1.

IT'S GOOD Josh Groll rips one so hard off the bar that we needed a second look @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/m9j27v5P4l

— USHL (@USHL) January 21, 2019

Chicago continued to lead the attack against Team USA, forcing a lot of action in deep in the home team’s end. The consistent pressure would finally payoff when captain Matteo Pietroniro tied the score at the 19:17 mark of the second period. The defenseman put a nice shake-and-bake on the defender before firing a shot glove side.

The ole' fake and bake Matteo Pietroniro fakes the shot and snipes it home @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/PSnjvqYGfP

— USHL (@USHL) January 21, 2019

Team USA took back the lead on with a shorthanded goal at the 2:01 mark of the third period when forward Thomas Bordeleau beat Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst.

Chicago forward Robert Mastrosimone tied the game after finishing off a pretty feed from forward Nick Abruzesse. The assist moved Abruzzese into third place in the USHL scoring race with 44 points.

Who knew a and a could work so well together @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Z7kbMlKobl

— USHL (@USHL) January 21, 2019

The hard fought sixty minutes would not be enough for these two teams to settle the contest. In overtime, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine finished the game off for the Steel. Fontaine’s eleventh goal of the season, assisted by Adam Robbins, secured the 4 – 3 victory.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine just loves overtime goals! @ChicagoSteel win #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/G1m9OZDP6d

— USHL (@USHL) January 21, 2019

The Chicago Steel would take all six points on the extended weekend, moving their overall record to 22–12–1–0 and firmly into second place in the Eastern Conference in the USHL. The win also extended the Steel’s winning streak to five games.

https://twitter.com/ryanphardy/status/1087476935947628545

The Steel return home for a pair of weekend games on January 26 and. Saturday the defending Clark Cup Champion Fargo Force come to Fox Valley Arena on the “Game of Thrones Night,” which will celebrate the matchup between the past two Clark Cup Champions. The Steel will also support “Raising Cane’s Kids Day” as your $10 children’s admission will include a Red Zone ticket, Steel drawstring backpack and a free Raising Cane’s kid combo card. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. On Sunday, “Trains, Trains, Trains,” presented by Wausau Homes North Aurora will be the feature for the game, also against Fargo, at 3:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Sweeps Weekend, Extends Win Streak to Five appeared first on The Rink.

On December 28, Pietroniro became the all-time leader in goals for a Steel defenseman. With his nineteenth career goal, he surpassed current New Jersey Devils veteran defenseman John Moore and Kevin Roeder, who played four years at Miami University before joining the Cincinnati Cyclones for two seasons.

Matteo Pietroniro is as good of a captain as I’ve been around at any level. Our team does not function without his leadership. At the end of the season, some franchise is going to add a truly special player/person. #MenOfSteel https://t.co/z6mkXjgKIL

— Ryan Hardy (@ryanphardy) January 11, 2019

The 20-year old Steel captain and Boise, ID native sits at second amongst USHL defenseman in points. He has registered 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) placing him one point behind the league leader, and also leads the team in game-winning goals with four.  Pietroniro has shown invaluable leadership when it matters most this season after finishing last season as the Steel alternate captain. The second-year veteran also leads the Steel defenseman with 68 shots, placing him second on the team behind forward Neil Shea.

Hockey runs in the Pietroniro family

Matteo’s father, Marco, spent over 10 seasons playing professionally in both Europe and the United States, following a successful QMJHL career with the Trois-Rivières Draveurs.  After retiring in 2000-01, the elder Pietroniro jumped behind the bench in 2004-05 as head coach / general manager. Most recently, Marco was hired as the Manager of Hockey Operations at Bishop’s College in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Marco Pietroniro has been on hockey’s radar from as far back as 1986, when he began his QMJHL career with the Trois-Rivières Draveurs. He served as their captain the following two seasons and enjoyed a further 11-year professional career, playing in both European leagues and the WCHL. During his last year of play with the Idaho Steelheads of the WCHL, he also began coaching and founded a non-profit Youth Hockey program for young players from Atom to Midget. Since his retirement as a player, he has carved out an impressive coaching career throughout North America, in both league and national team capacities. Notable placements include a seven-year tenure as the President, GM, and Head Coach of the CHL’s Arizona Sundogs; Head Coach of Team Quebec’s 2015 Canada Games U16 team; and Head Coach of Team Canada’s U17 2015-2016 campaign. He has also coached in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), as Assistant Coach of the Val d’Or Foreurs (winning the President’s Cup in 2014) and Head Coach of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

Not only is his father deeply rooted in the world of international professional hockey but his brothers Massimo (16), Kris (18), Chad (22) and Phil (24) all play hockey at high levels. Massimo and Kris both play at Bishop’s College, under Marco, while Chad and Phil play in Italy for Asiago in the AlpsHL.  During his time in the QMJHL, Matteo played one season with his brother Chad for Baie-Comeau, and skated against his brother, Phil, during one season, as well.

His left-handed shot from the back end paced Baie-Comeau Drakkar for two seasons, after skating ten games for the Blainville-Boisbraind Armada in his first stint in the QMJHL.  In 2016, he left the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and took his game to the USHL with the Steel.

Matteo Pietroniro takes a knee and scores the insurance goal @ChicagoSteel lead by with under 2⃣ min left #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/tnCfwLhFqG

— USHL (@USHL) December 1, 2018

Following his first season in the USHL, the middle Pietroniro son was ranked one of the top 200 draft prospects in last summer’s 2018 NHL Entry Draft and projected to go in the 7th round.  No NHL teams took a chance on him last summer, but they can make up for that mistake this summer.

Pietroniro is not just a textbook offensive-minded defenseman.  He has shown that he has a responsible well-positioned game in his own end, as well, and his active stick skills might be his most notable on-ice attribute.  At 6’1” 185 pounds, Matteo does not shy away from mixing it up with bigger forwards around the net and in the corners, as displayed by his team leading 138 penalty minutes last season. He also lead the Steel this season with 88 penalty minutes.  He is no stranger to the occasional on-ice bout, either, with several fights on record.

