HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Steel Fans!! One of the many catch phrases for the day is going to be "Trick or Treat!" With that being said will you be getting a trick or a treat with this post?! 

We decided to give you a few treats today! The first one is a Halloween video the boys made just for you!! Click here to check out the Halloween video!! We know you'll love it!! 

Even though it is raining, I'm sure some kids will still be going trick or treating tonight. Additionally, last weekend and this weekend teens and adults will be figuring out plans for their Halloween celebration. Before the boys left, we asked them what their Halloween plans are. Check it out! 

What are your plans for Halloween??

Mason Bergh #15
"You can find me on the streets trick or treating with Lavzy."


Victor Bjorkung #27
"Hanging out with the boys and my billets."


Jake Bunz #3
"Scaring kids that come to trick or treat."


Chris Dodero #22
"Complete my homework for school."


John Ernsting #18
"Hanging out with the team."


Danny Fetzer #26
"Getting candy."


Robby Jackson #23
"No idea."




Brady Jones #19
"Trick or treating with the billets."


Nate Kwiecinski #5
"Being with the boys."


Zach LaValle #11
"I'm trick or treating for sure."


Brian LeBlanc #14
"Going trick or treating with the boys."


Biagio Lerario #9
"Hanging out with the boys."


Liam McDermott #12
"Hanging out with the boys."


Connor McDonald #24
"Being with the team."


Liam McGing #4
"Nothing."


Cale Morris #35
"Hanging with the boys."


Chris Nell #31
"Go to practice then go home and watch Netflix or NHL 14."


Patrick Polino #17
"Being on the bus to Fargo with the boys."


John Schilling #16
"Hanging out with the team."


Peter Tischke #6
"Hanging with the boys."


Alec Vanko #28
"Hopefully scaring some trick or treaters."


Connor Yau #2
"Not sure yet, maybe FGL concert."

Steel Fans tell us what your plans are for Halloween, 
and what you thought of the boys' video, 

and we will post them on the blog!! 

Be safe tonight and this weekend...and 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

An Inside Look With John Montalbano

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! 

Today we talked with John Montalbano, 
Director of Business Operations/Marketing Manager. 

Check it out!!!

Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Montalbano is beginning his eighth season with the Chicago Steel. A graduate of the University of Iowa with a major in communications and a minor in business, Montalbano serves as the Director of Business Operations and Marketing Manager. His day-to-day activities include: developing and maintaining the Steel’s website, overseeing all business transactions and front office personnel, creating a marketing plan and a budget, and directing game day operations.

His favorite part about his job is getting to come to work knowing that every day is different. Additionally, he enjoys working with a great staff and being a part of a great sports organization. In his free time, John likes watching the Hawkeyes, being outdoors, on the water, and playing sports. Furthermore, he enjoys coaching travel baseball in the summer, when he is available.

John is also a member of the USHL Senior Management Council.

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

I am in charge the marketing and business aspects of the organization.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

After my senior year of college, at the University of Iowa, I applied for an internship in marketing with the Steel, and was fortunate to get the position and learn from RJ Dusak. After my internship, I was the marketing and sales coordinator and then promoted into my current role as Director of Business Operations/Marketing Manager.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

Being able to work for a sports team was always a dream of mine, so to be involved with an organization like this, where every day is different and you face the challenge of being in a sports and entertainment saturated market, makes working here enjoyable..

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

Being in a hockey saturated market is always a challenge but the success of the Blackhawks has helped continue the growth of hockey fans in the community. Also, being able to continually brand our name and product and not just create a buzz but create demand for our product can be a challenge at times.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

The continued growth and success off the ice and working with the great staff we have in place.

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

I get in early around 6:15am to get some work done before working out with RJ, RJ, and Pat. After workouts are over, I get back to focusing on continuing the growth of our brand whether it is through the marketing or sales aspect of the business. Since every day is different it is hard to describe a typical day but some daily duties are dealing with financials, updating our website, going to meetings, and helping the sales staff.

What is a typical game day like for you?

I get here early in the morning and work out. Then it is kinda the same as a typical day but I have additional responsibilities. I have to get the financials ready for the game, help prepare the media game notes, set up the music for the game, and deal with any situations that may arise. During the game I’m typically in the press box with Vito, keeping an eye on everything on the ice and in the stands and directing when we go to media time outs, etc. 

Join us next time as we talk to Katie Sack who is the 
Director of Community Relations and Assistant to the GM. 

ATTENTION STEEL FANS: 
DON'T FORGET!! On Friday, November 8th we will be hosting a food drive. For each non-perishable item brought in, you will receive $2 off a ticket and a FREE chuck-a-puck! All food will be donated to the Northern IL Food Bank!!

Are You Afraid Of The Dark??

