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!