As the Chicago Steel push for another Clark Cup, Pietrinoro’s veteran leadership will be invaluable for this young team’s success. They have the talent on offense with Mastrosimone and Nick Abruzzese, but they will need their captain will continue to lead by example night in and night out to make another deep playoff run.

Matteo Pietroniro cashes in from the the slot! @ChicagoSteel on the board first #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/8fwszVXOW7

— USHL (@USHL) December 29, 2018

The post Captain Matteo Pietroniro’s All-Around Game Leads Steel appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago held on for a  5 – 4 victory, in overtime, despite jumping out to a 4 – 0 lead against the Youngstown Phantoms, on Friday. The Steel were led by forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine who finished off the Phantom when he scored the overtime goal, giving him his first hat trick of the season.

Fontaine also started the scoring for the Steel. The RPI commit took a nice pass from forward Mathieu De St. Phalle at the side of the net and fired a shot past Phantom goaltender Christian Stoever. Center Jake Schmaltz also assisted on the play.

Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins would make a huge save late in the first period to keep the Steel in the lead.

Justin Robbins (@ChicagoSteel) slides from to to make a HUGE stop! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/0BGV76esse

— USHL (@USHL) January 12, 2019

Defenseman Owen Power would score at the 19:45 mark of the first period, on the power play, giving Chicago a 2 – 0 lead. Power’s shot beat Stoever blocker side for his third goal of the season. The goal gave both forward Nick Abruzzese and captain Matteo Pietroniro assist on the play.

The second period was a wild one, as both teams combined to score five goals. Chicago defenseman Casey Staum made the game 3 – 0 when he scored his second goal of the season. Staum fired a shot past Stoever blocker side from a nice pass by Fontaine.

Midway through the second period, Fontaine scored his second on the night, extending the Chicago lead to 4 – 0. Fontiane slipped a shot past Stoever five-hole.

The game would make a huge swing into Youngstown’s favor until Fontaine the rest of regulation. Phantom goaltender Stover would be replaced by Chad Veltri and the Phantom seemed to respond to the change.

After the change, Youngstown answered with three straight goals to cut the Steel lead to 4 – 3 with just under two minutes left in the second period. Chicago took that lead into the second intermission.

The only goal scored in the third period would come from Phantom forward Brett Murray when he tied the game, on the power play, after Chicago took an early period penalty.

In overtime, Robbins made a key save right before Fontaine finished off the game, at the 2:04 mark, giving the Steel the victory.

Come for the Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (@ChicagoSteel) hat trick and overtime winner.

Stay for the goal call. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/T44k03RwzU

— USHL (@USHL) January 12, 2019

Greg Moore post-game interview: CLICK HERE
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine post-game interview: CLICK HERE

CHICAGO 4, GREEN BAY 2

The Chicago Steel scored three unanswered goals in the third period, against the Green Bay Gamblers, resulting in a 4 – 2 victory at Fox Valley Arena. Center Nick Abruzzese registered three points (2 goals, 1 assist) to lead the Steel to the comeback.

Abruzzese got the Steel on the board, at the 7:15 mark in the first period, after he beat Green Bay goaltender Maksim Zukov. The goal gave the Harvard commit his twelfth goal on the season.

The Gamblers tied the score when forward Jackson Perbix beat Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins. However, Robbins would keep the score tied with a few fantastic saves toward the end of the first period.

Green Bay took the lead in the second period after forward Gleb Murtazin finished off a 2-on-1 opportunity, beating Robbins to make the score 2 – 1

The score would remain 2 – 1 until the 7:04 mark of the third period, when forward Robert Mastrosimone tied the game. After a tripping call against Green Bay, Mastrosimone beat Zukov for this thirteenth goal of the season, assisted by Abruzzese and defenseman Matteo Pietroniro.

This goal… it's Quacktastic Robert "Ducky" Mastrosimone on the give-and-go scores @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/6EMj9YrOXz

— USHL (@USHL) January 13, 2019

Less than two minutes later, Abruzzese scored to put the Steel up for good. The crafty forward gathered a rebound and beat Zukov five-hole.

An empty-net goal by Mathieu De St. Phalle gave the Steel a 4 – 2 victory and a sweep on the weekend. Robbins collected 26 saves, giving the Quinnipiac commit his 13^th victory of the season.

Chicago will once again be at home this weekend as the Steel take on the Central Illinois Flying Aces for the “Celebration of Girls Hockey” on Friday at 7:05 p.m. On Saturday, Chicago hosts the Sioux City Muskateers at 7:05 p.m, for the Teddy Bear Toss presented by Geneva Family Dental. Fans can bring as many new, unwrapped teddy bears to toss onto the ice when the Steel score their first goal of the game.

The post The Steel Deal: Fontaine, Abruzzese Lead Steel To Home Sweep appeared first on The Rink.

Robert Mastrosimone (@ChicagoSteel) right off the draw! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/wiFcYTxViL

— USHL (@USHL) January 9, 2019

Robert Mastrosimone (@ChicagoSteel) x2! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/2wZomkzZOp

— USHL (@USHL) January 9, 2019

Hear from Team East MVP Robert Mastrosimone (@ChicagoSteel) following his two-goal performance at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/mYPhhZevZo

— USHL (@USHL) January 9, 2019

Mastrosimone and his Chicago Steel (17–12–1–0) teammates will be back on the ice this weekend for back-to-back home games starting on Friday against the Youngstown Phantoms (14–12–0–3). Then on Saturday, the Green Bay Gamblers (11–15–3–1) roll into Fox Valley Ice Arena, both games start at 7:05 p.m.

