Ending A Win With The Harlem Shake!!

Happy Thursday Steel Fans! We hope that you were able to catch the amazing win, the boys had last night against Indiana. If you were unable to attend, here is a the recap of the game...

Alex Sakellaropoulos recorded his fourth win of the season on Wednesday evening as the Steel downed the Indiana Ice 5-3 at the Edge Ice Arena.

The Steel came out strong and determined to gain a win against Indiana after losing to them on Sunday. Danny Fetzer was the first one to light up the lamp when he scored two minutes into the first from a pass by Woody Hudson. Landon Smith followed up six minutes later when he scored putting the Steel ahead by two. Indiana fired back 20 seconds later when Tyler Pham scored, lessening the distance between the two teams. Indiana’s Jason Salvaggio kept Indiana’s momentum strong when he netted a shot three minutes later, ending the period 2 all.

Chicago, once again, was the first to capitalize in the second when Patrick Polino netted a shot 2:15 into the period. Chicago’s lead was short lived however, when Pham scored his second goal of the night only 30 seconds later. By the end of the second the score was 3-3.

Going into the third, Chicago kept their streak alive when Thomas Ebbing capitalized on a power play, scoring his tenth power play goal of the season. Indiana tried to capitalize on any chance they got, however they ended up pulling Anderson Snair with 38 seconds in the game. Polino clinched the win for the Steel when he scored an empty netter, ending the game 5-3.

Woody Hudson, Tyler Hill, Biagio Lerario, Jaccob Slavin, Patrick Polino, and Tyler Heinonen all recorded assists during regulation.

While both teams were even on shots, Alex Sakellaropoulos received his 19^th win of the season.

The fun didn't stop once the game was over! At the game, we had a special group of girls in attendance. They were the Team Illinois Cheerleaders! Following the game, the girls along with forwards, Tyler Hill and Landon Smith, did their own version of the Harlem Shake! We were lucky enough to have recorded it so we could share it with all of you!! Check it out below!! 

Well Steel Fans, that's all we have for you today. Don't forget that the Chicago Steel will be home again this Saturday, March 30th, as they take on the Team USA U-17's. Just a reminder, you can order your tickets ahead of time by calling (630) 594-1161 or visiting http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. 

Middle of the Week Showdown

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!!! We hope that you had a great weekend, and that your week has started out good!! After this past weekend, I'm sure some of you don't want to have to wait until this Saturday to watch another Steel game, right? Well I have great news for you...there is a game TOMORROW!! 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27th, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Indiana Ice back to the Edge Ice Arena for their second showdown in a week! 

Want to hear something even better?! Tomorrow you can redeem your, "Rusty's Dash For Tickets" vouchers. All you have to do is bring your red ticket to the box office and we will give your free tickets!! It's that easy.

Make sure to also order your tickets in advance for tomorrow and Saturday's games by calling (630) 594-1161 or ordering online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. 

Birthdays, National Anthems, and Sunday Fun

Happy Spring!! Even though today is the official first day of spring, the weather is not suppose to get higher than 32 degrees. But looking at the forecast, by the end of next week, we should be in the 40's. Today, we have a lot to tell you, and it's all about the players. 

First, we would like to take a moment to send a HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to our Sponsorship Sales and Account Executive, Steve Newton, who celebrated his birthday last week!! Additionally, we would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to defenseman, Tim Davison, who celebrated his birthday yesterday!! 

Birthday Boys (also supporting Green Bay)!!

With the boys working hard to gain a spot in play-offs we decided to ask the guys a question that was fun and made them think just a little bit. The question of the week was: 

If you ruled your own country, 
who would you get to write your national anthem?

Tim Davison #16

"Someone educated and who has music talent. A.K.A. Franky Scott Key."

Chris Dodero #25

"Me"

Thomas Ebbing #10

"Adele"

Bill Eiserman #24
"Lil Wayne"


Daniel Fetzer #26

"Pigozzi"

Tyler Heinonen #27

"Brad Paisley"

Tyler Hill #15

"Eric Church"

Michael Holland #44

"J. Cole"

Woody Hudson #20

"2 Chainz"

Biagio Lerario #22

"Lil Wayne"

Mackenzie MacEachern #19

"Rihanna"


Chris Nell #31

"Carrie Underwood"

Christian Neumann #4

"Gucci Mane or Waka Flocka Flame"

Charlie O'Connor #21

"Myself"

Ray Pigozzi #23

"Me"

Patrick Polino #17

"Myself"

Alex Roos #28

"Me"

Alex Sakellaropoulous #1

"Ray Pigozzi"

Jaccob Slavin #7

"John Mayer"

Landon Smith #12

"Taylor Swift"

Drew Smolcynski #18

"John Mayer"

Nolan Valleau #9

"I feel only I would be fit, but if not me, probably Marvin Gaye."

