An Inside Look With Dan London

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! 

Today we talked with our new Account Executive, Dan London. 

Check it out!!!

Originally from Portland, OR, London joins the Steel for his first year as an Account Executive in Ticket Sales.  Previously, he served as an Account Executive for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League.  Additionally, London is familiar with the USHL environment, having interned with the Steel in 2012, as well as the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in 2011. Collegiately, London earned a degree in Business with an Entrepreneurship Certificate from the University of Iowa.

London’s favorite part of working in ticket sales is facing the challenge of filling the rink each game, and he hopes to help create memorable experiences for fans. Outside of work, London’s interests include watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Oregon Ducks among other sports, golfing, and spending time with his dog, Dexter.

What is your primary role with the Chicago Steel?

To sell tickets and to make sure that everyone who comes to the game is satisfied with their experience.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

I interned the end of last summer, took a job opportunity in Phoenix, kept in touch with RJ and Monty, and came back.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

Trying to grow our crowd from night to night in hopes that we can get to a sustain level of success where we can expect a certain level of attendance per game.

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

It’s hard to get to where we want the crowd levels to be. To fix this I try to establish as many relationships as possible through existing relationships and new relationships.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

Seeing how our compete level increases, as well as, mascot night. I didn’t get a chance to see it last year so it will be exciting to see.

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

During a typical day I generate leads, make phone calls, process ticket orders, and have meetings here and there.

What is a typical game day like for you?

Processing ticket orders, setting up the box office, make sure everything for group orders and suites is set up, and work the box office.

Join us next week as we talk to Steve Newton who is in charge of Corporate Sales. 

Make sure to follow us on Instagram 

to catch all of our videos and photos!!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Have a question for a player, coach, staff member? Tag us on Twitter or Facebook and we will make sure your questions get answer!! 

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!!We hope that you had a great weekend and were able to catch one of the games this weekend. If you were unable to catch a game, here is a recap along with comments from Coach Scott McConnell, and Forward, #10, TJ Moore. 

The Chicago Steel dropped the opener of the 2013-2014 season on Friday evening as the Green Bay Gamblers beat the Steel 5-1 at the Edge Ice Arena. 

The first period began with both teams exchanging penalties before the scoring started. Green Bay was first to find the back of the net at the 15:42 mark. Evan Tironese took a nice feed from Drew Best and beat Steel goaltender, Chris Nell, on the backside. The first period closed with Green Bay's Gavin Stoick taking his second penalty of the game. 

The second period opened and the Gamblers quickly pushed their lead to two, still playing a man down. Ryan Lough scored the shorthanded goal while Tironese picked up the assist. Chicago responded less than three minutes later when a couple of Steel newcomers hooked up for a goal. Zach LaValle fed Robby Jackson to cut the lead to 2-1. That was as close as the Steel were going to get as Sebastian Weberg scored another for Green Bay. The Steel dug themselves a hold at the end of the period when Mason Berg and Brian LeBlanc were sent to the box within minutes of each other, but managed to kill off the five on three advantage for the Gamblers

After an uneventful opening half of the third period Green Bay put the game out of reach. The Gamblers added two goals scored by Gates Jr., and Olofsson respectively. Green Bay goalie, Jared Rutledge managed to stop all but one of the shots he faced in a great effort in the net for the Gamblers. 

The Steel put together a late rally but ultimately fell to the Waterloo Black Hawks 3-2 on Saturday evening at the Edge Ice Arena. 

The first period was fairly uneventful for both teams. The Steel and Black Hawks traded opportunities but were unsuccessful each time. There was some excitement with 12:02 remaining in the period when the Black Hawks put the puck in the back of the net but the goal was waived off. The rest of the period remained scoreless and both teams headed to the dressing rooms tied 0-0.

The Black Hawks got things started quickly in the second when they found the back of the net just 1:02 into the period. With 14:46 reaiming Waterloo's Brandon Montour and Austin Vieth found Liam Pecararo for his second goal of the contest and pushed Waterloo's lead to two. Just 31 seconds late the Black Hawks found the back of the net again with a shot from Brandon Salerno. Montour picked up his second assist of the night on the goal. The Steel finally responded just over 10 minutes into the second when Patrick Polino beat Waterloo goaltender Cal Peterson to cut into the lead.

Trailing 3-1, Chicago came out for the third period and cut further into the Waterloo lead when Alec Vanko scored his first goal of the season off a feed from Robby Jackson. The Steel had a great opportunity to tie the game with about three minutes remaining in the game, but Waterloo's Peterson was up for the challenge and stone walled the two on on try. With 41 seconds remaining Chicago pulled goaltender Chris Nell but the Steel could not force overtime even with the extra attacker.

Today we took the time to sit down with Coach McConnell and forward, T.J. Moore, to get their thoughts on the game...check it out!

Coach McConnell
"Friday's game was a good test for our guys. The score wasn't indicative of the game itself. We had opportunities, their goaltender played very well. We didn't capitalize on our opportunities like Green Bay did."