Checkout the Chicago Steel weekend preview HERE

The post Mastrosimone Team East MVP at USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel dominated all facets of the game on Friday, at home, against the Madison Capitols resulting in a 7–1 victory. Chicago (17–11–1–0) extended their winning streak at home to six games.

At the 6:05 mark of the first period, forward Nick Abruzzese scored his ninth goal of the season. The power play goal, assisted by defenseman Owen Powers and forward Robert Mastrosimone, got the Steel off and running, even if the goal was the only tally of the period.

Chicago outshot Madison 15–2 in the period, showing the domination that the scoreboard had yet to show.

Mastrosimone made the game 2–0 only eight seconds into the second period. The Boston University commit fired a shot past the glove of Capitols’ goaltender Jospeh Lamoreaux. The goal, assisted by Neil Shea, gave Mastrosimone his twelfth of the year.

Less than six minutes later, Chicago extended their lead to 3–0 when Travis Treloar scored his ninth of the season. The Western Michigan commit took a pass from defenseman Casey Staum and buried a shot. Forward Christian Sarlo would also assist on the goal.

The Steel took a 4–0 lead into the intermission after forward Matthew Sutton scored his first career USHL goal. Sutton, playing in his fifth game of the season, tipped a shot from forward Josh Groll and beat Lamoreaux five-hole.

Chicago extended their lead to 5–0 when Christian Sarlo scored the Steel’s second power play goal of the game. Sarlo chipped in a rebound after a goalmouth scramble in front. Mastrosimone and defenseman Matteo Pietroniro assisted on the play.

The Capitols finally dented the scoresheet halfway through the third period. Forward Reid Pabich scored his first goal of the season, beating Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst over his left shoulder. The goal shortened the Steel lead to 5–1.

Groll would strike right back for the Steel with his fourth goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Ryan Doolin and defenseman John Spetz, extended the Steel lead back to five at 6–1.

The final score of the game would come less than two minutes later when Abruzesse scored his second of the game. Neal Shea also registered his second assist of the game on the play. The goal would finish off the scoring 7–1.

Chicago outshot the Capitols 39–23 for the game. Herbst, who played well all night, ended with 22 saves for the Steel.

Central Illinois 6, Chicago 4

The Steel (17–12–1–0) followed up their dominant performance with a tough loss on the road, in Bloomington, against the Central Illinois Flying Aces 6–4. The tightly fought contest saw a few lead changes through two periods until the Flying Aces would pull away in the third period.

Central Illinois took the lead at the 7:18 mark in the first period. Forward Trevor Janicke finished off a nice passing play from forwards Cal Kiefiuk and Philippe LaPointe.

Chicago would tie the game with 3.7 seconds left in the first period when forward Nick Abruzzesse finished off a two-on-one with forward Neil Shea. Abruzzesse’s goal was his eleventh of the season, giving him 37 points on the year, second in the USHL.

The Flying Aces took back the lead just over three minutes into the second period. Kiefuiuk found himself flying into the offensive zone and fired a laser past Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst, giving the home team the lead back at 2–1.

The Steel would tie the game when Christian Sarlo jammed home his own rebound, beating Central Illinois’ goaltender Mitchell Gibson. The goal gave Sarlo his ninth on the season.

The game did not see many shots in the first period as Central Illinois outshot the Steel 6–5.

Midway through the second period, Chicago took the lead after defenseman John Spetz tipped home a rebound from a shot from forward Josh Groll. The goal is Spetz’s fifth of the season.

The game would be tied right before the end of the period when forward Tate Singleton stole a pass and beat Herbst from a tough angle. The goal gave Singleton eleven goals on the season before scoring his twelfth only a few minutes into the third period.

That goal would be the game-winning score for the Flying Aces after it was deflected off of a Steel defenseman and into the back of the net, surprising Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst.

Less than two minutes later, the Flying Aces scored on the power play, extending the lead to 5–3. The tally gave Lapointe his sixth goal of the season.

Neil Shea scored his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Abruzesse and Matteo Pietroniro, tipping a shot past Gibson to cut the Flying Aces lead to 5 – 3.

Central Illinois would add an empty net goal when Kiefiuk giving the Flying Aces the 6 – 3 victory.

Chicago returns home for a pair of games this weekend. On Friday January 11, the Youngstown Phantoms come to the Fox Valley Ice Arena for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. The So Canada Night and Raising Cane’s Kid’s Day game offer kids 12 and younger a Red Zone ticket, Steel drawstring bag and a free Raising Cane’s kid’s combo card for just $10.

The Green Bay Gamblers will also skate at Fox Valley Ice Arena, on January 12, as the Steel celebrate the game with a Star Wars Night at 7:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Handles Madison, Drop Battle To Central Illinois appeared first on The Rink.

Central Illinois 6, Chicago 3

On December 28, Chicago traveled to Bloomington to take on the Central Flying Aces for the fourth time this year. The matchup would be the Flying Aces first victory against the Steel.

Chicago did light the lamp first. Defenseman Matteo Pietroniro scored as the Steel power play had just ended. The Boise, ID native received a nice pass from Nick Abruzzese and fired a shot past Mitchell Gibson, Flying Aces goaltender, giving the team captain his 10^th goal of the season. Robert Mastrosimone assisted on the goal.

Matteo Pietroniro cashes in from the the slot! @ChicagoSteel on the board first #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/8fwszVXOW7

— USHL (@USHL) December 29, 2018

With under six minutes to play in the first period, Flying Aces forward Lynden Breen fired a shot past the glove of Chicago’s goaltender, Justin Robbins, tying the score and ending the period 1 – 1. The goal gave the University of Maine commit his ninth goal on the year.

Lynden Breen lands this one in the back of the net! @ciflyingaces tie it! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/wo35qUScCN

— USHL (@USHL) December 29, 2018

The Flying Aces would score two goals in 17 seconds midway through the second period to take a commanding 3 – 1 lead. First, forward Phillippe Lapointe, his fifth goal on the season, would be followed up by forward Trevor Janicke after deflecting home a pass from forward Cal Kiefiuk.