Johnny Wingels #5

"Lil Wayne"

Finally we would like to remind everyone that we have two games this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) with one special event!! Check it out!!

Tickets can be ordered in advance when you purchase your game day tickets, or they can be bought at the customer service booth located on the concourse during Sunday's game! Don't miss out on this fun opportunity, it's the last "Shoot With The Steel" of the season!! 

Well Steel Fans, that sums up our player fill Thursday! 
We hope that you have a great rest of your day, 
and look forward to seeing you this weekend!! 

Tough Weekend, But Ended It Strong

On Friday, March 15^th, the Chicago Steel welcomed the Youngstown Phantoms to the Edge Ice Arena for their fifth match-up of the season.

Knowing this was a big game for them, Chicago came out strong ready to give the Phantoms everything they had. Chicago was the first to capitalize when Tyler Heinonen lit up the lamp, with a pass from Drew Smolcynski, eight minutes into the first, giving the Steel a 1-0 lead. Roughly ten minutes later, Youngstown’s Austin Cangelosi came back with a power play goal to even the score at 1.

In the second, both teams came out ready to capitalize on any chance they got. Neither team was successful for the first half of the period. Then at 11:17, Charlie O’Connor received a penalty shot after being taken down from behind on a breakaway. O’Connor was unsuccessful on his penalty shot. Following O’Connor’s penalty shot, Youngtown capitalized with two goals. The first goal, at 16:03, was a power play goal, scored by John Padulo. Then two minutes later, Eric Sweetman followed up with a shorthanded goal, furthering the lead between Youngstown and Chicago by 2, making the ending score of the second 3-1.

One minute into the third, Youngtown’s Kyle Connor capitalized making the score 4-1. Ten minutes later, Chicago’s Alex Roos came back with a power play goal, lessoning the lead between the two teams. Roos didn’t stop there. A minute later Roos netted his second goal of the game, putting Chicago one point away from Youngstown. Unfortunately, Chicago was unable to catch up by the end of the game, giving the Phantoms a 4-3 victory over the Steel.

Drew Smolcynski, Ray Pigozzi, and Jaccob Slavin all recorded assists during the game.

Chris Nell had 24 saves during regulation, and the Steel outshot Youngstown 36-28.

On Saturday, March 16^th, the Indiana Ice welcomed the Chicago Steel to Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Chicago came out ready to put Friday’s game behind them, and gain two points. Indiana was the first to capitalize, when Mikhail Plotnikov netted a shot less than two minutes into the period. Neither team was successful after that, ending the first 1-0.

In the second both teams played hard, trying to manipulate any plays or mistakes they could take advantage of. With 1:13 left in the second, Ray Pigozzi saw an opening and netted a shorthanded goal, ending the period 1 all.

In the third the Steel came out strong when Tyler Hill scored 16 seconds into the third, putting the Steel ahead 2-1. Two minutes later Mackenzie MacEachern received a penalty shot, when he was taken down from behind on a breakaway. MacEachern was unable to put the puck past goaltender Anderson Snair. With 10 minutes to go in the third Indiana’s Mitch Hults tied the game up at 2, sending the game into overtime.

Neither team was successful in overtime, allowing a shootout to determine the game. Alex Sakellaropoulos had two huge saves during the shootout when Indiana’s Joseph Widmar and Jason Salvaggio were unable to score. However, Drew Smolcynski and Alex Roos both scored allowing Chicago to come away with two points.

Patrick Polino, Christian Neumann, and Drew Smolcynski all recorded assists during the game.

While Chicago was outshot 43-33, Alex Sakellaropoulos had 41 saves during regulation.

This weekend the Steel play three games in three days. On Friday, March 22nd, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will welcome the Chicago Steel to the LC Walker Arena. Puck drop will be at 7:15pm (6:15pm Chicago time). On Saturday, March 23rd, the Chicago Steel will welcome Team U-17's to the Edge Ice Arena. Game time is set for 7:05pm. On Sunday, March 24th, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Indiana Ice to the Edge Ice Arena. Game time is set for 3pm. Following the game, kids are able to go on the ice and shoot with the Steel players. You can purchase a ticket to participate for an additional $3.

