Let's Party!!!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!! Today is officially the last day of 2013! Where does time go?! This year has flown by! Hopefully tonight everyone has some fun plans, although be careful of the snow!

This past weekend, the Steel hosted their annual Holiday Party for staff, players, and families. It's a time where everyone can get together in a fun, carefree environment and celebrate the holidays...

Where everyone can sit down and enjoy a meal, or dessert, together...

Where inspirational speeches are given by our owners and coach...

And where the guys can just hang out and play some pool or just sit around and talk!

 Overall, it was a great party filled with family and friends, and a million laughs to go around!

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Years! We hope you all have a great day and fun evening!! Be safe, and we look forward to seeing all of you at the rink this coming year!!

Baking Some Cookies

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! Can you believe how fast Christmas came and went this year?! One of the best parts of the Christmas season are all the desserts (cookies, cakes, pies, and candies) you eat throughout all the festivities that take place. Let's face it, after dinner everyone is waiting for dessert, it's just something you can't pass up. Hopefully you had some of your favorite desserts these past few days! It might have included: cookies, pies, cakes, or cannolis. However, one dessert everyone needs to have are cookies!! There are so many different varieties of cookies it can be hard to decide what to make before Christmas and what to eat on Christmas. Before the boys left on winter break we were able to ask them what their favorite Christmas cookie is, check it out!!

What is your favorite kind of Christmas cookie?

Mason Bergh #15
7 Layer Bars

Victor Bjorkung #27

Chocolate Chip Cookies and Oreos

Jake Bunz #3

Peanut Butter Cookies with Hersey Kiss on top

John Ernsting #18

Chocolate Chip

Danny Fetzer #26
Chocolate Chip

Robby Jackson #23

Gingerbread and Snickerdoodle 

Brady Jones #19 

Peppermint Chocolate Chip

Brendon Kearney #12 

Sugar Cookies

Nate Kwiecinski #5
Sugar Cookies

Zach LaValle #11

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brian LeBlanc #14

Grandma's Frosted Sugar Cookies

Connor McDonald #24
Sugar Cookies


Liam McGing #4
Chocolate Chip


Cale Morris #35
Chocolate Chip


Chris Nell #31
Snickerdoodle



Robbie Payne #21
Chocolate Chip


Patrick Polino #17
Grandma Polino's Cut Out Cookies


John Schilling #16
Chocolate Chip Cookies


CJ Smith #22
Chocolate Chip


Peter Tischke #6
Sugar Cookies


Alec Vanko #28
Chocolate Chip


Connor Yau #2
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

Steel Fans, what is your favorite kind of Christmas cookie? 

**DON'T FORGET the boys are back in action on Saturday, December 28th, as they welcome the Des Moines Buccaneers to the Edge Ice Arena for a 7pm face-off. If you haven't gotten a chance to order your tickets, you can still do so by calling (630) 594-1161 or ordering online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. 
We hope to see you at the rink this weekend Steel Fans!! 

Have a fabulous day! 

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY FILLED WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!

WE ALSO HOPE SANTA WAS GOOD TO ALL OF YOU!! 

A Blanket, A Couch, And A Christmas Movie!

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! We are 6 days away from Christmas! This season has truly flown by. As I'm sure you have noticed Christmas movies have been playing since Thanksgiving, some channels even had them playing before Thanksgiving! One of the best ways to spend an evening is to cuddle up on the couch, turn on Lifetime, Hallmark, ABC Family, or throw in a DVD, and watch a Christmas movie. There are million of Christmas movies to choose from, but there is always that special movie that you need to see during the Christmas season, otherwise it just isn't Christmas! For some it's "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and for others it's "The Polar Express," "The Santa Clause," or even "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." Either way we all have that special movie that is a must-watch during this time of year. Before the boys left on winter break we were able to ask them what their favorite Christmas movie is, check it out!!