"Saturday was a great hockey game. Both goalies played well, and a major learning step for our team. To be in a 3-0 hole, and continue to battle, and have a chance to tie the game with a minute to go is an invaluable lesson for a young team that we can build off of. We showed this weekend if we battle we can be in any game. There is going to be a few growing pains in certain games. Our objective is to get better every time we hit the ice."

T.J. Moore
Friday: "You could tell it was our first game of the year. We got better as it went on. It was a good sign that we kept fighting even though we were down in the third."

Saturday: "It was a tough loss because it was so close. It was a good sign that we were only a bounce or two away from winning. We played really hard. During the games our best asset was our conditioning and hard work. Even though we couldn't win a game we made progress playing together as a team instead of individuals.


The Steel are away this weekend. On Saturday, September 28th, Team USA U-17's will welcome the Chicago Steel to the Ann Arbor Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. Game time is set for 7pm (6pm Chicago time). Then on Sunday, September 29th, Team USA U-18's will host the Chicago Steel at the Ann Arbor Ice Arena. Puck drop will be at 3:35pm (2:35pm Chicago time). Tune into Fast Hockey to catch some of the action.  

An Inside Look With Nick DeSalvo

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! Guess what?! TOMORROW IS OPENING DAY!! We hope you are as excited as we are. If you haven't bought your tickets, make sure you order them soon! Remember they can be ordered by going to http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or by calling (630) 594-1161. 

Today we sat down with Nick DeSalvo, who helps with our game videos and scouting. Check out the interview below to get an inside look into Nick's job! 

What is your primary role with the Chicago Steel?

Scout, and being a coach on Illinois AAA level, I continue to keep relationships with each of the four AAA team and our draft picks, as well, as the Midwest area.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

After spending time in New York with the Islanders as a hockey ops intern, I came back home and was recommended to Coach McConnell. Our similarities and passion for the game have been a great fit. His teachings and understanding of the game has rounded out a very good staff.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

The USHL has come such a long way. It’s the in-between route between college and the NHL. Illinois hockey has seen great strides especially in the recent NHL draft. The Steel and ownership have been a big part in that.

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

The changes in hockey. The game itself is always changing, and you have to be able to adapt as quickly as possible. Each individual has a different way of learning. It’s the hockey staff’s job to get the best out of each player.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

Our young team. A lot of people are skeptical of a young team in this league. I believe they will absorb the underdog role very well and each weekend is a chance to get better and earn a college scholarship.

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

Mornings are spent reviewing game film from the previous weekend, more specifically each player. From that we develop practice plans, watch games of opponents from the previous weekend, and then if there are any local game RJ and I will go and watch future potential Steel players. After this I’m on the ice for practice, and then following practice I prepare stuff for the following weekends like confirming the bus, hotel, meals, etc.

What is a typical game day like for you?

In the morning I study game film of the Steel and our opponents. If it is a Friday we will have a morning skate afterwards. Then all of the coaches have a meeting and talk about strategies. We then have our pre-game meal. Once the boys start arriving game planning hits its final course. RJ and I watch warm-ups to match opponent lines and figure out who’s starting in net. During the game I do a live feed of the game or I am on the bench. Following the game I talk with coaches and scouts who have come to watch some of the players. To finish off the night we review game film from our next opponent. 

We hope you enjoyed getting another inside look into the Steel family. Make sure to come back next week when we sit down with Account Executive, Dan London!! 

We hope to see you this weekend Steel Fans!!

Insight From Coach Enga

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! This past weekend the Chicago Steel attended the Fall Classic in Indianapolis, IN. The boys put their heart and soul into the games. With the weekend over, the team is now putting their focus onto this weekends games. Today we sat down with Assistant Coach, RJ Enga, to talk about the past weekend, and the weekend ahead. Check it out!! 

How did the players perform this past weekend?

This past weekend was encouraging. The work ethic for this group is high. We are definitely excited about having time to work with this group and add systems and detail to the game.

What needs to be worked on prior to Friday’s opener?

We touched on team systems a little bit before the Fall Classic. Before Friday, we are looking to dial in more detail into those systems.

What aspect of the game, stood out to you (penalty kills, face offs)

Our goaltending for sure. As a group, they have a good hockey IQ. They are able to see the game and plays well. They are also a very coachable group of kids.

What do you think is going to be your biggest advantage this season?

The team’s speed, hockey smarts, and goaltending. This is a hard working, eager, ready to learn and execute group, which will be great this season.

What do you think is going to be your biggest challenge?

The experience in a USHL game. Most of these players do not have a ton of USHL experience, so the biggest challenge will be getting them game experience. We also need to make sure we are constantly teaching and coaching.

Don't forget Steel Fans to order your tickets now!! You don't want to miss the exciting opener! On Friday, the Steel will welcome the Green Bay Gamblers for 7:30 pm game, and on Saturday, the Steel will welcome the Waterloo Black Hawks for a 7 pm match-up. We hope to see you at the rink!! 

