Tuesday, May 5, 2015
USHL PHASE TWO DRAFT RESULTS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The United States Hockey League Phase Two Draft will commence this morning at 8 p.m. CST. The Chicago Steel will have the seventh and 16th selections in the first round. All USHL Teams will draft until their rosters are filled with protected list players (1995 to 1999 birth years), who are looking to make the roster for the 2015-16 season.
With the seventh overall selection in the 2015 USHL Phase Two Draft, the Chicago Steel select goalie Daniel Vladar from HC Kladno in the Czech Republic. Vladar posted a 2.78 goals against average and a .925 save percentage in 29 games in 2014-15. Vladar is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the No. 2 European goalie eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
With the final pick in the first-round, 16th overall, Chicago chose Lucas Michaud from the Portland Junior Pirates. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound forward is a 1997 birth year and had 22 goals and 33 assists in 49 games. He is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the 138th best North American skater eligible for this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Michaud is committed to Maine.
The Steel drafted William Reilly out of Toronto, Ontario with their second-round, 23rd overall, pick . The 6-foot-1, 188-pound defenseman competed for the North York Rangers in 2014-15, compiling 17 goals and 18 assists. The blueliner is a 1997 birth year.
In the fourth-round Chicago selected forward Johnny Walker with the 55th overall pick. Walker is a 1996 birth year who competed for the Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League in 2014-15. Walker registered 41 points (20g, 21a) and 170 penalty minutes in 54 games a season ago.
With the final pick in the fifth round, 82nd overall, the Steel selected Zachary Risteau from Benilde St.-Margaret’s School. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound forward is a 1998 birth year and had 22 goals and 11 assists in 27 games.
The Steel selected Joseph Masonius in the seventh round, 106th overall. The 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman played 65 games with Team USA U-18 last season, recording six goals and 23 assists. Masonius is committed to the University of New Hampshire.
With the 115th overall pick in the seventh round, the Steel took Brandon Duhaime from the Merritt Centennials. The 6-foot, 185-pound forward is a 1997 birth year and had six goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season. Duhaime is committed to Brown University.
The Steel selected Gunnar Lindblad in the eighth round, 122nd overall from the Chicago Mission Midget Major. The 5-foot-10, 142-pound forward tallied four goals and 15 assists in 26 games last season.
In the 10th-round Chicago selected Matyas Kacirek with the 154th overall pick. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound forward had 18 goals and 21 assists in 32 games last season for Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech U18 league.
With the 170th overall pick, Chicago chose Dan Weaver out of Sterling Heights, Mich. Weaver is a 5-foot-10, 177-pound defenseman who played for the Soo Eagles (2g, 6a in 44 games in 2014-15).
Chicago selected Nicolas Hague with the 186th overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase Two Draft. Hague is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound defenseman from the Kitchener Dutchmen. Last season, Hague tallied three goals and added eight assists in 43 contests.
With the 202nd overall pick, the Steel selected Marc Johnstone out of Cranford, NJ. The 6-foot, 165-pound forward is a 1996 birth year and suited up for the Kenai River Brown Bears last season.
The Steel take Greg Printz out of Fairfax, VA in the 14th round (218th overall). Printz is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward and is a 1998 birth year.
In the 15th round, the Chicago Steel chose Samu Suominen from the Iowa Wild Midget Majors. Suominen is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defenseman and totaled 12 goals and 13 assists in 54 games.
With the 250th pick, Chicago chose Joseph Duszak from the P.A.L Junior Islanders. Duszak had 18 goals and 39 assists in 50 games in 2014-15.
Chicago chose Scotty Osani from Valley Stream, NY. Osani competed for the North Jersey Avalance last season. He is a 5-foot-8, 161-pound forward.
With the 282nd pick in the draft, Chicago selected defenseman Jeremy Groleau from the Levis Commandeurs. Groleau tallied 11 points (3g, 8a) in 42 contests last season for Levis.
With the seventh overall selection in the 2015 USHL Phase Two Draft, the Chicago Steel select goalie Daniel Vladar from HC Kladno in the Czech Republic. Vladar posted a 2.78 goals against average and a .925 save percentage in 29 games in 2014-15. Vladar is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the No. 2 European goalie eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
With the final pick in the first-round, 16th overall, Chicago chose Lucas Michaud from the Portland Junior Pirates. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound forward is a 1997 birth year and had 22 goals and 33 assists in 49 games. He is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the 138th best North American skater eligible for this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Michaud is committed to Maine.
The Steel drafted William Reilly out of Toronto, Ontario with their second-round, 23rd overall, pick . The 6-foot-1, 188-pound defenseman competed for the North York Rangers in 2014-15, compiling 17 goals and 18 assists. The blueliner is a 1997 birth year.
In the fourth-round Chicago selected forward Johnny Walker with the 55th overall pick. Walker is a 1996 birth year who competed for the Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League in 2014-15. Walker registered 41 points (20g, 21a) and 170 penalty minutes in 54 games a season ago.
With the final pick in the fifth round, 82nd overall, the Steel selected Zachary Risteau from Benilde St.-Margaret’s School. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound forward is a 1998 birth year and had 22 goals and 11 assists in 27 games.
The Steel selected Joseph Masonius in the seventh round, 106th overall. The 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman played 65 games with Team USA U-18 last season, recording six goals and 23 assists. Masonius is committed to the University of New Hampshire.
With the 115th overall pick in the seventh round, the Steel took Brandon Duhaime from the Merritt Centennials. The 6-foot, 185-pound forward is a 1997 birth year and had six goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season. Duhaime is committed to Brown University.