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Mason Bergh #15
"A Christmas Story"/"Elf"

Victor Bjorkung #27

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas"

Jake Bunz #3

"Home Alone Series"/"Elf"

John Ernsting #18

"A Christmas Story"

Danny Fetzer #26
"Elf"

Robby Jackson #23

"Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" 

Brady Jones #19 

"Jingle All The Way"

Brendon Kearney #12 

"Elf"

Nate Kwiecinski #5
"Elf"

Zach LaValle #11

"Elf"

Brian LeBlanc #14

"Elf" 

Connor McDonald #24
"Polar Express"


Liam McGing #4
"Elf"


Cale Morris #35
"Elf"


Chris Nell #31
"Elf"


Robbie Payne #21
"Charlie Brown Christmas"


Patrick Polino #17
"Polar Express"


John Schilling #16
"Elf"/"How The Grinch Stole Christmas"

CJ Smith #22
"Elf"


Peter Tischke #6
"Home Alone"


Alec Vanko #28
"Jingle All The Way"


Connor Yau #2
"Elf"

Steel Fans, what is your favorite Christmas movie? 
Have a great day everyone! 

An Inside Look With Vito Abbinante

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! We are back with an inside look at another Steel member. Who you ask? Today we talked with Vito Abbinante, Public Address Announcer. 

Check it out!!!

A true artist, Vito has been the real “Voice of the Steel” for the past 12+ years. In addition to announcing, Vito also runs the game day music, light show, occasionally performs the national anthem, is often spotted as the mascot for off ice appearances, and is a self proclaimed “Technological Genius”. Vito’s favorite show is “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”, and after a long day of being awesome, he likes to curl up with thought provoking books like “The Stinky Cheese Man”, and “Calvin & Hobbes”.

What is your primary role (what do you do) with the Chicago Steel?

Public address announcer, intermission emcee, music, light show…you name it on game days, I’ll do it.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

About 11 years ago (man, I’m old) I was an employee of the rink. Kevin Erlenbach, the Communications Director for the Steel at the time, asked if I would be interested in filling in as announcer for a game or two at the end of the season. I worked one game and didn’t think anything of it. A week before following season began I got a phone call asking if I wanted the job permanently, as the former PA Announcer wasn’t returning. The Steel have been stuck with me ever since.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

Who wouldn’t want to watch great hockey, get the crowd riled up, and work with a great staff? It’s a dream job…I just wish it were full time.

What would you say is the hardest part about your job?

Those crazy nights filled with penalties and goals and they all seem to come at the same time. Answering the phone to get the correct calls, getting them written down, announcing, and playing music all at the same time can be challenging. After 11 years, I might almost have it figured out, though. Almost.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

I can’t really pinpoint what I look forward to from season to season…Because I’m not a full time employee, I look forward to game nights in general. It’s a nice break from my regular job, and I get to watch good, young players who are actually playing for something.

What is your typical day like at the Steel for you?

Since, for the most part, I only work game day, I’ll skip to the next question…

What is a typical game day like for you?

I usually get to the rink about an hour or two before the game. I say hi to whoever is hiding in the office, and go directly to the press box. After I set up my radio, phone, the microphone(s), and do a sound check, I set up my paperwork for the game…rosters, score/penalty sheets, game script…I’m pretty particular about having everything where I can find it quickly. Depending on the day, I’ll sing the Star Spangled Banner…I’m not going to get a record deal, but it’s passable. After the game starts, I’ll announce goals, penalties, ads, birthdays, groups, contest winners, and anything else the fans need to know about. Monty,(Director of Business Operations, John Montalbano) is usually in the box with me, so he takes care of the music on most days, but if he’s not there I’ll play some music(for the kids), and run any intermission activities either from the press box or directly on ice. Post game, I shut down the light board and music laptop, put away the microphones, and store everything back in the office. Then I spend about 20 minutes antagonizing the interns and head “home”.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!! Drive safely in the snow today! 

All I Want For Christmas

Before we go into today's post, we wanted to tell you...

