Party Like It's 2014!!

Around March each year, Rusty throws a huge party for all of the kids who are in his club. Rusty invites all the kids, players, and staff to Enchanted Castle to enjoy some pizza, play in the arcade, race go-karts, and challenge each other in laser tag. Last night was this year's Kid's Club Party. The night was full of fun, laughs, and memories to last a lifetime. 

Once all the kids and their families got to Enchanted Castle, the players all lined up in the hallway and got ready for their introductions. 

Attempting to line-up in numerical order 

Once introductions were done, it was time to eat. The choice of food for the night was pizza! Who wouldn't love that?!

Following dinner the "rookies" on the team participated in a Dance-Off. Initially all of them had to go on stage, separately, and show off their best dance moves. By the crowd's cheers the players were either eliminated or moved on. From all the rookies it was then narrowed down to the top 4, then the top 2. The top 2 dancers had to then battle it out to see who would be the Dance-Off Champion. Check out some of the videos and pictures taken last night below. 

Connor McDonald and Peter Tischke
very excited for the Dance-Off

The MC's of the night...
Danny Fetzer and Chris Nell

Here are some videos of the boys strutting their stuff!! 

Artem Artemov

Mason Bergh

Breandon Kearney

Zach LaValle

Dual for the Championship between Artem Artemov and Mason Bergh

One last dance with all the players on stage! 

After Artem was named "Dance-Off" Champion, it was time to race cars, play laser tag, and play games to win prizes. Check it out!! 

John Schilling and his driving buddy

Waiting to race: 

Best friends by the end

Ready to drive: Chris Nell,
Connor Yau, and Nate
 Kwiecinski

Robbie Payne and his driving buddy

Victor Bjorkung and his driving buddy

Michael Booth and Liam McGing
wanting to
dance some more. 

They were winning tickets like crazy,
and the machine ran out...oh no!

It was a great night for everyone. The players even put all their tickets together and won a lion head for the locker room. If you plan on coming and have booked a suite for one of the upcoming home games, see if you can spot it. 

The Chicago Steel wants to give a special to Enchanted Castle for letting Rusty host his party with them, as well as, all the kids and parents who came out to his party! We hope to see you again next year! 

An Inside Look With Connor McDonald

Today's inside look is with defenseman, Connor McDonald. Connor is originally from Westerville, OH. This season, McDonald, has played in 44 games for the Chicago Steel, totaling 1 goal and 11 assist. Connor McDonald is a hard working, determined, and unselfish both on and off the ice.  Check out the video below to learn more about the guy behind the jersey!! 

Check back tomorrow to see a special Valentine's Day video made just for you!! Also don't forget to check out next week's "Off the Ice" video to find out who the next player featured will be!! 

44 Total...Who Do You Choose??

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans! Since last Monday was president's day, we figured that we would dedicate our posts to them today. As you all know July 4th, 1776, is the day that 56 delegates gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence, which gave us independence from Britain. From there the delegates elected George Washington as the nation's first president. Since George Washington we have had a total of 44 presidents, each of them unique and different from the last. 

From elementary school through high school, and possibly college, children learn about the different Presidents and how it effected our country. At some point in school, one of presidents stick out to an individual and become their favorite leader so far. We decided to ask all the boy who their favorite president is. Check out their answers!!

Who is your favorite president??

Connor Yau #2
William Henry Harrison

Photo By: MJB Images

Jake Bunz #3
George Washington


Liam McGing #4
Future President Mason Bergh


Nate Kwiecinski #5
Connor Yau


Peter Tischke #6
Ulysses S. Grant


Zach LaValle #11
Pedro of course, he made all my wildest dreams come true. 

Photo By: MJB Images

Brendon Kearney #12
Abe 


 Brian LeBlanc #14
President Roosevelt 


Mason Bergh #15
JFK 


John Schilling #16
JFK

Photo By: MJB Images

Freddy Olofsson #17
Barack Obama


John Ernsting #18
Abe Lincoln


Brady Jones #19
President Bush 


Robbie Payne #21
President Bush

Photo By: MJB Images

CJ Smith #22
Ulysses S. Grant


Robby Jackson #23
Andrew Jackson


Connor McDonald #24
Abe


Michael Booth #25
Abraham Lincoln






Danny Fetzer #26
JFK 


Victor Bjorkung #27

Photo By: MJB Images

George W. Bush


Alec Vanko #28
Ronald Reagan 


Chris Nell #31
Abraham Lincoln


Cale Morris #35
Connor Yau

Have a great day everyone!! 

Chocoholics!!