The Steel selected Gunnar Lindblad in the eighth round, 122nd overall from the Chicago Mission Midget Major. The 5-foot-10, 142-pound forward tallied four goals and 15 assists in 26 games last season.
In the 10th-round Chicago selected Matyas Kacirek with the 154th overall pick. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound forward had 18 goals and 21 assists in 32 games last season for Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech U18 league.
With the 170th overall pick, Chicago chose Dan Weaver out of Sterling Heights, Mich. Weaver is a 5-foot-10, 177-pound defenseman who played for the Soo Eagles (2g, 6a in 44 games in 2014-15).
Chicago selected Nicolas Hague with the 186th overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase Two Draft. Hague is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound defenseman from the Kitchener Dutchmen. Last season, Hague tallied three goals and added eight assists in 43 contests.
With the 202nd overall pick, the Steel selected Marc Johnstone out of Cranford, NJ. The 6-foot, 165-pound forward is a 1996 birth year and suited up for the Kenai River Brown Bears last season.
The Steel take Greg Printz out of Fairfax, VA in the 14th round (218th overall). Printz is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward and is a 1998 birth year.
In the 15th round, the Chicago Steel chose Samu Suominen from the Iowa Wild Midget Majors. Suominen is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defenseman and totaled 12 goals and 13 assists in 54 games.
With the 250th pick, Chicago chose Joseph Duszak from the P.A.L Junior Islanders. Duszak had 18 goals and 39 assists in 50 games in 2014-15.
Chicago chose Scotty Osani from Valley Stream, NY. Osani competed for the North Jersey Avalance last season. He is a 5-foot-8, 161-pound forward.
With the 282nd pick in the draft, Chicago selected defenseman Jeremy Groleau from the Levis Commandeurs. Groleau tallied 11 points (3g, 8a) in 42 contests last season for Levis.
Monday, May 4, 2015
USHL PHASE ONE DRAFT RESULTS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. –Although the 2014-15 United States Hockey League season is in the midst of the Clark Cup Playoffs, the Chicago Steel and 15 other teams from the league are hard at work building their programs for the future. The only team not to take part in the draft is the United States National Team Development Program.
With the sixth overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft, the Steel selected Baker Shore from the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Minor team. Last season, Shore scored 11 goals and tallied 15 assists in 24 games.
The Chicago Steel chose Cameron Hausinger with the 7th overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft. Hausinger is a forward out of Anchorage, Alaska and registered 45 points (22g, 23a) in 24 games last season for the Skipjacks of the USPHL.
With the seventh pick in the second-round, Chicago took Colby Bukes out of the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Minor squad. A 5-foot-10, 168-pound defenseman, Bukes had five assists in 20 games in 2014-15.
In the third-round, the Steel drafted Tyler Gratton from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Midget Minor team. Gratton is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound forward who notched 18 goals and added 14 assists for the Knights last season.
With the 71st overall pick, the Steel selected forward Chris Garbe out of the Long Island Gulls. Last season, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound resident of Miller Place, NY, tallied 43 points (23g, 20a) in 29 games.
Chicago chose Seth Benson with the 87th overall selection in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft. Benson is out of Minnesota’s Moorhead High School. He had four goals and one assist in 28 games in 2014-15.
With the 103rd overall pick, Chicago took James Orr out of the Lac St-Louis Lions. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound defenseman notched six assists in 31 games a season ago.
With 118th overall selection, the Steel drafted Luke LaMaster from Duluth East High School in Duluth, Minn. LaMaster is 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 175 pounds. He recorded six points (2g, 4a) in 31 contests in 2014-15.
Chicago chose John Spetz out of Oak Ridge, New Jersey with the 119th overall pick. Spetz is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound defenseman who competed for the New Jersey Avalanche last season.
With the 135th overall pick in the 2015 Phase One Draft, the Steel chose Ben Perkins from the Chicago Young Americans Midget Minor team. Perkins is a 5-foot-7, 134-pound forward from Barrington, Ill.
With the 151st overall pick in the 2015 Phase One Draft, the Steel chose Steven Agriogianis from Delbarton school. Agriogianis is a 5-foot-9, 154-pound forward from Florham Park, NJ. He recorded 15 goals and 19 assists in 28 games last season.
With the sixth overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft, the Steel selected Baker Shore from the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Minor team. Last season, Shore scored 11 goals and tallied 15 assists in 24 games.
The Chicago Steel chose Cameron Hausinger with the 7th overall pick in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft. Hausinger is a forward out of Anchorage, Alaska and registered 45 points (22g, 23a) in 24 games last season for the Skipjacks of the USPHL.
With the seventh pick in the second-round, Chicago took Colby Bukes out of the Colorado Thunderbirds Midget Minor squad. A 5-foot-10, 168-pound defenseman, Bukes had five assists in 20 games in 2014-15.
In the third-round, the Steel drafted Tyler Gratton from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Midget Minor team. Gratton is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound forward who notched 18 goals and added 14 assists for the Knights last season.
With the 71st overall pick, the Steel selected forward Chris Garbe out of the Long Island Gulls. Last season, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound resident of Miller Place, NY, tallied 43 points (23g, 20a) in 29 games.
Chicago chose Seth Benson with the 87th overall selection in the 2015 USHL Phase One Draft. Benson is out of Minnesota’s Moorhead High School. He had four goals and one assist in 28 games in 2014-15.
With the 103rd overall pick, Chicago took James Orr out of the Lac St-Louis Lions. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound defenseman notched six assists in 31 games a season ago.