DON'T FORGET we have a home game this Saturday, December 14th against the Muskegon Lumberjacks. 

Puck drop is at 7:05pm. 

Now on to today's post! 

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! We are less than two weeks away from Christmas Day! A majority of people are wrapping presents, finishing up their holiday shopping, or are already done and just enjoying this time of year. Either way, trying to figure out what a parent, siblings, significant other, or friend wants for Christmas can become a challenge sometimes. Their are two options when it comes to figuring out gifts for someone...you can ask them what they want and go off their list, or you can go with your instincts and find something you think they would like. Anyways, today we figured we would ask the players for three things they are asking for Christmas. Who knows, maybe the guys will give you some ideas!     

What are 3 things you are asking for this Christmas?

Mason Bergh #15
1. Decorative Area Rug
2. Nun-chucks
3. A new coffee table


Victor Bjorkung #27
1. Quality time with my family and friends
2. Great food
3. A winter jacket from Pat


Jake Bunz #3
1. Snow to go skiing in
2. Chubbies shorts
3. A goal


John Ernsting #18
1. New skates
2. Ribcore
3. A Steel winter jacket


Danny Fetzer #26
1. Lululemon clothes
2. Some goals
3. New shoes

Robby Jackson #23
1. Clothes

Photo Provided by MJBImages

2. The Dark Knight Trilogy
3. My license and/or a car


Brady Jones #19
1. Clothes
2. Shoes
3. Some glasses, so I can find the back of the net


Brendon Kearney #12
1. Lululemon clothes
2. New shoes
3. A goal

Photo Provided by MJBImages

Nate Kwiecinski #5
1. Winter coat
2. Lululemon clothes
3. Jack threads clothes


Zach LaValle #11
1. A winter jacket from Pat Dolan
2. A signed sword by Randy Jackson
3. Hulk hands





Brian LeBlanc #14
1. Fly fishing rod
2. The Pacific (HBO Series)
3. New hip boots


Connor McDonald #24
1. Lululemon clothes
2. More dress clothes
3. Be with my family


Liam McGing #4
1. Books
2. Socks
3. Extra i-Phone battery


Cale Morris #35
1. Lululemon clothes
2. North Face jacket
3. Mini dirt bike


Chris Nell #31
1. World peace
2. I-Pad mini
3. Lululemone clothes, maybe shoes

Photo Provided by MJBImages

Robbie Payne #21
1. Socks
2. Underwear
3. New boots


Patrick Polino #17
1. Clothes
2. Clothes
3. Clothes


John Schilling #16
1. Clothes
2. A winter jacket from Pat Dolan
3. New shoes

Photo Provided by MJBImages

CJ Smith #22
1. Clothes
2. Puppy
3. Coffee Machine
4. Chapstick
5. Winter jacket from Pat Dolan

Peter Tischke #6
1. New shoulder
2. Friends
3. Winter jacket


Alec Vanko #28
1. Lululemon clothes
2. Lululemon clothes
3. Lululemon clothes


Connor Yau #2
1. Sound system for car
2. Dress clothes
3. X-Box one

Steel Fans tell us three things that you are asking for this Christmas. Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, the Blog, or Instagram us a picture!   

Have a great weekend everyone and we hope to see you Saturday! 

Guess What Day It Is?!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans! We thought that we would start the week with a special video made just for all of you...check it out!!

The boys are always excited for game days, and having you in the stands makes it even better. With that being said, there are still plenty of games for you to come to, so order your flex plans today! Just think you're getting 10 tickets for $60! You can use them for yourself or give them away as gifts!

To order your flex plans today call (630) 594-1161 or visit http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com! Call soon the holidays are right around the corner!

Also, Steel fans, don't forget to tune into Fast Hockey tonight as the Steel take on the Green Bay Gamblers! Tune in at 7:05pm to watch the game. During the intermissions make sure to order your Saturday, December 14th tickets as the Steel welcome the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Edge Ice Arena. Plus following Saturday's game their is "SKATE WITH THE STEEL." Bring your own skates, or rent them for $1, and skate with your favorite players!