Trevor Janicke with the redirect to put @ciflyingaces 2⃣ #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/pxJWbamZU3

— USHL (@USHL) December 29, 2018

In the third period, Chicago cut the lead to 3 – 2 after Abruzzese finished off a two-on-one break with forward Neil Shea. With the assist, Shea extended his point streak to four games (2 goals, 5 assists).

The Flying Aces would waste no time finding the back of the net again. The next two goals spanned 66 seconds and gave the home team a 5 – 2 lead. Goals from defenseman Stephen Halliday and forward Tate Singleton would end up being the quick backbreaker that Chicago could not overcome.

https://twitter.com/ciflyingaces/status/1078854051801034752

The Steel’s final goal came with 1:36 left to play when Shea scored on the power play. The Northeastern University commit slipped a nice pass to center Adam Robbins, whom flipped shot on net, then found Shea’s stick on the rebound.

An empty net goal by forward Chad Hillebrand would finish off the scoring and give Central Illinois the 6 – 3 victory.

Chicago Steel 6, Team USA  3

The following night, Chicago was back on home ice at Fox Valley Arena to take on Team USA U-17 in front of a season high 1,577 fans. The Steel would take a 1 – 0 lead into the third period, before an eight-goal frame saw the Steel on top 6 – 3.

Only nine seconds into the game, Chicago forward Neil Shea scored. A nice tic-tac-toe play, after center Nick Abruzzese won the opening draw, would find Shea on the left-wing slot before beating USA goaltender Drew Commessso. The goal extended Shea’s point streak to five games (3 assists, 5 goals) and extended Abruzesse’s point streak to four games (2 goals, 6 assists).

The rest of the first period and all of the second period generated chances for both teams but would not result in a goal. The pace of the first two periods would look like slow motion in comparison to the wild third period.

Early in the third, Shea scored his second of the evening, on the power play. Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle slid a pass to Shea, along the boards, who cut to the middle and ripped a shot past Commesso. The goal gave the Steel a 2 – 0 lead.

Team USA Luke Tuch scored, on the power play, to cut the steel lead to 2 – 1. The crafty forward fired a shot past Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins, who was screened with some traffic in front.

LUKE TUCH! The U17s get on the board at 3:14 of the third period to cut the Steel's lead in half. #USAvsCHI | #NTDP pic.twitter.com/yZSmVUKGKX

— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) December 30, 2018

Chicago extended their lead to 3 – 1 when Steel forward Christian Sarlo slammed a net front scramble behind Commesso. The goal gave the RPI commit seven goals on the season.

Steel defenseman John Spetz kept the goal party going with his fourth of the season. The New Jersey native fired a shot from the slot, on the power play, in which Commesso had no chance. The goal gave Chicago a commanding 4 – 1 lead, although the game was far from over.

Team USA cut the lead to two goals, again, when forward Daniyal Dzhaniyev scored only 57 seconds after Spetz’s goal. The goal was Dzhaniyev’s first on the season for Team USA.

Up 4 – 2, Chicago would score the next two goals. With just over six minutes to play in the game, Abruzzese scored a nice goal when he cut to the middle of the ice, used the defender a screen and fired the shot in to the back of the net. The Harvard commit goal was his eight of the season.

Abruzzese makes it look easy @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/f6WiYJlyn3

— USHL (@USHL) December 30, 2018

The second goal came off the stick of defenseman Matteo Pietroniro, his eleventh goal on the year, which was followed up by forward Thomas Bordeleau for Team USA, which saw the Steel lead cut to 6 – 3.

After the wild third period, the victory gave Chicago a five-game home winning streak. Goaltender Justin Robbins, who stopped 28 shots, would register his eleventh win on the season.

Muskegon 2, Chicago 0

Chicago found themselves in Muskegon, two days later, for a New Year’s Eve matchup with the USHL leading Lumberjacks. An excellent goaltending affair would find Chicago on the wrong side of a 2 – 0 game, however.

Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst stopped 27 shots, while Lumberjack goalie Brandon Bussi stopped all 28 shots he faced, giving him six shutouts on the season. Those six shutouts are more than double the next closest goaltender in the USHL.

The score would remain tied until halfway through the second period, when Muskegon forward Egor Afanasyev found the scoresheet. The Russian found his way to the slot where he fired a wrist shot past Herbst, blocker side.

The goal drought would continue until Muskegon’s insurance goal, with an empty net, with just over a minute to play in the contest. Lumberjack forward Nolan Sullivan scored the goal, giving the Nebraska-Omaha commit his thirteenth goal for the season.

The 2 – 0 loss to Muskegon would be the second time Chicago was blanked by the Lumberjacks, having lost 6 – 0 on October 13.

The Steel play next this Friday, January 4 at the Fox Valley Ice Arena when the Madison Capitols travel south for a 7:05 p.m. faceoff. The Steel will be celebrating a Hip Hop and Hockey Night.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats USA, Drops Two On Road appeared first on The Rink.

Steel forward Robert Mastrosimone will participate on Team East for the event, which starts January 7 before the game the following day. The Boston University commit currently leads the Steel in goals (11) while maintaining a point-per-game pace through seventeen games.

Click 2019 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Roster for all USHL players participating in the event.

The Steel return to the ice December 28 against the Central Illinois Flying Aces in Bloomington. The next home game is the following night, December 29, as Team USA U-17 will be at Fox Valley Ice Arena for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. The first 500 fans will receive a Jurassic Rusty Bobblehead Doll. Fans will also have the opportunity to “Skate with the Steel” after the game.