The Luck of The Irish

Happy Monday Steel Fans!! We hope that you had a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day!! 

Even though it is a day late, the guys made a special St. Patrick's Day video just for you! We hope you enjoy!! 

Don't forget Steel fans, the boys are home this Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, March 23rd, the Chicago Steel will welcome Team USA U-17's to the Edge. Game time is set for 7:05pm. Then on Sunday, March 24th, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Indiana Ice. Game time is set for 3pm. Following Sunday's game, there will be "Shoot With The Steel!" We hope to see you this weekend Steel Fans!! 

Pots of Gold, Lucky Charms, and the Irish

Happy Wednesday Steel Fans! We hope you were able to make it out to the rink last night to see the Steel take on the Waterloo Black Hawks. There are only four days until St. Patrick's Day!! When St. Patrick's Day rolls around there is one person that we see everywhere: on doors, window, pictures, etc., and that is a leprechaun. Leprechauns come from an Irish folklore. They spend all of their time making shoes, and store away their coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release. So since leprechauns are big this time of year, we decided to as the players:

If you met a leprechaun, 
what is the first thing you would ask them?

Tim Davison #16

"Where is the gold?"

Chris Dodero #25

"Where is the gold?"

Thomas Ebbing #10

"Where is the gold?"

Bill Eiserman #24
"Where's the gold?"


Daniel Fetzer #26

"Where does the rainbow start?"

Tyler Heinonen #27

"Where's the gold?"

Tyler Hill #15

"Where is the pot of gold?"

Michael Holland #44

"Do you wanna trade Lucky Charms for gold?"

Woody Hudson #20

"What other fairy tale creatures exist?"

Biagio Lerario #22

"Why are you so short?"

Mackenzie MacEachern #19

"Why are you so short?"


Chris Nell #31

"How tall can you get?"

Christian Neumann #4

"Do you grant wishes?"

Charlie O'Connor #21

"Are you real?"

Ray Pigozzi #23

"Do you have any gold?"

Patrick Polino #17

"Where is the gold?"

Alex Roos #28

"Where is the gold?"

Alex Sakellaropoulous #1

"How are you?"

Jaccob Slavin #7

"Does the rainbow taste like skittles?"

Landon Smith #12

"Can I have your gold?"

Drew Smolcynski #18

"Can I have gold?"

Nolan Valleau #9

 "What made you choose that career path?"

Johnny Wingels #5

"Where is the pot of gold?"

If you would like to learn more about leprechauns click here. Otherwise, we would like to know, what is something that you would as a leprechaun if you got to meet one?

Have a great rest of your week Steel Fans and we hope to see you Friday as the Chicago Steel take on the Youngstown Phantoms!! 

Something To Look Forward To!!

Happy Monday Steel Fans!! We hope that you had a great weekend! Hopefully the rain is not putting a damper on any plans you had today. The boys had no games this weekend and were off to recover and prepare themselves for this week.

The guys hit the ice early this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow's game. The coaches had the players working on different drills and plays as they continue to fight for a spot in playoffs.

Make sure to come out and support the Steel, TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 12th at 7:30pm as they take on the Waterloo Black Hawks. This is the only time during the season that the two teams will face off here in Chicago. Make sure not to miss out!!

Remember you can order your tickets in advance by calling (630) 594-1161 or ordering online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.

Have a great rest of your Monday, and we look forward to seeing you at the rink!  

The Lucky Three

It's officially Friday! I'm sure most of you are extremely excited for the weekend! With St. Patrick's Day a little over a week away, we figured that we would start to get into the spirit today. As we grow up, there comes a point when we figure out there are certain numbers that we find lucky. It might be your sports number, or a number that you really like. Either way we all have numbers that are special to us. With that being said, this week we asked the guys:

What Are Your 3 Lucky Numbers?