Have a great Tuesday everyone and stay warm!! 

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! Hopefully you are able to stay warm this weekend, it is suppose to get into the teens and snow. As most of you might have noticed, unlike most years, we have lost a week in-between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even though there is one less week, many people have either finished putting up their Christmas decorations or still working on making their houses look like a Winter Wonderland. Needless to say, everyone has a favorite decoration that they love to put up or look at. Some people might enjoy getting in their cars and driving around town to look at the different lights, some people enjoy laying on a couch staring at their Christmas tree, or it's a special decoration that a grandmother or grandfather has made, which has been passed down to your family, that they like to put up. Either way, everyone has some kind of decorations that gets them into the holiday spirit. This week we asked the boys about their favorite decorations...check it out!! 

What is your favorite Christmas decoration and why?

Mason Bergh #15
Lights decorating the house because they are classy.

Victor Bjorkung #27

Christmas tree!

Jake Bunz #3

My dad's Christmas village he puts up.

John Ernsting #18

The tree because we always try and find the biggest one and see how we can fit it in the house.

Danny Fetzer #26
Christmas lights make the houses look really good and they're fun to put up.

Robby Jackson #23

Christmas lights because they make you cheery when you see them light up the night. 

Brady Jones #19 

I like when houses go all out with lights.

Brendon Kearney #12 

Mistletoe.

Nate Kwiecinski #5
Christmas tree, because it's a family event, and every year it can be decorated differently.

Zach LaValle #11

Absolutely the tree! nothing better than decorating the tree with the family.

Brian LeBlanc #14

The tree, because the presents are under it. 

Biagio Lerario #9

The lights because they light up the streets. 

Connor McDonald #24
Lights because they glow bright.


Liam McGing #4
Lights.


Cale Morris #35
Christmas tree because the whole spirit of Christmas goes through the roof.


Chris Nell #31
Lights and garland. Can't get enough garland and you can't forget the mistletoe.


Robbie Payne #21
Christmas Town Displays.


Patrick Polino #17
Lights because they are bright.


John Schilling #16
The Christmas tree because it isn't something that is always in your house.

CJ Smith #22
Lights, because they are cool and unique.


Peter Tischke #6
Tree because it's fun decorating the tree and my favorite color is green.


Alec Vanko #28
The tree since you are able to put so many different things on it.


Connor Yau #2
Christmas tree because it's the center point of the holiday.

Steel Fans, what are you favorite decorations during the Christmas season? 

The boys will be in action at the Edge on Saturday December 14th as they take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Game time is set for 7pm. Also following the game you can "Skate With The Steel!" Skate rentals are $1. Furthermore, bring an unwrapped toy to donate to a great cause! 

If you haven't ordered your tickets for this game make sure to call (630) 594-1161 or order them online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com! 

Have a great day everyone! 

Planning For Turkey Day!!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! We are only 2 DAYS away from Thanksgiving this year! Everyone has a different reason as to why they are excited for Thanksgiving. Some are excited to be able to spend it with family and friends, to watch the Macy's day parade, have a day off of work, or to have an amazing meal and just relax. Either way, we all have some idea of what our Thanksgiving is going to look like. Today, we asked the boys what their plans are for Thanksgiving. Check it out! 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

Mason Bergh #15
Spending Thanksgiving with my family in downtown Chicago.

Victor Bjorkung #27

Spend time with my billets.

Jake Bunz #3

Spend it with the whole family.

John Ernsting #18

Have dinner at my grandparents' house with my cousins.

Danny Fetzer #26
Eat and rest.

Robby Jackson #23

Have a big meal with my family and host family. 

Brady Jones #19 

Rest and enjoy time with my family and get ready for all of our games that week.

Brendon Kearney #12 

Practice and a good dinner with billets.