With 118th overall selection, the Steel drafted Luke LaMaster from Duluth East High School in Duluth, Minn. LaMaster is 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 175 pounds. He recorded six points (2g, 4a) in 31 contests in 2014-15.
Chicago chose John Spetz out of Oak Ridge, New Jersey with the 119th overall pick. Spetz is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound defenseman who competed for the New Jersey Avalanche last season.
With the 135th overall pick in the 2015 Phase One Draft, the Steel chose Ben Perkins from the Chicago Young Americans Midget Minor team. Perkins is a 5-foot-7, 134-pound forward from Barrington, Ill.
With the 151st overall pick in the 2015 Phase One Draft, the Steel chose Steven Agriogianis from Delbarton school. Agriogianis is a 5-foot-9, 154-pound forward from Florham Park, NJ. He recorded 15 goals and 19 assists in 28 games last season.
Friday, May 1, 2015
STEEL YOUTH CAMP
BENSENVILLE, Ill.– The Chicago Steel will hold their eighth annual youth hockey camp from Jul. 7-10 at The Edge Ice Arena. All Mite, Squirt and Pee-Wee hockey players are invited to attend.
The cost of the camp is $300 if registration is completed by June 15 and $345 if you sign up after the 15th. Participants will receive a jersey and more than two hours of ice time per day with Steel coaches, staff and players. Camp begins each day at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, Jul. 10 the Steel will have a BBQ for all camp members, where they will leave with a Chicago Steel prize pack.
The Chicago Steel Hockey Team believes in giving back to the youth hockey community and helping all levels grow by offering a unique interactive experience between the Chicago Steel and all participants in Illinois Hockey.
For more information on the 2015 Chicago Steel Youth Hockey Camp, please call 630-594-1161.
The cost of the camp is $300 if registration is completed by June 15 and $345 if you sign up after the 15th. Participants will receive a jersey and more than two hours of ice time per day with Steel coaches, staff and players. Camp begins each day at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, Jul. 10 the Steel will have a BBQ for all camp members, where they will leave with a Chicago Steel prize pack.
The Chicago Steel Hockey Team believes in giving back to the youth hockey community and helping all levels grow by offering a unique interactive experience between the Chicago Steel and all participants in Illinois Hockey.
For more information on the 2015 Chicago Steel Youth Hockey Camp, please call 630-594-1161.
Monday, April 27, 2015
GORSUCH COMMITS TO WESTERN MICHIGAN
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel goaltender Trevor Gorsuch has committed to Western Michigan University. The St. Charles, Mo. native will begin his collegiate hockey career with the Broncos this fall.
“After our season concluded, I received a call from head coach Andy Murray to go on an official visit to Western Michigan,” Gorsuch said. “I made the trip over to Kalamazoo, and I really liked the campus, the guys and the facilities. At the end of the visit, coach Murray told me he really wanted me to be a Bronco and offered me on the spot. I thought it was a great fit for me as a hockey player and as a student. Western Michigan has an excellent journalism school and I would like to major in broadcast journalism.”
Gorsuch posted a 5-5-0 record and a .883 save percentage with the Steel after being acquired from the Waterloo Black Hawks on March 4, 2015. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound netminder had a 3.24 goals against average in 13 games between the pipes for Waterloo.
“Trevor came to us around the trade deadline, at a time when we were in need of a USHL-caliber goaltender,” Steel assistant coach Nick DeSalvo said. “He came in and worked very hard, he has an old school style of play, and he competed every day in practice and in games.
“What the Broncos are getting in Trevor is a great teammate, a talented goaltender and a young man with an extremely strong work ethic. Trevor is very intelligent and will be as strong in the classroom as he is on the ice. The Chicago Steel organization is very proud of Trevor and we know he will have a successful collegiate career with the Broncos.”
Gorsuch was selected 226th overall by the Omaha Lancers in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft. Prior to making the move to the USHL, the St. Louis Jr. Blues product competed spent three seasons with the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League.
“After our season concluded, I received a call from head coach Andy Murray to go on an official visit to Western Michigan,” Gorsuch said. “I made the trip over to Kalamazoo, and I really liked the campus, the guys and the facilities. At the end of the visit, coach Murray told me he really wanted me to be a Bronco and offered me on the spot. I thought it was a great fit for me as a hockey player and as a student. Western Michigan has an excellent journalism school and I would like to major in broadcast journalism.”
Gorsuch posted a 5-5-0 record and a .883 save percentage with the Steel after being acquired from the Waterloo Black Hawks on March 4, 2015. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound netminder had a 3.24 goals against average in 13 games between the pipes for Waterloo.
“Trevor came to us around the trade deadline, at a time when we were in need of a USHL-caliber goaltender,” Steel assistant coach Nick DeSalvo said. “He came in and worked very hard, he has an old school style of play, and he competed every day in practice and in games.
“What the Broncos are getting in Trevor is a great teammate, a talented goaltender and a young man with an extremely strong work ethic. Trevor is very intelligent and will be as strong in the classroom as he is on the ice. The Chicago Steel organization is very proud of Trevor and we know he will have a successful collegiate career with the Broncos.”
Gorsuch was selected 226th overall by the Omaha Lancers in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft. Prior to making the move to the USHL, the St. Louis Jr. Blues product competed spent three seasons with the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
LACZYNSKI AND OSBURN EARN CCM PLAYER OF THE WEEKS HONORS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel forward Tanner Laczynski and defenseman Zach Osburn were named CCM Forward and CCM Defenseman of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Laczynski registered six points (3g, 3a) in three contests last week, as the Steel earned victories over the Youngstown Phantoms and the Green Bay Gamblers. The 17-year-old tallied a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout win against the Phantoms, and then duplicated Wednesday’s effort on both Friday and Saturday against Green Bay and Cedar Rapids, respectively. Laczynski scored 18g and notched 28a over 57 games for the Steel this season. The 6-foot, 175-pound forward is committed to The Ohio State University.