Behind The Scenes With Pat Dolan

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! Today we are giving you another inside look into the organization. Before the players and coaching staff left for the fall classic we were able to sit down with our new equipment manager, Pat Dolan. Check out the interview below!

What is your primary role with the Chicago Steel?

Equipment Manager

What made you pick this career path?

I played hockey since I was 7, and then went to school for a degree in sports marketing. After school I worked for the NCAA in a retail hockey setting, and it was something that I wanted to continue.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

My favorite part is working with the young guys and getting them what they need to be successful on the ice.

What is a typical game day like for you?

The long hours and laundry.

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

Making sure everything is organized and where it needs to be, especially when you have 23 players and the coaching staff to look after.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

This is my first season as an equipment managers so I’m looking forward to learning more about the position and being able to get everyone what they need.

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

I get to the rink around 7:30am for a team workout. Then I start laundry until the players get here. Once players start showing up I get everyone set-up for practice. After practice I do more laundry and any repairs that need to be done. 


We hope you learned a little bit about what our equipment manager, Pat Dolan, does here at the Steel. Come back next week as we talk to Nick DeSalvo!! 

We Want You!!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! We are 10 days away from opening weekend, hopefully you are as excited as we are!

As we look forward to the season ahead of us, we are looking for some people to help us out both on and off the ice. What kind of help do you ask? Check out the areas below that we need help with!!

On-Ice Promotions

We are looking for females or males ages 12-18 who are interested in being  a part of the Steel promotion team during the 2013-2014 season! 

** Please note to help with the on-ice promotions, you must be willing and able to skate. 

Chuck-A-Puck Sales

We are looking for females and males ages 12-18 who are interested in being a part of the Steel team during the 2013-2014 season, by helping sell Chuck-A-Pucks during the 1st and 2nd period. 

Off-ice Officials 

We are looking for adults who are interested in helping out in the penalty boxes, goal judge, or score keeper during the 2013-2014 season! 

If any of these sound interesting to you, or if you would like more information, please contact Katie Sack at ksack@chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. Make sure you don't miss out on this great opportunity to become part of the Steel team for the 2013-2014 season!! 

Behind The Scenes With Steve Bagus

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! We hope that you are having a great week. Only a few more days until the weekend! Looking back, we have given you an inside look to our players and coaches during the season and off-season. One area that we haven't given you a look into are the other areas of the organization that play a vital role at the Steel. 

Today, we sat down with our Athletic Trainer, Steve Bagus. Steve is originally from Oak Lawn, Illinois, and received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2008 from Illinois State University. Upon graduation he accepted a position with AthletiCo and served as Head Athletic Trainer at Alonzo Amos Stagg High School in Palos Heights. In 2009 he was named Assistant Athletic Trainer at Mt. Carmel High School on Chicago’s southside and served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Griffins Rugby Club. While in his current role, Steve had an opportunity to work with the United States Soccer Federation’s Under 14 Men’s National Team in Bradenton Florida and the Under-18′s Men National Team in Lisbon, Portugal. Steve was also a high school hockey player in his youth, capping his career as a forward at Brother Rice High School in 2004.

Now that you know a little bit about Steve, 

we thought we would ask him some questions!!

What is your primary role with the Chicago Steel?

I’m the head athletic trainer for the Chicago Steel.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

I started with the Steel four seasons ago. I was appointed to the position through Athletico due to my hockey experience and love for the game.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

I enjoy being a part of the athlete’s accomplishments and watching them succeed in life beyond the Steel.

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

The hardest part of my job is working with the athletes at their lowest point and having to tell an athlete they can’t play because of their injury.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

Getting to work with and build relationships with the new players.

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

I get to the rink before workouts and start treatments [treatments include but aren't limited to: stretching, ice, e-stim, massage, taping, padding, heating, etc.] and evaluations for the athletes. I do rehab for the injured players during workouts, and I prepare the other players for practice, I’ll watch practice and deal with any injuries that occur, and then do post practice treatments for all the players.

What is a typical game day like for you?

I get to the rink before morning skate to prepare the players. Post morning skate I do treatments for the players, prepare the water bottles and powerade for the home and visiting teams, set up the benches, and do paperwork until the players return to the rink for the game. Closer to game time I prepare players for the game. Then during the game I’m on the bench in case an injury occurs. Following the game, I do treatments and clean-up.

We hope you learned a little bit about what our head athletic trainer does here at the Steel. Come back next week as we take an inside look at our Equipment Manager, Pat Dolan.

Let's See That Roster!!

Happy Wednesday Steel Fans!! We hope you had a great weekend. As stated previously all of the boys are here and on Sunday, they had their kick-off barbecue. One thing that we haven't posted or talked about on the blog is who made the team. Well, fans your wait is over!!  It's official the 2013-2014 Chicago Steel Roster has been released!! Check out below who will be wearing a Steel uniform this season!!

To see the roster on our website please click here!

So Steel Fans, we're asking you...who are you most excited to see this season out on the ice??