Sell Out Crowd, But Tough Weekend for the Steel

This weekend, the Chicago Steel had three games in three days.

On Friday, Jan. 18, the Dubuque Fighting Saints welcomed the Chicago Steel to the Mystique Ice Center in Dubuque, Iowa. After coming off a 1-2-0 weekend, the Steel were ready to gain back some points. The game started out strong with Alex Sakellaropoulos in net for Chicago and Connor Girard in net for Dubuque.

At the 13 minute mark into the first, both teams were going strong. Then in a matter of six minutes, Dubuque was able to light up the net four times, making the score 4-0 by the end of the first. Dubuque’s goals were scored by Peter Quenneville, Brandon Carlson, Keegan Ford, and Mike Szmatula.

In the third, Chicago was fighting to break the shutout Dubuque had over them. Finally, with 1:20 left on the clock, Sam Piazza netted his first goal of the season, making the final score 4-1. Christian Neuman, registered his eighth assist of the season.

While Dubuque outshot the Steel 27-17, Alex Sakellaropoulos had 23 saves during regulation.

 On Saturday, Jan. 19, the Chicago Steel welcomed the Green Bay Gamblers to a sold out crowd, at the Edge Ice Arena, in Bensenville, Ill.

Trying to put Friday’s game behind them, the Steel came out ready to face their long time rivals. In the first, the Green Bay Gamblers dominated the period by scoring four goals in a matter of 10 minutes. Green Bay’s goals were scored by Alex Kile, Nicholas Schilkey, Ben Greiner, and Kevin Irwin.

In the second, Green Bay came out strong when forward Kyle Novak lit up the lamp only two minutes into the second. Down by five, the Steel knew it was time to get back into the game. Thomas Ebbing answered the call when he light up the back of the net, on a power play goal, six minutes into the second. However, only 50 seconds later Green Bay’s Ben Greiner scored his second goal of the game, making the score 6-1. Chicago didn’t give up. Thirteen minutes into the second, Charlie O’Connor scored a power play goal, lessoning the lead between Chicago and Green Bay. Then two minutes later, Alex Roos, lit up the lamp, by scoring his 14th goal of the season. Green Bay struck back though, only 45 seconds later when Barrett Kaib furthered the lead between the two teams. Chicago, once again fought back, with a second power play goal from O’Connor, making the ending score 7-4.

Knowing that it was still anyone’s game, and only trailing by three, the Steel came out ready to show Green Bay what they were made of. Unfortunately, Green Bay clinched the win, when Matthew Weis and Jordan Gross scored, making the final score 9-4.

Charlie O’Connor, Ray Pigozzi, Thomas Ebbing, and Jaccob Slavin all registered assists.

The Steel outshot the Gamblers 44-31. Alex Sakellaropoulos and Chris Nell had a total of 22 saves during regulation.

 Finally, on Sunday, Jan. 20, Team USA U-18 welcomed the Chicago Steel to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. After coming off two losses, the Steel were ready to record a win.

USA came out strong in the first scoring two unanswered goals against Chris Nell. Goals were scored by Kevin Labanc and Tyler Motte. However, Biagio Lerario came back 48 seconds later and netted a shot to make the score 2-1, at the end of the first.

In the second, USA’s Tyler Motte, scored his second goal of the game, only 11 minutes into the period. Less than four minutes later Nolan Valleau scored his first goal with the Steel, ending the period with the Steel only down by one.

The third was a back and forth game, with neither team scoring until the last second of the game. Chicago pulled Nell, to try and tie up the game, but J.T. Compher scored an empty netter, clinching the win for USA.

Christian Neumann and Jeff Kubiak both registered assists during the game, and Chris Nell had a total of 43 saves during the contest.

This weekend the Chicago Steel are home. On Sunday, January 27th, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, IL. Game time is set for 3pm. Following the game, fans can go on the ice and take shots with the Steel players. Tickets for Shoot with the Steel are $3! 

Have a great day Steel fans, and we hope to see you Sunday!!