Osburn, started off the week in impressive fashion when he recorded the shootout winner against the Phantoms on Wednesday. The Michigan State University recruit had two goals and two assists and a plus-six on-ice rating in the Steel’s final three games. In his first season with Chicago, the Plymouth, Mich. native lit the lamp eight times to go along with eight assists in 54 games.
Laczynski registered six points (3g, 3a) in three contests last week, as the Steel earned victories over the Youngstown Phantoms and the Green Bay Gamblers. The 17-year-old tallied a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout win against the Phantoms, and then duplicated Wednesday’s effort on both Friday and Saturday against Green Bay and Cedar Rapids, respectively. Laczynski scored 18g and notched 28a over 57 games for the Steel this season. The 6-foot, 175-pound forward is committed to The Ohio State University.
Osburn, started off the week in impressive fashion when he recorded the shootout winner against the Phantoms on Wednesday. The Michigan State University recruit had two goals and two assists and a plus-six on-ice rating in the Steel’s final three games. In his first season with Chicago, the Plymouth, Mich. native lit the lamp eight times to go along with eight assists in 54 games.
Monday, April 13, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 29
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — The Chicago Steel earned four of six possible points in the final week of the 2014-15 season. The Steel defeated the Youngstown Phantoms in Wednesday’s School Day Game, 5-4. The Steel split their weekend games against Green Bay and Cedar Rapids, defeating the Gamblers 5-2 in their home finale before falling 4-3 in Cedar Rapids on Saturday. The Steel finished the season with a record of 30-27-3.
The Steel lit the lamp three times in Wednesday morning’s first period. Brendon Kearney, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson tallied the Steel goals. Youngstown and Chicago traded second period goals, with Mason Bergh scoring for Chicago. Down 4-1, Youngstown scored three third period goals to force overtime, including the game-tying goal with six seconds to play in regulation. After a scoreless five minutes, the Steel headed to their first shootout of the season. Zach Osburn tallied the lone shootout goal for the game-winner. Yrjola turned away all three Youngstown shootout attempts, earning the win in net with 41 saves.
Green Bay’s Sam Miletic scored at the 1:44 mark of the first period to give the Gamblers an early lead. But the Steel responded with four goals over the next fifteen minutes to take a commanding lead into the first intermission. Mikey Joyaux, Tanner Laczynski, Brendon Kearney and John Ernsting scored the four Steel goals. The score remained 4-1 after a scoreless second period. The Steel and Gamblers each scored in the third period, with Zach Osburn tallying the Steel goal, as Chicago defeated Green Bay 5-2 in their final home game of the season. Trevor Gorsuch made 38 saves for the win in net. Mason Bergh and Zach Osburn posted two assists, while Dennis Gilbert, John Ernsting, Marcel Godbout, Mikey Joyaux and Freddy Olofsson added one.
In Saturday’s season finale, the Steel fell behind early but tied the game at the 16:15 minute mark of the first period off Ryan Blankemeier’s 16th goal of the season. The Steel took a 3-1 lead after Zach Osburn and Tanner Laczynski scored midway through the second period. Cedar Rapids responded with two quick goals, including a successful penalty shot by Hugh McGing. In the final period, Andrew Oglevie scored the game-winning goal as the Steel fell, 4-3. Both Lassi Yrjola and Trevor Gorsuch made appearances in net. Yrjola made 19 saves, while Gorsuch made 27.
Season tickets for next year are now available. For more information regarding tickets, please call 630-594-1161.
The Steel lit the lamp three times in Wednesday morning’s first period. Brendon Kearney, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson tallied the Steel goals. Youngstown and Chicago traded second period goals, with Mason Bergh scoring for Chicago. Down 4-1, Youngstown scored three third period goals to force overtime, including the game-tying goal with six seconds to play in regulation. After a scoreless five minutes, the Steel headed to their first shootout of the season. Zach Osburn tallied the lone shootout goal for the game-winner. Yrjola turned away all three Youngstown shootout attempts, earning the win in net with 41 saves.
Green Bay’s Sam Miletic scored at the 1:44 mark of the first period to give the Gamblers an early lead. But the Steel responded with four goals over the next fifteen minutes to take a commanding lead into the first intermission. Mikey Joyaux, Tanner Laczynski, Brendon Kearney and John Ernsting scored the four Steel goals. The score remained 4-1 after a scoreless second period. The Steel and Gamblers each scored in the third period, with Zach Osburn tallying the Steel goal, as Chicago defeated Green Bay 5-2 in their final home game of the season. Trevor Gorsuch made 38 saves for the win in net. Mason Bergh and Zach Osburn posted two assists, while Dennis Gilbert, John Ernsting, Marcel Godbout, Mikey Joyaux and Freddy Olofsson added one.
In Saturday’s season finale, the Steel fell behind early but tied the game at the 16:15 minute mark of the first period off Ryan Blankemeier’s 16th goal of the season. The Steel took a 3-1 lead after Zach Osburn and Tanner Laczynski scored midway through the second period. Cedar Rapids responded with two quick goals, including a successful penalty shot by Hugh McGing. In the final period, Andrew Oglevie scored the game-winning goal as the Steel fell, 4-3. Both Lassi Yrjola and Trevor Gorsuch made appearances in net. Yrjola made 19 saves, while Gorsuch made 27.