Happy Thursday Steel Fans! Let's be honest there are few people that can live without chocolate. It's something sweet that is just delicious. On top of that, around every holiday, it's a well known fact that chocolate is a prime component of the event. Think about it...Halloween you give out chocolate, Christmas they have candy canes filled with chocolate, Valentine's Day you give chocolate as part of a gift, and Easter you stuff eggs with chocolate. The chocolate industry loves consumers because we are always buying it, whether it is for a gift, party, event, or our own personal use.  So today we asked the guys what is their favorite kind of chocolate. Check out their answers!!

What is your favorite kind of chocolate??

Connor Yau #2
Dark Chocolate

Photo By: MJB Images

Jake Bunz #3
Aero Bars


Liam McGing #4
I dislike chocolate.


Nate Kwiecinski #5
Snickers


Peter Tischke #6
Milk Chocolate


Zach LaValle #11
Dove Chocolate 

Photo By: MJB Images

Brendon Kearney #12
White Chocolate 


 Brian LeBlanc #14
Dark Chocolate 


Mason Bergh #15
Milk Chocolate. 


John Schilling #16
Not a fan of chocolate.

Photo By: MJB Images

Freddy Olofsson #17
Milk Chocolate


John Ernsting #18
Milk Chocolate


Brady Jones #19
Dark Chocolate 


Robbie Payne #21
Hershey's  

Photo By: MJB Images

CJ Smith #22
Chocolate Covered Cashews


Robby Jackson #23
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups


Connor McDonald #24
Milk Chocolate 


Michael Booth #25
Ghiradelli  




Danny Fetzer #26
Caramel Chocolate 


Victor Bjorkung #27

Photo By: MJB Images

Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Alec Vanko #28
Not a chocolate fan. 


Chris Nell #31
Any kind


Cale Morris #35
Milk Chocolate 

Steel Fans, what is your favorite kind of chocolate?

Have a great day everyone!! 

Off The Ice With Robbie Payne

This week’s “Off the Ice” video features Robbie Payne. Hailing from Gaylord, Mich., Payne was acquired from Tri-City in late October. While with the Storm, Payne appeared in five games
recording a single assist. He arrived in the United States Hockey League after being drafted by Tri-City 62^nd overall in last May’s USHL Entry Draft. Before being drafted, Payne spent two years playing for the Kalamazoo Jr. K Wings of the North American Hockey League.

This season, Payne, has played in 33 games for the Chicago Steel, totaling 13 goals and 8 assist, which includes one game-winning goal. Robbie Payne is a hard working, highly skilled, and driven individual, who constantly shows leadership, passion, and determination both on and off the ice.  Check out the video below to learn more about the guy behind the jersey!! 

Come back next week to find out who will be featured on our next "Off the Ice" video.

Don't forget Steel Fans the boys are back in action this Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, February 22nd, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Game time is set for 7:05pm. Then on Sunday, February 23rd, the Chicago Steel will welcome the Youngstown Phantoms. Game time is set for 3:05pm. Both games will be played at the Edge Ice Arena. Make sure to order your tickets in advance by visiting http://tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or calling (630) 594-1161. 

♥ Happy Valentine's Day Steel Fans!! ♥

Here your special Valentine's Day treat from the boys, just like we promised!! Enjoy!!

We hope that you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and are able share it with someone special in your life! Don't forget, a perfect gift to say "I love you" or "You're special to me" are tickets to this Sunday's game when the Steel take on the Tri-City Storm at 3:05pm! It's not too late to buy your gift! 

♥ HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! ♥

Off The Ice With Robby Jackson!!

Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Robby Jackson is the only member of the current Chicago Steel who calls California home. Jackson spent last season playing in the Tier I Elite league for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Jackson finished third in scoring for the league behind Michael Eyssimont and Matthew Tkachuk. Both Eyssimont (Fargo) and Tkachuk (USA U17) currently are playing in the USHL. Jackson registered 29 goals and 49 assists in just 40 games last season for the Jr. Kings. Following last season, the Steel selected Jackson with their first pick in the 2013 United States Hockey League’s Futures Draft.

This season, Jackson, has played in 41 games for the Chicago Steel, totaling 14 goals and 10 assist, which includes four game-winning goals. Robby Jackson is a hard working, highly skilled, and motivated individual, who constantly shows heart, passion, and determination both on and off the ice.  Check out the video below to learn more about the guy behind the jersey!! 

Check back tomorrow to see a special Valentine's Day video made just for you!! Also don't forget to check out next week's "Off the Ice" video to find out who the next player featured will be!! 

You're So Sweet!!

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans! We are only 3 days away from Valentine's Day. People are starting to make plans and trying to figure out something sweet for the people they love and care about. There are many different options to what you can do for someone. You can buy them something like flowers, candy, or a card; make something for them, or do something that they wouldn't expect like give them a hug or tell them how much they mean to you. The reality is, it isn't about how much you spend or what you buy, it truly is the thought that counts. So today we asked the guys what is the sweetest thing you've done for someone. Check out their answers!!