#WeAreSteel Head Coach @MooreHkyIQ named an Assistant Coach for Team East at the @USHL/@NHL Top Prospects Game in January.
RELEASE: https://t.co/nLqZKU0gdm pic.twitter.com/xHMuEjH4Yr

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) December 20, 2018

The post The Steel Deal: Moore and Mastrosimone to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game appeared first on The Rink.

This past weekend, Chicago took the road winning two-of-three games against the Youngstown Phantoms. The two victories raised the Steel into second place in the Eastern Conference (15 – 9 – 1 – 0) of the USHL.

Youngstown took down the Steel in game one, at the Covelli Centre, 6 – 5. The Phantoms scored three goals in a span of 3:04 in the third period to overcome a two-goal deficit and put the Steel away.

Early in the first period, forward Mathieu De St. Phalee opened the scoring for Chicago in the first period. The Wisconsin commit buried a pass from forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine. Phantom goaltender Christian Stoever could not stop the forehand-backhand move by De St. Phalee.

Mathieu De St. Phalle breaking down the middle and scores @ChicagoSteel first on the scoreboard #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/9FaBLdbl69

— USHL (@USHL) December 15, 2018

The game would become tied after the Phantoms tallied on the power play. Forward Connor MacEachern’s goal came off a nice blocked shot, but found forward Brett Murray’s stick, who dished a pass to MacEachern for the goal.

With the game tied at 1 – 1 after the first period, the second period would start off like gangbusters.

De St. Phalle scored his second of the game, just :22 into the period, when Phantom forward lost control of the puck and slid one past Stoever. De St. Phalle was the last Steel to touch the puck, awarding him the goal. Fontaine and defenseman Mateo Pietroniro assisted on the misplay.

Just under three minutes later, Pietroniro put the Steel up 3 – 1. The captain found himself between the dots and ripped a wrist shot, five-hole, past Stoever.

Check out @ChicagoSteel defenseman and captain @matteo_piet scoring a pretty silky goal. #SteelDeal #WeAreSteel @HockeyNapsak pic.twitter.com/68nExaHCuS

— Puckin Hostile (@PuckinHostile.bsky.social) (@PuckinHostile) December 17, 2018

The lead would not last long for Chicago. Youngstown defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro and forward Ben Schoen would score 35 seconds apart, tying the game at 3 – 3.

Chicago would retake the lead when defenseman John Spetz found the back of the net, finishing off a five-on-three power play. The power play goal was Chicago’s such goal in four games. A nice give-and-go with forward Travis Treloar gave Spetz enough time to one-time a blast past Stoever and Chicago a 4 – 3 advantage.

John Spetz rockets on top shelf to put @ChicagoSteel back on #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/JXDSC12BXQ

— USHL (@USHL) December 15, 2018

Another Steel goal would extend their lead back to two goals, 5 – 3. Center Adam Robbins scored on a no-look pass from forward Neil Shea, adding another power play score.

The wheels would then fall off for Chicago. Youngstown rallied with three goals in just more than three minutes. Murray found the net twice, while forward Craig Needham once. Youngstown would take the lead 6 – 5 and Chicago did not have an answer late.

Chicago 7, Youngstown 2

Chicago would waste no time evening the series up on Saturday. Seven different players scored goals for the Steel, giving the visitors a 7 – 2 victory.

The scoring would start with Youngstown taking a 1 – 0 lead after forward Brett Murphy scored his third goal on the weekend, and sixth goal in five games. The power play goal came just over five minutes into the contest.

Chicago would then score the next five goals, started by center Nick Abruzzese, after a nice give-and-go with forward Neil Shea, only 62 seconds after the Phantoms took the lead.

Nick Abruzzese on the one timer! @ChicagoSteel tie things at #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/lAv25BjhYG

— USHL (@USHL) December 16, 2018

Next, forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine fired a wrist shot by Phantom goalie Jon Mohr, giving Fontaine his fifth goal in as many games, giving Chicago a 2 – 1 lead.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine sends this puck howlin' into the net! @ChicagoSteel take the lead #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/M5J0pPb2rw

— USHL (@USHL) December 16, 2018

Taking a 2-1 lead into intermission, Chicago came out with three goals in the first six minutes of the second period. The first goal came from left wing Josh Groll. The goal, assisted by center Cole Quisenberry and defenseman Jim Dowd, was Groll’s third on the season.

Forward Travis Treloar would extend the lead to 4 – 1, only 2:25 after Groll’s goal, flipping a shot past the glove of goaltender Mor. Abruzzese would assist on the play.

"Nobody can drag me down" Travis Treloar scores while falling down @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/rVPe6nWCa1

— USHL (@USHL) December 16, 2018

The Steel made it 5 – 1 when center Adam Robbins, on the power play, fired a one-timer past Mor, following a nice feed from Treloar.

Youngstown would change goalies, sending Gor to the bench in favor of Friday night’s winning goaltender, Christian Stoever. The goalie change appeared to spark the Phantoms, resulting in a quick score.

Just over a minute after the change, Youngstown cut the lead to 5 – 2, after forward Trevor Kuntar fired a shot past Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst. However, this would be the last time the Phantoms would dent the scoreboard.

The goal would not faze the Steel, as Chicago would score the last two goals of the game. Defenseman Owen Power finished off a nice pass from Abruzzese, giving the Steel a 6 – 2 lead. Minutes later, Shea scored on the power play.

With the 7 – 2 victory, Chicago set themselves up to win the weekend series.

Chicago 4, Youngstown 3

Not only did the victory on Sunday gave Chicago the weekend series win, but also extended their excellent play to eleven wins in thirteen games, right before the holiday break.

Youngstown would storm out to a 2 – 0 lead in the first period. The first goal, on the power play, scored by Liam Robertson, was followed by another goal, from John Larkin. The deficit would not be too much for the Steel to overcome.

With under a minute in the first period, forward Mathieu De St. Phalle finished off a nice feed from center Adam Robbins. De St. Phalle beat Phantom goalie Christian Stoever, playing in his third straight game of the weekend.