Season tickets for next year are now available. For more information regarding tickets, please call 630-594-1161.
Friday, April 10, 2015
STEEL WIN FINAL HOME GAME OF SEASON
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel tallied four straight first period goals Friday evening to cruise to a 5-2 victory over the Green Bay Gamblers at the Edge Ice Arena.
The Gamblers jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 1:44 mark in the first frame. Chicago answered with four goals from Mikey Joyaux, Tanner Laczynski, Brendon Kearney and John Ernsting, respectively.
Zach Osburn, who assisted on two first period goals, added Chicago’s fifth goal of the contest at the 16:02 mark in the third. The Plymouth, Mich. native had a game high plus-three on-ice rating.
Joyaux, Laczynski, Ernsting and Mason Bergh each added two points in the contest, while Dennis Gilbert, Freddy Olofsson and Marcel Godbout notched assists. Steel netminder Trevor Gorsuch turned away 38 Green Bay shots for his fifth win of the season.
The Chicago Steel would like to thank their fans for a memorable 2014-15 season. We look forward to a great 2015-16 campaign at the Edge Ice Arena. Please check back all summer long for Steel news, tryout camp dates and an offseason appearance schedule by visiting www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Gamblers jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 1:44 mark in the first frame. Chicago answered with four goals from Mikey Joyaux, Tanner Laczynski, Brendon Kearney and John Ernsting, respectively.
Zach Osburn, who assisted on two first period goals, added Chicago’s fifth goal of the contest at the 16:02 mark in the third. The Plymouth, Mich. native had a game high plus-three on-ice rating.
Joyaux, Laczynski, Ernsting and Mason Bergh each added two points in the contest, while Dennis Gilbert, Freddy Olofsson and Marcel Godbout notched assists. Steel netminder Trevor Gorsuch turned away 38 Green Bay shots for his fifth win of the season.
The Chicago Steel would like to thank their fans for a memorable 2014-15 season. We look forward to a great 2015-16 campaign at the Edge Ice Arena. Please check back all summer long for Steel news, tryout camp dates and an offseason appearance schedule by visiting www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
JAREMKO NAMED USA BOYS HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel forward Jake Jaremko has been named the 2015 American Family Insurance All-USA Boys Hockey Player of the Year. The award is selected by David Darby of the Detroit Free Press in collaboration with NHL Central Scouting and state hockey coaches associations.
Jaremko capped off a phenomenal senior season at Elk River High School in Minnesota with 25 goals and 54 assists en route to being named the 2015 Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award winner. The Minnesota-Mankato commit led the Elks to a runner-up finish in the section 7 finals, and is listed on NHL Central Scouting’s “Final Rankings” as the 110th best North American player eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
“I am really excited that Jake could pick up another prestigious award today,” Steel head coach Dan Boeser said. “Along with being named Mr. Hockey in the state of Minnesota, obtaining a national player of the year award is a huge honor for Jake and a big honor for the Chicago Steel. He has come in here and performed like we thought he would, and he is going to be a big asset to the program next year.”
Jaremko joined the Steel on March 10 after his senior season concluded. In 10 games with Chicago, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound center has registered three assists and a plus-four on-ice rating.
Jaremko capped off a phenomenal senior season at Elk River High School in Minnesota with 25 goals and 54 assists en route to being named the 2015 Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award winner. The Minnesota-Mankato commit led the Elks to a runner-up finish in the section 7 finals, and is listed on NHL Central Scouting’s “Final Rankings” as the 110th best North American player eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
“I am really excited that Jake could pick up another prestigious award today,” Steel head coach Dan Boeser said. “Along with being named Mr. Hockey in the state of Minnesota, obtaining a national player of the year award is a huge honor for Jake and a big honor for the Chicago Steel. He has come in here and performed like we thought he would, and he is going to be a big asset to the program next year.”
Jaremko joined the Steel on March 10 after his senior season concluded. In 10 games with Chicago, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound center has registered three assists and a plus-four on-ice rating.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
GILBERT AND JAREMKO NAMED TO CENTRAL SCOUTING FINAL RANKINGS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel’s Dennis Gilbert and Jake Jaremko were both named to NHL Central Scouting’s “Final Rankings” of North American players eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Gilbert and Jaremko came in at No. 58 and No. 110, respectively.
Gilbert was ranked 72nd according to NHL Central Scouting’s “Midterm Rankings”, but moved up 14 spots to become the top United States Hockey League defenseman eligible for June’s draft. The Notre Dame recruit and Williamsville, N.Y. native, has tallied 22 assists to go along with four goals in 57 games this season.
Jaremko, a late addition to the Steel, finished out his senior year at Elk River High School in Minnesota. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward, scored 25 goals and had 54 assist in 28 games this season, and was named Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award winner. Jaremko has competed in 10 games for Chicago in 2014-15 and has notched three assists and a plus-four on-ice rating. He is committed to University of Minnesota, Mankato.
The 2015 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 26-27 in Sunrise, Florida.
Gilbert was ranked 72nd according to NHL Central Scouting’s “Midterm Rankings”, but moved up 14 spots to become the top United States Hockey League defenseman eligible for June’s draft. The Notre Dame recruit and Williamsville, N.Y. native, has tallied 22 assists to go along with four goals in 57 games this season.
Jaremko, a late addition to the Steel, finished out his senior year at Elk River High School in Minnesota. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward, scored 25 goals and had 54 assist in 28 games this season, and was named Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award winner. Jaremko has competed in 10 games for Chicago in 2014-15 and has notched three assists and a plus-four on-ice rating. He is committed to University of Minnesota, Mankato.