Nate Kwiecinski #5
Spend it with the boys and also my billet family.

Zach LaValle #11

Chill with my billets.

Brian LeBlanc #14

No clue

Biagio Lerario #9

Have a family gathering at my house. 

Connor McDonald #24
Being with the boys.


Liam McGing #4
Eat with family.


Cale Morris #35
Spending it with family/friends.


Chris Nell #31
Dinner with the family.


Robbie Payne #21
Eat lots of food.


Patrick Polino #17
Not sure yet.


John Schilling #16
Spending time with family and friends.

Peter Tischke #6
Hangout with the family.


Alec Vanko #28
Hopefully get to spend it with my family.


Connor Yau #2
Spend time with family.

Steel Fans we would like to wish you and your family a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving this year. May you be blessed with love and joy during this holiday season. 

Don't forget Steel fans the boys are home this weekend. On Friday, the Steel will welcome the Des Moines Buccaneers, for a 7:30pm match-up, and on Saturday, the boys will be welcoming the Indiana Ice, for a 7:05pm match-up. To order your tickets call (630) 594-1161 or order online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a puck-tastic day everyone!!

Project C.A.R.E.

Happy Thursday Steel fans!! We hope you are having a great week. During the hockey season our players visit W.A. Johnson Elementary School, Tioga Elementary School, and Blackhawk Middle School to help out with a program called Project C.A.R.E. Plus. This program is an academic mentoring program where volunteers work in the schools each week, assisting groups of students in their learning process. Last year along over 300 volunteers gave more than 6,000 hours of their time to the children. 

The Chicago Steel players have been working with Project C.A.R.E. for three years now. Each year our players spend one day a week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, at one of the local schools helping students learn. At the beginning of the year, we ask the players where they would like to help out. Most people would think that gym would be the first place on their list, however, this year's group all decided that they wanted to help out in a classroom. 

Yesterday we tagged along with our Wednesday Project C.A.R.E. group, which included: Liam McGing, Jake Bunz, Victor Bjorkung, Connor Yau, Alec Vanko, Chris Nell, and John Schilling, to get some pictures and insight into a normal day at Project C.A.R.E. We were able to observe the boys in gym class, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 8th grade. Check out some pictures below and thoughts from the boys about Project C.A.R.E.









 "I like going to Project CARE because it give you a chance to connect with the local community. My favorite part is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when you come to help."
















"I like seeing the kid's reaction when I come in to help. My favorite part is when the kids know the answer right away and are jumping out of their seat to answer."






















"I enjoy going to Project CARE because the kids faces light up when I show up. I also like seeing the kids improve on their addition and subtraction facts every week."




















"I enjoy going to Project CARE to see the kids smiling faces every morning because they are ready to have fun and learn. My favorite part is being able to spend time with the kids and build relationships."


















"Project CARE gives me a chance to give back and shed some knowledge to kids. My favorite part is teaching the kids new information."

















"I enjoy teaching kids to read and helping them with necessary life skills. I favorite part is connecting with the kids and helping them learn."























"I like to see all the kids get all excited. My favorite part is spending time with the kindergarten kids."








Project C.A.R.E. is a great way to give back to the community. The players have loved the opportunity to work with the students and watch them grow. If you would like to donate your time or learn more about Project C.A.R.E. please click here. 

Have a great day Steel fans and we look forward to hopefully seeing you this weekend!! 

Yum, Yum, Yum!!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! As of Thursday we are only a week away from Thanksgiving! No one can believe how fast Thanksgiving come up on us, it feels like Halloween was just here! This week people are either starting or finishing their menu. Today, we asked the boys what food items they are looking forward to this Thanksgiving. Check it out! 

What food item(s) are you looking forward to most at Thanksgiving dinner?