Tim Davison #16

"26, 16, 6"

Chris Dodero #25

"22, 55, 18"

Thomas Ebbing #10

"4, 10, 9"

Bill Eiserman #24
"15, 24, 6"


Daniel Fetzer #26

"26, 37, 14"

Tyler Heinonen #27

"6, 13, 27"

Tyler Hill #15

"19, 88, 95"

Michael Holland #44

"7, 48, 26"

Woody Hudson #20

"6, 9, 69"

Biagio Lerario #22

"86, 9, 16"

Mackenzie MacEachern #19

"9, 19, 7"


Chris Nell #31

"31, 12, 9"

Christian Neumann #4

"23, 4, 3"

Charlie O'Connor #21

"21, 27, 10"

Ray Pigozzi #23

"10, 19, 23"

Patrick Polino #17

"17, 27, 63"

Alex Roos #28

"28, 8, 97"

Alex Sakellaropoulous #1

"1, 30,7"

Jaccob Slavin #7

"7, 3, 94"

Landon Smith #12

"16, 15, 212"

Drew Smolcynski #18

"18, 24, 4"

Nolan Valleau #9

 "12, 6, 24"

Johnny Wingels #5

"21, 15, 5"

So Steel Fans, now we are asking you, do you have any lucky numbers??

Have a great weekend Steel Fans, and don't forget we have two games next week!! 

Dino Hockey and Soon A Shaved Head

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! 

We hope that your week is going well and you enjoyed some of the snow.

Throughout the year, players go to schools to teach them hockey or read with the class, they go to appearances within the community, and they attend events to help out local charities. Forward, Danny Fetzer, will participate in two events this week. To give you a little background information on Fetzer, he is a 6-foot, 175-pound forward, who has registered five goals and six assists so far this season. He has been a big influence on the team by demonstrating qualities of leadership, determination, and passion. 

This past Monday, Danny, went to Westview Elementary to read to a class.

Fetzer chose to read the book Dino Hockey, which the kids absolutely loved!

Following the story, the children were able to ask questions about hockey, 

as well as some personal questions. 

One of the questions that everyone had was..."Can I get your autograph?!" So following his question and answer session, Danny went around and signed an autograph for everyone. 

The class was so happy to have him visit and read with them!

This isn't the only appearance that he will be doing this week. Tomorrow, Danny will be shaving his head for the St. Baldrick's foundation. Why do people, like Fetzer, shave their head you might ask? It is because kids with cancer often lose their hair during treatment, so "shavees" for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation show their support by shaving their heads voluntarily, and inspiring friends and family to donate money to support childhood cancer research.

To learn more about ways you can participate, donate, or help St. Baldrick's Foundation, click here or visit http://www.stbaldricks.org.

Have a great Thursday, and 

make sure to check back next week to see pictures of the event!!

February's Aviation Universe Player of the Month is...

Drew Smolcynski!!

The Chicago Steel would like to announce that Drew Smolcynski has been named the Aviation Universe Player of the Month for February.

A 5-foot 11, 170-pound forward, Smolcynski registered three goals and four assists last month, including the game-winning goal to drive the Steel to a 6-4 victory over the Des Moines Buccaneers on Feb. 23. Smolcynski has registered seven points in eight games with the Steel after being acquired from the Indiana Ice in a trade on Feb. 6.

Throughout his time at the Steel, Smolcynski has shown heart, determination, and passion, both on and off the ice. Smolcynski will play collegiately at St. Lawrence University beginning in the fall of 2013.

Aviation Universe is Chicago's Aviation Emporium, and your local shop for all things aviation, including kid’s toys, collectible models, unique gifts and pilot supplies. Aviation Universe is conveniently located across from the Metra station in downtown Bensenville. Stop by and try our free flight simulator!  For more information and hours of operation, please visit www.aviationuniverse.us/shop/ or call 630-350-7913.

A Weekend On The Road

This weekend the Chicago were away Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, obtaining two wins and one OT loss.

On Friday, March 1^st, the Youngstown Phantoms welcomed the Chicago Steel to the Covelli Center. Chicago came out strong ready to  redeem themselves after the loss against Youngstown earlier in the week. Chicago was the first to capitalize in the contest, when Alex Roos scored his 17^th goal of the season, seven minutes into the first. Charlie O’Connor and Jaccob Slavin registered assists. The rest of the first remained scoreless, giving Chicago the lead.

The second period started out with a Chicago power play when Youngstown’s John Padulo received a roughing call only six seconds in the period. However, with only five seconds left in the power play, Youngstown’s Eric Sweetman netted a short handed goal, tying it 1-all. Halfway through the second, Youngstown was able to capitalize again when Sam Anas scored. Chicago was able to hold them for the rest of the period, ending it 2-1.