The 2015 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 26-27 in Sunrise, Florida.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
STEEL WIN SCHOOL DAY GAME IN SHOOTOUT
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago’s Zach Osburn notched the only goal in the shootout Wednesday, as the Steel beat the Youngstown Phantoms, 5-4, at The Edge Ice Arena.
Chicago had a 4-1 lead going into final frame, but Youngstown tallied three goals in the third period, with the game-tying goal being scored with six seconds left in regulation to force overtime. No goals in overtime lead to the shootout where Osburn capitalized to give Chicago the victory.
Brendon Kearney, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson put Chicago up 3-0 going into the first intermission.
Youngstown got on the board in the second stanza when Matt Alvaro tallied at the 2:16 mark. Mason Bergh put the Steel up 4-1 at 19:54.
In the third, Maxim Letunov, Ryan Lomberg and Kiefer Sherwood scored for the Phantoms to even the contest 4-all.
Lassi Yrjola made 41 saves to earn the win for Chicago. The Steel went 1-for-4 on the powerplay, while Youngstown was successful on one of its five man advantage opportunities.
Chicago will be back at the Edge this Friday to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Chicago had a 4-1 lead going into final frame, but Youngstown tallied three goals in the third period, with the game-tying goal being scored with six seconds left in regulation to force overtime. No goals in overtime lead to the shootout where Osburn capitalized to give Chicago the victory.
Brendon Kearney, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson put Chicago up 3-0 going into the first intermission.
Youngstown got on the board in the second stanza when Matt Alvaro tallied at the 2:16 mark. Mason Bergh put the Steel up 4-1 at 19:54.
In the third, Maxim Letunov, Ryan Lomberg and Kiefer Sherwood scored for the Phantoms to even the contest 4-all.
Lassi Yrjola made 41 saves to earn the win for Chicago. The Steel went 1-for-4 on the powerplay, while Youngstown was successful on one of its five man advantage opportunities.
Chicago will be back at the Edge this Friday to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, April 6, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 28
BENSENVILLE, Ill - The Chicago Steel split their home games this past weekend against the Bloomington Thunder and Team USA U-17. On Friday, the Steel dropped their first game of the weekend, 4-3, to Bloomington. Saturday, the Steel took down the U-17 Juniors, 4-3.
The Steel took a 1-0 lead on Friday, late in the first period, with a powerplay goal from Marcel Godbout. The Thunder tied the game 1-all at the five-minute mark of the second stanza. Carson Vance tallied his fifth goal of the season just over one-minute later to put the Steel back on top. Bloomington responded with two goals to end the second period with a 3-2 lead. In the final period, Dennis Gilbert tied the game at three, but it was Bloomington’s Vladislav Dzhioshvili that tallied the game winner, as the Thunder defeated the Steel, 4-3.
On Saturday, the Steel scored first for the second straight evening, as Tanner Laczynski tallied his 15th goal of the season just one-minute, 37 seconds into the contest. A shorthanded goal from Tyler Sifferlen in the second period gave the Steel a two-goal lead. USA pulled within one prior to the second break of action. In the third period, Jake Nielsen and JD Dudek helped the Steel take a commanding 4-1 lead with nine minutes to play. The U-17’s took advantage of two power plays to trim the Steel lead to one but Chicago held on for the 4-3 win. Netminder Lassi Yrjola made 32 saves for the win in net.
The Steel return to the ice on Wednesday, when they host the Youngstown Phantoms. Puck drop is at 10 a.m. for the Steel’s annual School Day Game. Tickets can be purchased by calling 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Steel took a 1-0 lead on Friday, late in the first period, with a powerplay goal from Marcel Godbout. The Thunder tied the game 1-all at the five-minute mark of the second stanza. Carson Vance tallied his fifth goal of the season just over one-minute later to put the Steel back on top. Bloomington responded with two goals to end the second period with a 3-2 lead. In the final period, Dennis Gilbert tied the game at three, but it was Bloomington’s Vladislav Dzhioshvili that tallied the game winner, as the Thunder defeated the Steel, 4-3.
On Saturday, the Steel scored first for the second straight evening, as Tanner Laczynski tallied his 15th goal of the season just one-minute, 37 seconds into the contest. A shorthanded goal from Tyler Sifferlen in the second period gave the Steel a two-goal lead. USA pulled within one prior to the second break of action. In the third period, Jake Nielsen and JD Dudek helped the Steel take a commanding 4-1 lead with nine minutes to play. The U-17’s took advantage of two power plays to trim the Steel lead to one but Chicago held on for the 4-3 win. Netminder Lassi Yrjola made 32 saves for the win in net.
The Steel return to the ice on Wednesday, when they host the Youngstown Phantoms. Puck drop is at 10 a.m. for the Steel’s annual School Day Game. Tickets can be purchased by calling 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
STEEL HANG ON FOR VICTORY
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Tanner Laczynski’s goal and assist and Tyler Sifferlen’s shorthanded goal lifted the Chicago Steel to a 4-3 victory over Team USA U-17 at the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday. Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola made 32 saves for his 12th victory of the season.
Laczynski’s 15th goal of the season came at the 1:37 mark of the first period. Dennis Gilbert assisted on the tally.
Tyler Sifferlen’s shorthanded strike came at 3:59 in the second. The U-17 Juniors trimmed the Steel lead midway through the period with a goal from Patrick Khodorenko.
In the third stanza, Jake Nielsen and JD Dudek scored at the 3:13 and 11:42 marks, respectively. Down 4-1, Team USA tallied two late third-period goals but Yrjola held off the Americans as the Steel held on for the 4-3 victory.