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! We are ONE week away from Halloween!! Can you believe how fast it came about?! During this time of the year people love to rent and watch scary movie. Scary movies can include: "Texas Chainsaw Massacre " "The Exorcist," "Chucky," or even "Halloween." Never the less people get a thrill from watching these types of movies, even more so around Halloween. The idea of being scared is exciting to most. Today, we asked the boys what their favorite scary movie of all time was. Check it out! 

What is your favorite scary movie??

Mason Bergh #15
"The Conjuring"


Victor Bjorkung #27
"Friday The 13th"


Jake Bunz #3
"Paranormal Activity"


Chris Dodero #22
"Halloween"


John Ernsting #18
"The Conjuring"


Danny Fetzer #26
None



Robby Jackson #23
None, hate scary movies.


Brady Jones #19
"Casper, The Friendly Ghost"


Nate Kwiecinski #5
"Insidious"


Zach LaValle #11
I hate scary movies.


Brian LeBlanc #14
"Scream 4"


Biagio Lerario #9
"Disturbia"


Liam McDermott #12
"Blair Witch Project"


Connor McDonald #24
"Disturbia"


Liam McGing #4
"Scary Movie 3"


Cale Morris #35
"Insidious"


Chris Nell #31
"Hocus Pocus"


Patrick Polino #17
"Texas Chainsaw 3D"


John Schilling #16
"The Sinister"

Peter Tischke #6
"Saw"


Alec Vanko #28
I hate scary movies, they give me bad dreams.


Connor Yau #2
"The Conjuring"

Steel Fans tell us what your favorite scary movie, 

and we will post them on Tuesday's blog!! 

Have a puck-tastic day everyone!! 

Steel Spotlight: Brian LeBlanc

For the second installment of the Spotlight Series Brian LeBlanc takes center stage.  LeBlanc rejoins the Steel this season for his second tour of duty in Chicago. The defenseman from Hermantown, Minn. appeared in 22 games for the Steel in 2012-13, before being traded to the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the North American Hockey League in early January. After being moved, LeBlanc appeared in 27 games for the Wildcats, recording two goals and four assists to go along with a plus four rating. Being traded came as a shock to LeBlanc but the experience definitely helped him to mature. He says the initial trade “woke him up” and he grew up both on and off the ice.

This past offseason, the Steel thought enough of LeBlanc after his performances last season in Chicago and Wichita Falls to use one of their picks on him during Phase II of the 2013 United States Hockey League draft. He made the team out of training camp and impressed enough throughout preseason to become an alternate captain in 2013-14. LeBlanc says that it was a good feeling getting named to a leadership role and the position is something that he takes a good deal of pride in.  He tries to lead by example and stay even keel no matter the game situation, and prefers to lead through action not by voice. Being a consistent presence and player is LeBlanc’s main priority.

It is easy to understand why LeBlanc became involved in hockey, seeing as he grew up and still calls northern Minnesota home. The story becomes even clearer when one discovers who LeBlanc’s father is. Guy LeBlanc, Brian’s father and the person who he credits with really turning him on to hockey, seems to be a typical hockey dad. Guy was a Division III All-American during his playing career at St. Scholastica and has spent many years in the Minnesota coaching ranks.

There is no doubt that Guy helped shape his son’s game, one that Brian describes as a two-way defenseman. He likes to make quick decisions with the puck and move it efficiently. He also tries to make himself an option when the team moves into the offensive zone. LeBlanc tries to emulate his game after the Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Suter.

Away from the rink, LeBlanc enjoys playing video games and reading. However, he is also a big outdoorsman having grown up in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” When hockey season is not going on chances are you will find him out fishing, hunting and camping.

Lastly, LeBlanc would like to give a shout-out to his two brothers, Drew and Jack.  Drew, a Steel alumnus and the 2013 Hobey Baker Award winner, is currently a forward in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, while his younger brother, Jack, is still in high school and just earned his driver’s license.

Steel Spotlight: Alec Vanko

The Chicago Steel would like to introduce the Spotlight Series. Each week a new player will be highlighted so fans can learn more about the athletes they watch compete on the ice. Alec Vanko has been chosen as the subject for the first installment of this new series. Vanko joins the Steel after competing for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League during the 2012-2013 campaign. In 36 games for the Jets last season, Vanko, a defenseman, managed to record 17 points (1G, 16A).

Originally from Oregon, Wis. Vanko says that his older brother and parents got him into hockey. He believes that he was up and learning to skate when he was around three years old and then joined his first mite team the following year. He says that without their support he would not be in the position he is today.

When asked who he would credit as his biggest hockey influence, one name quickly emerged – Pat Ford. Ford, a former University of Wisconsin assistant, was one of Vanko’s coaches growing up as well as his best friend’s father. He served as a coach for Team Wisconsin as well as the Madison Capitols, two programs Vanko played for while moving up through the hockey ranks.