Mason Bergh #15
French Silk Pie

Victor Bjorkung #27

Turkey

Jake Bunz #3

Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy

John Ernsting #18

Turkey and mashed potatoes

Danny Fetzer #26
Turkey and Dad's stuffing

Robby Jackson #23

Turkey and mashed potatoes

Brady Jones #19 

Turkey, cheese and cracker lunchables

Brendon Kearney #12 

Turkey, stuffing, and potatoes

Nate Kwiecinski #5
Stuffing, ham, baked potatoes

Zach LaValle #11

Turkey and mashed potatoes

Brian LeBlanc #14

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Biagio Lerario #9

Sweet potatoes

Connor McDonald #24
Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes


Liam McGing #4
Mashed potatoes and corn


Cale Morris #35
Turkey and green beans


Chris Nell #31
Turkey, mashed potatoes, and steak


Robbie Payne #21
Pumpkin Pie and Mashed Potatoes


Patrick Polino #17
Mashed Potatoes and Turkey


John Schilling #16
Turkey and ham

Peter Tischke #6
Turkey and potatoes


Alec Vanko #28
I'm not a huge fan of the food on Thanksgiving.


Connor Yau #2
Steak, stuffing, and mashed potatoes

Steel Fans we hope that your Thanksgiving menus are coming along. 
What food are you looking forward to most this Thanksgiving?  

Don't forget the boys are home this weekend. On Friday, the Steel will welcome the Tri-City Storm, for a 7:30pm match-up, and on Saturday, the boys will be welcoming the Dubuque Fighting Saints, for a 7:05pm match-up. To order your tickets call (630) 594-1161 or order online at http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. 

Have a puck-tastic day everyone!!

You're Invited!!

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! With only a few weeks away from Thanksgiving, people are starting to send out their invites and figure out who they will be spending their Thanksgiving meal with. Today, we asked the boys to name three people (dead or alive) who they would want to have Thanksgiving with. Check it out! 

If you could invite 3 people (dead or alive) to have Thanksgiving with you, who would it be?

Mason Bergh #15
1. Paul Bissionnette
2. Abraham Lincoln
3. Will Ferrell


Victor Bjorkung #27
1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Megan Fox
3. Sidney Crosby


Jake Bunz #3
1. Neil Jenkins
2. Bubbles
3. Batman


John Ernsting #18
1. Jesus
2. Adam Sandler
3. William Shakespeare


Danny Fetzer #26
Fetzer family

Robby Jackson #23
1. Jonathan Towes
2. Babe Ruth
3 Muhammad Ali


Brady Jones #19
1. Candace Parker
2. Neil Armstrong
3. Harry R. Drackett



Brendon Kearney #12
1. Kate Upton
2. Selena Gomez
3. Alex Morgan


Nate Kwiecinski #5
1. Papa Ray
2. Parents/family
3. Alex Morgan


Zach LaValle #11
1. Rod Kimble
2. Ron Burgundy
3. Billy Madison


Brian LeBlanc #14
All 4 of my grandparents


Biagio Lerario #9
1. Kate Upton
2. Megan Fox
3. Mila Kunis


Connor McDonald #24
1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Older sister


Liam McGing #4
1. Richard Dawkins
2. Charles Darwin
3. Julius Caesar


Cale Morris #35
1. Mom
2. Sisters
3. Doggie


Chris Nell #31
3 people from the original Thanksgiving


Robbie Payne #21
1. Lionel Messi
2. Stu Holden
3. My Grandma


Patrick Polino #17
My parents and brothers


John Schilling #16
1. Grandma
2. Barack Obama
3. Will Ferrell

Peter Tischke #6
1. Mr. Schilling
2. Ariana Grande
3. Kearney



Alec Vanko #28
1. Ronald Regan
2. Lebron James
3. Aaron Rodgers


Connor Yau #2
1. Lewis
2. Clark
3. Sacajawea

Steel Fans tell us three people you would invite to Thanksgiving with you and your family. Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, the Blog, or Instagram us a picture!  

Have a great day everyone, and make sure to watch the boys today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) on FastHockey.com as they take on the Lincoln Stars and the Omaha Lancers!