The Steel will return to action on Wednesday, April 8 as the Steel take on the Youngstown Phantoms at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Laczynski’s 15th goal of the season came at the 1:37 mark of the first period. Dennis Gilbert assisted on the tally.
Tyler Sifferlen’s shorthanded strike came at 3:59 in the second. The U-17 Juniors trimmed the Steel lead midway through the period with a goal from Patrick Khodorenko.
In the third stanza, Jake Nielsen and JD Dudek scored at the 3:13 and 11:42 marks, respectively. Down 4-1, Team USA tallied two late third-period goals but Yrjola held off the Americans as the Steel held on for the 4-3 victory.
The Steel will return to action on Wednesday, April 8 as the Steel take on the Youngstown Phantoms at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, April 3, 2015
STEEL THUNDER-STRUCK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Vladislav Dzhioshvili scored the game-winning goal Friday evening as the Bloomington Thunder defeated the Chicago Steel, 4-3, at the Edge Ice Arena.
Dzhioshvili’s power-play goal came at the 10:11 mark of the third, just under nine minutes after the Steel tied the game at 3-all with Dennis Gilbert’s power-play goal at the 1:33 mark.
In the first period, Marcel Godbout put the Steel on top with his power-play goal.
The Thunder’s Patrick Curry tied the game at one at the 4:55 mark of the second stanza. The Steel reclaimed the lead off Carson Vance’s fifth goal of the season. Bloomington took the lead for the first time with goals from Ryan Galt and Logan Lambdin at the 12:18 and 17:02 marks of the second period.
Trevor Gorsuch made 25 saves for Chicago in the loss. Chicago outshot Bloomington 35-29, in the game.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Saturday night for a game against Team USA U-17 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Dzhioshvili’s power-play goal came at the 10:11 mark of the third, just under nine minutes after the Steel tied the game at 3-all with Dennis Gilbert’s power-play goal at the 1:33 mark.
In the first period, Marcel Godbout put the Steel on top with his power-play goal.
The Thunder’s Patrick Curry tied the game at one at the 4:55 mark of the second stanza. The Steel reclaimed the lead off Carson Vance’s fifth goal of the season. Bloomington took the lead for the first time with goals from Ryan Galt and Logan Lambdin at the 12:18 and 17:02 marks of the second period.
Trevor Gorsuch made 25 saves for Chicago in the loss. Chicago outshot Bloomington 35-29, in the game.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Saturday night for a game against Team USA U-17 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, March 30, 2015
KEARNEY COMMITS TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel forward Brendon Kearney has committed to The Ohio State University, the team announced on Monday. The Northville, Mich. native will suit up for the Buckeyes after the conclusion of his United States Hockey League career.
“We couldn’t be prouder for Brendon,” Chicago Steel head coach Dan Boeser said. “Brendon is well respected in the locker room, and among the Chicago Steel hockey operations and front office staff. It is a huge honor to be able to compete in the Big Ten Conference, and Brendon’s skill on the ice will translate well to the Ohio State hockey program. We will miss him here in Chicago, but we know his character will be an asset to the Buckeye community.”
Kearney is in his second year with the Steel after being acquired from the Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League on Nov. 4, 2013. Through 52 games in 2014-15, he has 16 goals, 13 assists, and a plus-two on-ice rating. Last season, Kearney tallied one goal and 18 assists in 43 contests.
“Getting to play Big Ten Hockey is a dream come true,” Kearney said. “I am so excited to get down to Columbus. Ohio State has the whole package—great academics, great facilities and an excellent coaching staff.”
Kearney’s parents are University of Michigan graduates and are well versed in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
“It is going to be a challenge getting my dad to wear the scarlet and gray,” he said. “But, my dad is excited for me and so is my mom. They are looking forward to watching me in a Buckeye uniform and I am convinced they will be wearing the colors of Ohio State in the next few months.”
“We couldn’t be prouder for Brendon,” Chicago Steel head coach Dan Boeser said. “Brendon is well respected in the locker room, and among the Chicago Steel hockey operations and front office staff. It is a huge honor to be able to compete in the Big Ten Conference, and Brendon’s skill on the ice will translate well to the Ohio State hockey program. We will miss him here in Chicago, but we know his character will be an asset to the Buckeye community.”
Kearney is in his second year with the Steel after being acquired from the Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League on Nov. 4, 2013. Through 52 games in 2014-15, he has 16 goals, 13 assists, and a plus-two on-ice rating. Last season, Kearney tallied one goal and 18 assists in 43 contests.
“Getting to play Big Ten Hockey is a dream come true,” Kearney said. “I am so excited to get down to Columbus. Ohio State has the whole package—great academics, great facilities and an excellent coaching staff.”
Kearney’s parents are University of Michigan graduates and are well versed in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
“It is going to be a challenge getting my dad to wear the scarlet and gray,” he said. “But, my dad is excited for me and so is my mom. They are looking forward to watching me in a Buckeye uniform and I am convinced they will be wearing the colors of Ohio State in the next few months.”
Monday, March 30, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 27
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — The Chicago Steel split their pair of games this weekend. After their road loss to Team USA U-18 on Friday, the Steel defeated the Madison Capitols 2-1 on Saturday.
The Steel were unable to slow down Team USA U-18 on Friday evening. Jack Raslovic scored two goals for the U-18 Juniors in Friday’s first period. In the second, Team USA took a 3-0 advantage prior to Mason Bergh tallying his 20th goal of the season. Four more USA goals in the second period ballooned their lead to six. Both teams scored one goal in the third period, with Freddy Olofsson scoring for Chicago. Team USA outshot Chicago 43-18 on the evening.