Both of Ford’s sons play for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, which will make things interesting when the Saints come to the Edge to face off against the Steel on Oct 19. It will be the first game between the two United States Hockey League foes of the 2013-2014 season. Last year, Chicago and Dubuque split the four games they played against each other, with the home team winning each contest.

Vanko describes himself as a puck moving defenseman, who can jump into the rush when possible. The offensive portion of Vanko’s game has already shown itself for the Steel. Through six games of this young season, the blueliner has recorded two points (1g,1a).  He went on to say that he does try to take advantage of his size and make sure his presence is felt out on the ice. The fact that Vanko mentions a physical style of play and having a presence on the ice should not come as a surprise, the Steel newcomer is listed at 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds.

Vanko could not think of an answer when he was asked to choose a particular player’s style he tries to emulate, however he does say that Ryan Suter is someone he looks up to. Suter, a defenseman and alternate captain with the Minnesota Wild, hails from Madison, Wis.  Vanko says it is cool to know that he has spent time on many of the same rinks that Suter did growing up. This past summer Vanko was lucky enough to take the ice with the NHL veteran, an experience he called a “great opportunity.”

Vanko, who was drafted by Waterloo, tallied his first career USHL goal against his old squad when he beat Black Hawk goaltender Cal Peterson back on Sept 21.

“It was great, particularly coming against my former team,” Vanko said. “While it was nice to score, a win against Waterloo would have been better.”

Away from the rink Vanko says he enjoys spending time with friends and golfing. He also loves to work hard in the gym lifting weights in order to get stronger on the ice.

Finally, when asked if he was a Badgers and Packers fan, the kid from just outside Madison responded as most would expect –“Oh yeah, huge.”

Ames Elementary School!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans! We hope that you are enjoying your week so far. It is rumored that we are suppose to get some snow/rain tonight so make sure you drive safely! 

This week Zach LaValle, Mason Bergh, John Schilling, John Ernsting, Liam McDermott, Connor Yau, Artem Artemov, Chris Nell, Alec Vanko, and Liam McGing went to Ames Elementary School to teach hockey to grades K-5. They taught the kids how to stick handle, pass, and shoot.

Before the boys started teaching, they took the time to introduce themselves. They told the kids, their name, number, age, position, where they are from, when they started playing hockey, and what they plan on doing after hockey. 

Following that it was time to learn how to control the puck and stick handle their between cones. 

To go along with the stick handling and controlling the puck, it was then time to learn how to pass the puck from one person to another.

What fun would it be to only stick handle and pass, if you aren't able to shoot the puck. The players were the goalies as the students started firing away pucks at them. 

After all the learning, it was time to have some fun. The classes were about to play either a game of hockey, or a game of red rover. Red rover wasn't the normal game that everyone knows. The kids had to run from one side to another without getting hit with a puck that was just being shot at them by players. 

 

Overall, I think that it is safe to say that all the boys enjoyed teaching hockey, and the students LOVED having them there!! 

There is still plenty of time to get the team out to your child's school. All you have to do is go online and fill out a simple form, or call 630-594-1159 to set it up! Don't let your child's and their friends miss out on this great opportunity, which is completely FREE!! 

Have a great day Steel Fans!! 

 

An Inside Look With RJ Bosworth

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! 

Today we talked with RJ Bosworth, Director of Ticket Sales. 

Check it out!!!

Originally from Justice, IL, R.J. Bosworth started out as an intern during the 2007-2008 season. This is his sixth season with the Chicago Steel. R.J. graduated from Columbia College with a major in sports management. Through high school and college, R.J. worked at Park Printing, before accepting a job with the Chicago Steel. Currently, R.J. is the Director of Ticket Sales for the Steel. His favorite part of the job is the family atmosphere within the organization and knowing that everyday is going to be different. Additionally, he enjoys the challenge of being a junior hockey team in a major market. When R.J. is not at the Steel he enjoys golfing, watching the Chicago White Sox, and spending time with family and friends.

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

I focus on the Ticket Sales and Ticket Operation for the organization.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

In 2007 I was a senior at Columbia and applied for an internship with the team. I worked the 07-08 season as the marketing intern and was offered a job at the end of the season as an account executive.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

As cliché as it sounds it’s like a second family here. During the season I spend more time with the front office than I do my wife. They make it a fun and entertaining every day. I would hate to go into an office everyday dreading work because the co-workers made the atmosphere feel like a funeral.

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

The biggest challenge we face is being a small team in a large market. People in Chicago have so many options when it comes to spending their entertainment dollars. We have to be creative in getting people into the building.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

Mascot night is always a entertaining. Last year it was a sell out and the building is always electric on that night.

