Breaking Down the Schedule

By JASON LOWENTHAL

On Tuesday afternoon, the United States Hockey League released its full schedule for the 2014-15 season. Today, we take a look into some key matchups for the Steel.

Chicago Steel @ Green Bay Gamblers 
(Sat, Sep. 27, 7:05 PM)

The Steel will open up the 2014-15 season on the road against Green Bay in late September. The two teams split the season series last year, with each side winning four games. It will be the first game as a head coach for Green Bay’s Pat Mikesch. Chicago and Green Bay faced each other in last season’s season opener as well, with the Gamblers coming out with a 5-1 victory.

Bloomington Thunder vs. Chicago Steel (Fri, Oct. 3, 7:30 PM)

Chicago will play host to Bloomington in the home opener as the Thunder begin their inaugural season as a part of the USHL. The Steel have won three of their last five home openers.

Chicago Steel @ Madison Capitols (Sun, Nov. 2, 3:00 PM)

In early November, the Steel will meet up with the USHL’s other newest team, the Madison Capitols. Madison will play its inaugural season at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center. Ryan Suter, defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, is a part owner of the organization.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs. Chicago Steel (Thu, Nov. 6, 7:00 PM)

The Steel will meet up with defending Anderson Cup champion Waterloo for the first time in early November. Waterloo claimed the USHL’s best regular season record last year at 44-11-5.

Road Trip (Wed, Nov. 26 – Wed, Dec. 31)

The Steel will enter a long stretch of road games starting in late November and ending on the final day of the calendar year. Chicago will play nine of ten games on the road in that span. The trip begins against Bloomington and will finish up against Muskegon.

Home Stand (Fri, Mar. 6 – Fri, Apr. 10)

Prior to the regular season finale, Chicago will play ten of 11 games at home. Last season, the Steel finished 14-13-1 in home games. The first game of the stretch sees Omaha come to town and the final game comes against Green Bay.

Chicago Steel @ Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (Sat, Apr. 11, 7:05 PM)

Chicago will finish up the regular season on the road against Cedar Rapids. The RoughRiders finished second in the Eastern Conference last season with a 35-21-4 mark. The Steel were 2-3-1 against Cedar Rapids last year.