What's the sweetest thing you've done for someone??

Connor Yau #2
I bought Bunz a cookie tray.


Jake Bunz #3
I gave someone a hug once.


Liam McGing #4
Gave them flowers.


Nate Kwiecinski #5
Got them a card.


Peter Tischke #6
Bought flowers for my girlfriend. 


Zach LaValle #11
One time Mason was going to the bathroom and there was no toilet paper so I grabbed him some. 


Brendon Kearney #12
Bought chocolate and flowers. 


 Brian LeBlanc #14
My girlfriend told me i'm so sweet she couldn't pick just one. 





Mason Bergh #15
Bought someone something. 


John Schilling #16
Bought a bear for someone.


Freddy Olofsson #17
Got a girl Starbucks.


John Ernsting #18
Told McGing he's looking skinny


Brady Jones #19
I woke my roommate Freddy up with a kiss. 


Robbie Payne #21
Took Caitlin on a trip to Florida for 10 days. 


CJ Smith #22
Changed an old lady's tire. 



Robby Jackson #23
Surprised them on their birthday.


Connor McDonald #24
Gave them a gift. 


Michael Booth #25
Bought them Tiffany's jewelry for Valentine's Day. 



Danny Fetzer #26
Gave a hug.


Victor Bjorkung #27
Gave someone a hug. 


Alec Vanko #28
Buying someone flowers and dinner. 


Chris Nell #31
Got someone a gift and flowers. 


Cale Morris #35
Made breakfast in bed. 

Steel Fans, what is the sweetest thing you've done for someone?

Have a great day everyone!! 

Will You Be My Valentine??

Happy Thursday Steel Fans! We are officially in February, and only 8 days away from Valentine's Day. If you haven't already, it's time to start making plans and deciding what you are going to do on Valentine's Day. You might decide to go out to dinner, attend a party, go see a movie, or even relax at home. Depending on what you decide to do you might have the company of a significant other, a family member, a friend, or just decide to do you own thing. We all have an idea of who we would like to spend the day with and what we would like to do. So today we asked the guys if they spend Valentine's Day with anyone, who would it be. Check out their answers!!

If you could spend Valentine's Day with anyone, 

who would it be??

Connor Yau #2
Mason "Mase Pup" Bergh

Image By MJB Images

Jake Bunz #3
Neil Jenkins


Liam McGing #4
Jennifer Lawrence

Image by MJB Images

Nate Kwiecinski #5
Alex Morgan


Peter Tischke #6
Vidmar


Zach LaValle #11
My girlfriend


Brendon Kearney #12
Kate Upton

Image by MJB Images

Brian LeBlanc #14
Michaela Dougherty 


Mason Bergh #15
Connor "Yauser" Yau


John Schilling #16
Jake "HoneyBunz" Bunz



Freddy Olofsson #17
Jennifer Aniston 

Image by MJB Images

John Ernsting #18
Neil Jenkins


Brady Jones #19
Kobe Bryant from the Lakers


Robbie Payne #21
Caitlin Polakowski


CJ Smith #22
Katniss Everdeen

Image By MJB Images

Robby Jackson #23
Sadie Lehmann


Connor McDonald #24
My family


Michael Booth #25
Delaney Perrone




Danny Fetzer #26
My sisters


Victor Bjorkung #27

Image by MJB Images

My family back home


Alec Vanko #28
My mother


Chris Nell #31
Margot Robbie


Cale Morris #35
Carle Pfenning 

Steel Fans, what are your plans for Valentine's Day, and who do you plan on spending it with?

We hope to see you this weekend!! 

The "You Can Play" Project

Happy Wednesday Steel Fans! We hope that you are staying warm with all the snow that has been falling. From the looks of things, it seems like there will be six more weeks of winter.

Today we have a special issue and video we want to share with you. The Chicago Steel have decided to take a stand, along with many athletes around the world, and support the “You Can Play” Project. The “You Can Play” Project is designed to allow athletes, coaches, and fans to ability to stand up and help change the way the world thinks about athletes, both gay and straight. In sports, talent, work ethic, and character are all that matter when assessing a player. The “You Can Play” Project is dedicated to allowing LGBT athletes show their talents without fear. Below you will find the mission of the organization.

“You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.

You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.”

It is time for everyone to take a stand against the discrimination of LGBT athletes. At the end of the day no matter your race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; if you can play, you can play. To learn more about the “You Can Play” Project or find out ways you can support this great organization please visit: http://youcanplayproject.org.

The Chicago Steel is taking a stand, will you?