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

I usually get in and check my e-mails and voicemail. During the day I am usually working on ticket sales and operations end of things. I help out with other things around the office from community relations to marketing. Every day is different.

What is a typical game day like for you?

I get here around 7:30am and put together the agenda for the staff and help put together the media guide. During the day I am usually filling ticket orders and getting the box office organized. At 5 we have our staff dinner and meeting. Doors open up an hour before the game and I’m in the box office until the end of the second intermission when I go and talk to group leaders and season ticket holders. 

Join us next week as we talk to John Montalbano who is the 
Director of Business Operations and Marketing Manager. 

ATTENTION STEEL FANS: 
We created an additional Twitter account to give you a better inside look into the organization. Make sure to follow us @chisteelinsider!! 

Let's Play Halloween Dress-Up!!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! We are only a few weeks out till Halloween and everyone is getting their costumes ready for the big day. Every year kids and adults try and find a better costume than the one they did last year, however, their is always that one costume that you can never forget and love to wear. Today, we asked the boys what their favorite Halloween costume was. Check it out! 

What is your favorite Halloween costume??

Mason Bergh #15
I was a pirate for like 3 years in a row.


Victor Bjorkung #27
The Joker


Jake Bunz #3
Hanson Brothers


Chris Dodero #22
Spider-Man


John Ernsting #18
Shrek




Danny Fetzer #26
Batman


Robby Jackson #23
Superman


Brady Jones #19
Moses


Nate Kwiecinski #5
I was a gorilla.


Zach LaValle #11
Dressing up as Mario and Luigi with my buddy.


Brian LeBlanc #14
Buzz Lightyear


Biagio Lerario #9
Batman


Liam McDermott #12
Buzz Lightyear


Connor McDonald #24
Hockey Player


Liam McGing #4
White Power Ranger


T.J. Moore #10
Cucumber when I was 7.

Cale Morris #35
Superman


Chris Nell #31
Hockey Player

Patrick Polino #17
A beat up hockey player.


John Schilling #16
Land Shark


Peter Tischke #6
Superman


Alec Vanko #28
When I dressed up as the Hanson brothers from Slapshot.


Connor Yau #2
Chameleon (Pokemon) when I was 6.

Steel Fans tell us what your favorite Halloween costume, 

and we will post them on Thursday's blog!! 

Have a puck-tastic day everyone!! 

Candy...Candy...Candy!!

Happy Thursday Steel Fans!! We are only a few weeks out till Halloween and, as I am sure you have seen, all the stores have isles full of candy. People are starting to stock pile candy so they can be ready for all the trick or treaters! Since candy is huge during this time of the year, we asked the boys what their favorite Halloween candy is. Check it out! 

What is your favorite Halloween candy??

Mason Bergh #15
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups


Victor Bjorkung #27
I don't eat candy...haha


Jake Bunz #3
Any king size candy bars


Chris Dodero #22
Reese's


John Ernsting #18
Candy Corn



Danny Fetzer #26
Snickers


Robby Jackson #23
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups


Brady Jones #19
Protein Bars


Nate Kwiecinski #5
3 Musketeers


Zach LaValle #11
Caramel Apple Suckers


Brian LeBlanc #14
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups


Biagio Lerario #9
Candy Corn


Liam McDermott #12
Reese's


Connor McDonald #24
Sweetarts


Liam McGing #4
Twizzlers


T.J. Moore #10
Chocolate ones, I just really like chocoalte.


Cale Morris #35
Laffy Taffy


Chris Nell #31
Snickers


Patrick Polino #17
Milky Way


John Schilling #16
Candy Corn


Peter Tischke #6
3 Musketeers


Alec Vanko #28
Starburst


Connor Yau #2
Twix

Steel Fans tell us what your favorite Halloween candy, 

and we will post them on Thursday's blog!! 

Have a puck-tastic day everyone!! 

Score With Reading

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans! We hope that you had a great weekend, and were able to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we had. Today Danny Fetzer, Patrick Polino, Jake Bunz, Victor Bjorkung, Liam McGing, and Liam McDermott when to St. Pius X School to read to 15 classrooms!

They read a variety of books to kids from 

preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade. 

Following the the stories the children were able to ask the players questions about the book or personal questions about themselves. Some of the questions the players were asked included: What position do you play? Where are you from? What is your favorite part of hockey? What do you do during a normal day?

After the classes finished all of their questions, they all wanted to take a picture with the players, so instead of individual pictures, we figured we would take a group picture. Some of the classes opted for a funny picture instead of a regular picture.

However, before we could leave, the boys needed to sign some autographs for their biggest fans. 

To have the players visit your school call (630) 594-1159 or visit http://www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com/fan-zone/school-programs/. 

Have a great day Steel Fans!!