Mathieu De St. Phalle on a saucy feed from Adam Robbins @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/i9ivEPI0Bg

— USHL (@USHL) December 16, 2018

The Steel would find themselves down two goals, again, after Brett Murray fired a shot past Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst, giving the Phantom a 3 – 1 lead.

Only 36 seconds later, forward Christian Sarlo slipped a rebound past Stoever, assisted by forward Neil Shea, after firing a one-timer on net, cutting the lead to 3 – 2.

Forward Ryan Doolin would tie the game at the 13:52 mark of the second period. The forward tipped home a pass from De St. Phalle. The goal tied the game at 3 – 3.

A third unanswered goal gave Chicago a 4 – 3 lead. Robbin’s power play goal, with 3:43 left in the second period, found the back of the net after after defenseman John Spetz fired a shot from the point, initially stopped by Stoever, but Robbins would not be denied on the rebound attempt.

The Phantom would have one last power play, their ninth of the game, but could not tie the game, even after pulling Stoever to make the advantage 6-on-4.

Youngstown outshot the Steel 26-21 but Chicago took the victory 4 – 3.

Chicago will be back in home on December 29 when they battle the Team USA U-17 at 7:05pm puck drop. The first 500 fans will receive a Jurassic Rusty Bobblehead Doll. Stick around after the game to Skate with the Steel on Fox Valley Ice Arena’s home ice.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Wins Weekend Series in Youngstown appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago entered the weekend on an eight-game winning streak but would have to settle for a split this past weekend. Des Moines took Friday night’s game 3 – 1, while Chicago would bounce back against Omaha 2 – 1 on Saturday.

In Des Moines, the Buccaneers would open the scoring with 4:13 left to play in the first period. Forward Reed Lebster pounded home a rebound, given up by Chicago goalie Justin Robbins, and slipped it past the veteran netminder.

The score would remain 1 – 0 at the end of both the first and second periods, respectively. Buccaneers goaltender Roman Durny and Robbins exchanged excellent saves to keep the score close.

Des Moines would take a 2 – 0 lead, 3:51 into the third period, when forward Rylee St. Onge found the five-hole of Robbins. The goal, assisted by forward Mac Welsher, was scored after a nice feed from Welsher to St. Onge.

After not scoring on a five-on-three power play, Chicago would finally find the back of the net during a four-on-four. Forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine found the puck on his stick after a goal-mouth scramble and slipped one past Durny. The goal, with 6:34 left to play, cut the Buccaneer lead in half, 2 – 1.

Center Nick Abruzzese would assist on the Fontaine goal, extending his point streak to seven games (3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points).

Chicago would pull Robbins for the extra attacker, with 1:30 left in the game, but could not even the score, even after sustained pressure on Des Moines. Defenseman Mattio Pietroniro had an excellent chance and hit the goal post with :30 to play, but could not tie the game.

Reed Lebster would score his second of the night, an empty net goal for the Buccaneers, with less than a second to play, giving Des Moines the 3 – 1 victory.

Chicago would not have to wait long to start another winning streak.

Chicago 2, Omaha 1

Chicago goaltender Reilly Herbst, finding himself playing the backend of the back-to-back, would help the Steel with a 26-save performance get back on the winning side.

Christian Sarlo opened the scoring, his fifth goal of the season, at the 5:42 mark. Forward Nick Abruzzese and defenseman Matteo Pietriniro assisted on the goal.

The Steel would take a 2 – 0 lead, 3:42 into the second period, when forward Mathieu De St. Phalle slipped one past Omaha goaltender Akira Schmid. The Wisconsin commit found himself in front of Schmid, with Jake Schmaltz, and trickled an attempt across the goal line.

Herbst and Schmid exchanged excellent saves, keeping the game 2 – 0 until late in the third when Omaha finally found the scoresheet.

Ryan Savage beat Herbst, redirecting a shot from the point, cutting the lead to 2 – 1. However, the Lancers could not solve the Steel defense with a few attempts to tie the game.

Chicago walked away with a 2 – 1 win, their ninth in ten games.

The Steel play a three-game weekend series as the team travels to Youngstown for games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Splits Weekend appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel extended their winning streak to eight games after defeating the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders 3–2 at home. The win gives Chicago a 12–7–1–0 record on the season (25 points).

Midway through the first period, Cedar Rapids jumped on the board after finding some puck luck. A point shot ricocheted off the end boards and ended up on RoughRider forward Ethan Wolthers stick. Wohlers buried it home for the lead, which would hold on for the rest of the period.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine would tie the game with a one-timer from Jake Schmaltz. The shorthanded goal, with 4:39 left in the second period, gave Fontaine his first career USHL goal.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine finishes off the shorthanded 2-on-1 with a #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/apnx5D1uyU

— USHL (@USHL) December 5, 2018

Less than two minutes later, RoughRider defenseman Will Zmolek fired a slap shot past goaltender Justin Robbins. The goal would give Cedar Rapids the lead, again, as the horn sounded 2–1.

Less than one minute into the third period, Fontaine would even the score again. An initial shot by defenseman John Spatz, stopped by RoughRider goaltender Troy Kobryn, found the stick of Fontaine in the slot, who wasted no time finding the back of the net. The goal gave Fontaine his second of the evening, which was the quick strike Chicago needed.

At the 5:44 mark of the period, the Steel took the lead as captain Matteo Pietroniro wristed a shot past Kobryn. The unassisted goal gave the Boise, ID native his seventh of the season, second amongst defenseman in the USHL.

The RoughRiders would not crack the Chicago defense the rest of the period. The final horn sounded and Chicago held on for a 3–2 win.

Robbins would finish the game stopping 26 of 28 shots for the game. The Quinnipiac University commit has now won six straight starts, moving his record to 10–5–0 on the season.