Chicago came out in the third knowing they had to tie it up. Charlie O’Connor answered the call when he lit the lamp at 13:33, with an unassisted goal. At this point it was anyone’s game. Both teams were tied at two and looking for the win. The Steel were able to hold the Phantoms for the rest of regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Neither team was successful in overtime, sending the game into a shoot-out. Alex Roos, Ray Pigozzi, and Drew Smolcynski were the three shooters chosen for Chicago, and Sam Anas, Kyle Connor, and Austin Cangelosi were the three for Youngstown. Roos, Pigozzi, and Anas were all unsuccessful at netting a goal. Connor was able to score, propelling Youngstown ahead by one. Smolcynski was up next and knew he had to capitalize to keep Chicago in the contest. Smolcynski was successful making it 1-1. Cangelosi was the last shooter for Youngstown, and was able to capitalize, winning the game for Youngstown.

While Chicago was outshot 40-27, Chris Nell recorded 37 saves during regulation.

On Saturday, March 2^nd, and Sunday, March 3^rd, Team USA U-17 welcomed the Chicago Steel to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

On Saturday, the Steel came out strong looking for a win. With one minute and nineteen seconds left in the first, Jaccob Slavin scored an unassisted power play to put Chicago ahead 1-0. This was Slavin’s third goal of the season.

In the second, Chicago once again came out strong, when Thomas Ebbing capitalized a little over five minutes into the game. After Ebbing’s goal, Chicago was able to kill of three penalties, not allowing USA to score. Then with only three minutes left in the second, defenseman, Tim Davison scored, furthering the distance between Chicago and USA. The second ended 3-0.

In the third, neither team was successful in score, ending the game 3-0, and giving goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos his second shutout of the season.

The Steel outshot Team USA 27-22 during regulation. Mackenzie MacEachern, Charlie O’Connor, Alex Roos, and Tyler Hill all registered assists during the game.

On Sunday, Chicago was on a high after defeating USA the night before. Both teams came out strong looking to get a win for the night.

In the first, Chicago was the first to capitalize when Thomas Ebbing scored a power play goal putting Chicago in the lead 1-0. Less than six minutes later, Chicago’s Tyler Hill netted a shot furthering the distance between the teams by two.

Neither team was able to score during the second, ending the period 2-0.

In the third, USA came out strong when Ryan Hitchcock scored only 40 seconds into the period, making the score 2-1 and attempting to close the gap. Less than three minutes later Chicago’s Mackenzie MacEachern scored a power play goal. Twenty-four seconds later, Alex Roos scored Chicago’s fourth goal of the game on a penalty shot, increasing the gap 4-1. USA was determined to come back, and eight minutes into the game, Ryan MacInnis scored making the score 4-2. Then with only 53 seconds left in regulation Anders Bjork scored, making the score 4-3 Chicago. Chicago was able to hold them for the last seconds of the game, sweeping USA.

Alex Roos, Charlie O’Connor, Thomas Ebbing, Mackenzie MacEachern, Tim Davison, and Patrick Polino all registered assists during the game.

Chicago outshot USA 37-25, and Chris Nell had 22 saves during regulation.

The Chicago Steel are off until Tuesday, March 12, when they welcome the Waterloo Blackhawks to The Edge Ice Arena for a 7:30pm game. On Friday, March 15, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Youngstown Phantoms to the Edge Ice Arena. Game time is set for 7:30pm. An autograph signing will follow Friday's game. Then on Saturday, March 16 the Indiana Ice will welcome the Chicago Steel to the Bankers Life Arena in Indianapolis, IN. Game time is set for 7pm (6pm Chicago time).

Fun With The Big Dog

Happy Friday Steel Fans!! We hope that you are getting ready for your weekend and plan to do something fun! This past Monday Rusty had his Kid's Club Party. 

Members of his club were able to hang out with him, and the players, at Enchanted Castle. Families got to enjoy pizza, a Chicago Steel Rookie Dance-Off, Arcade Games, Mini-Golf, Lazer Tag, and Go-Karts. 


To give you an idea of what the party was like, we have a special Steel TV Segment just for you, check it out! 

To become part of Rusty's Kid's Club, sign up at one of our games or click here to download a copy of the form!! 

Have a great weekend Steel Fans!!