Post-game interview with Greg Moore

Post Game Interview: Greg Moore December 4, 2018 https://t.co/MjODSFVNen via @YouTube

— Ray Napientek (@NapsakRay) December 5, 2018

Post-game interview with Gunnarwolfe Fontaine

Post Game Interview: Gunnarwolfe Fontaine December 4, 2018 https://t.co/kYBaXauWrS via @YouTube

— Ray Napientek (@NapsakRay) December 5, 2018

Up next, the Steel travel to Des Moines to take on the Buccaneers, December 7, before returning home on Saturday to face the Omaha Lancers. After the Dec. 8 game, fans will be invited to Skate with the Steel.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats Cedar Rapids 3-2, Win Eight-Straight appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Steel 5, Central Illinois Fighting Aces 4

The Chicago Steel hosted the Central Illinois Fighting Aces, Friday, for their Crazy Hat event to benefit Benefit Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. Each player wore a unique custom painted helmet that was auctioned off to help raise over $3000 to help buy art supplies for the foundation.

During the contest, the Steel out shot the Central Illinois team 43-20 and eventually won 5-4. Captain and defenseman Matteo Pietroniro scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal with five minutes remaining in regulation to give his team an important two points and bring them within three standings points of the second place Aces.

Matteo Pietroniro takes a knee and scores the insurance goal @ChicagoSteel lead by with under 2⃣ min left #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/tnCfwLhFqG

— USHL (@USHL) December 1, 2018

Alternate captain Nick Abruzzese led the Steel with two points on the night, while Aces leading scorer Trevor Janicke and Ryan Seidem each had two points a piece.

With his two points Abruzzese took over the team lead in scoring, from Robert Mastrosimone, at 18 points.

Chicago Steel 5, Central Illinois Fighting Aces 1

The Steel took the back-end of their weekend home-and-home series to Grossinger Motors Arena for a Saturday night grudge match with the Central Illinois Fighting Aces. Unlike the game the night before, the Steel jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first period that they would never relinquish.

Five different Steel players scored and goalie Reilly Herbst saved 20 of 21 shots in this statement road game. Steel goals were from Jake Schmaltz, John Spetz, Nick Abruzzese, Mathieu De St. Phalle, and Christian Sarlo. Abruzzese led the Steel with three total points (1G,2A) for the night.

This goal. It’s reallll nice Mathieu De St. Phalle scores on a pretty passing play and the @ChicagoSteel lead by 3⃣ #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/TrVF7sHOpC

— USHL (@USHL) December 2, 2018

The lone Flying Aces goal came 21 seconds into the second period by Jeremy Davidson from Chase Foley and Trevor Janicke, but the Steel added a fourth goal five minutes later to put the game well out of reach.

As a result, the third period turned into a chippy, fight filled event. Chicago’s Josh Groll and Central Illinois’ Benito Posa were each given five-minute fighting majors, and ten-minute game misconducts for a “Staged Fight.” Later, Aces forward Chad Hillebrand was given two-minutes for a high stick and a ten-minute game misconduct.

The Steel return to the Fox Valley Ice Arena for a rare Tuesday (12/4) game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, then head to Des Moines to face the Buccaneers on Saturday (12/7), and finally head back home to face the Omaha Lancers on Sunday (12/8). Next Saturday’s game is Rusty’s Birthday Party featuring a Mascot Hockey Game during intermission. After the game, fans are invited to Skate with the Steel. Puck drop is 7:05PM for all three games.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Takes Two Games From Flying Aces appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Chicago fell behind quickly when Cedar Rapids scored just over a minute into the game. However, this would be all the RoughRiders would manage on the score sheet. Chicago turned the table with three goals of their own, ending in a 3 – 1 victory at Fox Valley Arena.

Christian Sarlo put the Steel on the board with just over four minutes to play in the first period. The RPI commit extended his goal streak to three games with the marker, a simple shot through traffic that found its way to the back of the net.

In the second period, Chicago scored twice to extend their lead, which would turn out all they would need. Winger Ryan Shea whacked home his own rebound, at the 2:03 mark, which found its way past Cedar Rapid’s goaltender Troy Kobryn. Shea’s goal extended his point streak to three games.

Two minutes later, Travis Treloar extended the lead his point streak to five games after burying one past Kobryn. The Western Michigan commit was the recipient of a nice play started by center Adam Robbins and defenseman John Spatz.

There would be no scoring in the third period. Chicago would take the 3 – 1 victory. Head coach Greg Moore liked his teams effort, video courtesy of the Chicago Steel.

Post Game Interview: Greg Moore November 23, 2018 Chicago Steel https://t.co/cWEX5MKO93 via @YouTube

— Ray Napientek (@NapsakRay) November 26, 2018

The Steel would head south to Bloomington, IL to take on the Central Illinois Flying Aces on Saturday. The hard fought battle would end in a 4 – 2 victory for the Steel, capped off by a two-goal third period.

Flying Aces forward Tate Singleton scored just over one minute into the game, on the first shot for the Aces, and gave the home team the early lead. Chicago had now fallen behind early in both games on the weekend.

Steel left wing Robert Mastrosimone would tie the game at 1 – 1 on a goal assisted by Owen Power. The assist would be Power’s first of his USHL career.

Less than two minutes later, the Flying Aces would regain the lead and enter the first intermission ahead 2 – 1.

However, that would be all Steel goaltender Justin Robbins would allow. The third-year Steel veteran would turn aside the next 25 shots he would face, giving him his second victory on the weekend.

A pair of power play goals from defensemen Uula Ruikka and Matteo Pietroniro gave Chicago the lead. Ruikka’s goal, in the second period, found the back of the net with a shot from the point. Pietroniro’s goal, early in the third period, beat the Flying Aces goaltender glove side, giving the Steel their first lead of the game.

Mastrosimone scored his second goal of the night after picking up a nice pass from center Adam Robbins and firing a nice shot, giving the Steel the insurance goal with just over two minutes in the game.

The Steel held on for the 4 – 2 and extended their winning streak to five games.

WHAT’S NEXT – Central Illinois Flying Aces at Chicago Steel on November 30th – CRAZY HAT NIGHT

The Chicago Steel return home for Crazy Hat Night presented by School of Art. The special helmet auction will benefit the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. The Steel will be wearing the individually designed helmets from local students and artists. Each helmet will be auctioned through a silent auction during the game. All proceeds will be given to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.

This Friday night the Steel will become the first team in hockey history to wear individually designed helmets to be auctioned off to support kids battling cancer! It’s Crazy Hat Night presented by School of Art to support the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. pic.twitter.com/kVbiPVvn2w

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 25, 2018

The post The Steel Deal: Steel Extend Winning Streak to Five appeared first on The Rink.

The custom designed helmets are in for our Crazy Hat Night game November 30, presented by @SchoolofArtChi. You’ll be able to bid on these exact helmets the Steel will wear during the game, with proceeds going to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation! #WeAreSteel pic.twitter.com/CCp0J7Waus

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) November 20, 2018

The Steel will become the first known team at any level of organized hockey to take the ice wearing 25 different individually painted helmets. The unique helmets were painted by local amateur artists as a tribute to children and young adults fighting cancer. Following the game each helmet will be auctioned off to raise money for the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.

The local artists include area elementary schools, Cub Scouts, and nonprofit organizations, whom were invited to paint the team helmets with the goal of showcasing the fighting spirit of children and young adults battling cancer.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of many innovative sports promotions, but I’ve never been a part of something like this that combines art and sport to raise money for charity in such a grassroots way,” said Dan Lehv, President of the Chicago Steel. “We believe this to be a first in hockey history, but it’s being able to contribute to a great cause that has excited our players and staff.”

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope provides an opportunity for young cancer patients to explore their interests in music and visual arts, and helps provide art supplies to cancer patients. More information regarding the foundation can be found at: https://www.alyssaalvinfoundationforhope.org

To purchase tickets by November 29, 2018 go to:
https://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com
or
https://www.steelgroups.com and enter the password “Alyssa“.

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When you’re a college hockey program in Minnesota, you generally don’t have to look too far to find your incoming freshman class.  The St. Cloud State Huskies are the top-ranked team in the country and the roster is full of elite NHL prospects and college players.  If you look up and down their lineup, most players hail from Minnesota, Canada, or Europe.  But not all.

Freshman Kevin Fitzgerald is from Hinsdale Illinois.  He played his AAA hockey with the Chicago Steel who he won the championship with in 2013.  Fitzgerald also played hockey at Hinsdale Central High School until he joined the North American Hockey League in 2014.  He played with the Topeka Roadrunners, Vermont Lumberjacks of the EHL, and most recently with the Aberdeen Wings.  Last year with the Wings, Fitzgerald was almost a point-per-game player.  In 60 games, Fitzgerald scored 22 goals and 37 assists.

This year, Fitzgerald is in his freshman year at St. Cloud State and his success at the NAHL level seems to be translating to the college game.  In seven games, Fitzgerald has two goals and three assists.  He currently plays on a line with Los Angeles Kings prospect Mikey Eyssimont and Montreal Candiens prospect Ryan Poehling.

#1 St. Cloud State men’s hockey drops 4-2 decision at #3 Denver https://t.co/xKWZoAYFhT

— SCSU HUSKIES (@SCSUHUSKIES) November 11, 2017

Friday night, the St. Cloud State Huskies fell to the University of Denver Pioneers 2-4 in a game featuring two of the country’s top college hockey teams.  The-Rink caught up with Fitzgerald after the game to talk about his experiences at college and his Illinois roots.

Photo courtesy of NAHL.com

Interview with Kevin Fitzgerald of the St. Cloud State Huskies

Talk about tonight’s game against the University of Denver and what adjustments you guys need to make for tomorrow night.

Denver is a good team obviously, but I feel like our start needs to be better.  We talked about it in the locker room.  We just have to come out with fire and make it hard for them.  We have to out-work them tomorrow.

What do you think has made the Huskies so successful this season considering this is just your first loss after going 7-0?

It’s definitely our leadership.  We’ve got guys showing new guys like myself, the freshmen, how to do things.  I also feel like our skill and our depth make us a threat when we work hard and create plays. 

How did you decide to play your college hockey at St. Cloud State and what has your experience been like so far?

First off, my experience has been unbelievable.  I knew it was going to be a great time when I committed here, but I could never imagine something like this.  The guys are incredible.  Everybody from the staff to the teachers.  St. Cloud State is a great place to be.  What attracted me to it was obviously their hockey program, it speaks for itself.  Also the tradition of the team having been so good for so long.  When I got the call from coach Motzko I was ecstatic.

Growing up in Illinois, you had success at the amateur level when you won a USHL championship with the Chicago Steel in 2013.  If a school like the University of Illinois or Northwestern University had a D1 hockey program, would you have considered it?  

I mean, yeah.  I know Nick Fabbrini really well, he’s the head coach at the University of Illinois.  He spoke to me about “feasibility reports” of adding a D1 team and it looks like it may be in the works.  It would be good for Chicago kids.  There a lot of hockey in Chicago and a lot of good players.  I feel like giving them a place to go would be really awesome.  I’ve known Nick for a while, he’s a good coach that loves the game.  I think that would be a good spot for kids.

Last question:  Bears/Packers on Sunday, who do you got?

C’mon, Bears.  Trubisky’s elite. 

NEXT:  SHAKE UP TIME FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

The post NCAA: Away At College, Hinsdale-Native Kevin Fitzgerald Loving Every Minute of It appeared first on The Rink.