Saturday’s contest against Madison was a strong performance for Lassi Yrjola in net, as he allowed just one goal on 34 shots. John Schilling scored twice in the first period to give the Steel an early cushion. Mason Bergh assisted on Schilling’s first goal while Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson added assists on the second tally. Madison’s Freddy Gerard cut into the Steel lead in the second period, but Yrjola denied the remaining attempts as the Steel picked up their fifth win against Madison this season.
The Steel have home games on Friday and Saturday this weekend. Friday’s game against the Bloomington Thunder will begin at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest against Team USA U-17 is set to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Steel were unable to slow down Team USA U-18 on Friday evening. Jack Raslovic scored two goals for the U-18 Juniors in Friday’s first period. In the second, Team USA took a 3-0 advantage prior to Mason Bergh tallying his 20th goal of the season. Four more USA goals in the second period ballooned their lead to six. Both teams scored one goal in the third period, with Freddy Olofsson scoring for Chicago. Team USA outshot Chicago 43-18 on the evening.
Saturday’s contest against Madison was a strong performance for Lassi Yrjola in net, as he allowed just one goal on 34 shots. John Schilling scored twice in the first period to give the Steel an early cushion. Mason Bergh assisted on Schilling’s first goal while Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson added assists on the second tally. Madison’s Freddy Gerard cut into the Steel lead in the second period, but Yrjola denied the remaining attempts as the Steel picked up their fifth win against Madison this season.
The Steel have home games on Friday and Saturday this weekend. Friday’s game against the Bloomington Thunder will begin at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest against Team USA U-17 is set to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
STEEL TOP CAPITOLS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – John Schilling’s two first period goals Saturday evening were all Chicago needed, as the Steel beat the Madison Capitols, 2-1, at the Edge Ice Arena.
Schillings scores at 6:28 and 10:19 in the first frame were his 12th and 13th of the 2014-15 campaign. Mason Bergh, Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson all added assists on Schillings goals.
Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola made 33 saves in the contest to move his record to 11-7-1. Madison received its lone goal from Freddy Gerard at the 14:58 mark in the second.
Chicago will be back at the Edge on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 to face the Bloomington Thunder and Team USA, respectively. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest will begin at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for both contests can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161 or visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Schillings scores at 6:28 and 10:19 in the first frame were his 12th and 13th of the 2014-15 campaign. Mason Bergh, Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson all added assists on Schillings goals.
Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola made 33 saves in the contest to move his record to 11-7-1. Madison received its lone goal from Freddy Gerard at the 14:58 mark in the second.
Chicago will be back at the Edge on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 to face the Bloomington Thunder and Team USA, respectively. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest will begin at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for both contests can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161 or visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, March 27, 2015
STEEL IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The 2015 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship begins this Friday, March 27 and the Chicago Steel will be represented by 13 alumni in the tournament when play commences. The championship format is divided up between four regional sites, with the regional winners advancing to the Men’s Frozen Four at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. The national semifinals will begin on April 9 and the championship game will be played on April 11.
The following Steel alumni will be competing for their respective schools:
Boston College: Michael Sit (2010-11)
Miami University: Chris Joyaux (2010-12), Andrew Schmit (2009-10)
Michigan Tech: Tyler Heinonen (2012-13)
Providence College: Mark Adams (2009-10)
Qunnipiac University: Canon Pieper (2011-12), Bo Pieper (2011-12), Landon Smith (2012-13)
RIT: Michael Holland (2011-12 & 2012-13), Andrew Miller (2011-12), Brad Shumway (2011-12)
Yale University: Mitch Witek(2009-10), Conor Wilson (2009-11)
For more information on the 2015 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championships, please visit: http://www.ncaa.com/sports/icehockey-men/d1
The following Steel alumni will be competing for their respective schools:
Boston College: Michael Sit (2010-11)
Miami University: Chris Joyaux (2010-12), Andrew Schmit (2009-10)
Michigan Tech: Tyler Heinonen (2012-13)
Providence College: Mark Adams (2009-10)
Qunnipiac University: Canon Pieper (2011-12), Bo Pieper (2011-12), Landon Smith (2012-13)
RIT: Michael Holland (2011-12 & 2012-13), Andrew Miller (2011-12), Brad Shumway (2011-12)
Yale University: Mitch Witek(2009-10), Conor Wilson (2009-11)
For more information on the 2015 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championships, please visit: http://www.ncaa.com/sports/icehockey-men/d1
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 26
BENSENVILLE, Ill. - The Chicago Steel dropped both of their home games over the weekend, as they lost to Sioux Falls and Youngstown. Saturday’s 7-5 loss to the Stampede was followed by Sunday’s 4-3 loss tothe Phantoms. The Steel are now 26-24-3 on the season.
The Steel jumped out to a 2-0 lead in Saturday’s high-scoring affair with goals from Tanner Laczynski and Carson Vance. Just before the first intermission, the Stampede’s Dakota Joshua scored shorthanded to cut the Steel lead to one. In the second, Ryan Blankemeier scored his 15th goal of the season to give the Steel a 3-1 cushion. Two Stampede goals in eight minutes tied the game at three. JD Dudek and Marcel Godbout scored on either side of the second intermission to give the Steel a 5-3 lead. However, the Stampede lit the lamp four times in a seven-minute span to take down the Steel, 7-5. Vance recorded two assists to go along with his goal. Connor Murphy also added two assists. Trevor Gorsuch turned away 21 shots in the loss.
Sunday, the Steel faced the red-hot Youngstown Phantoms who were riding a 16-game win streak. Tyler Sheehy put Youngstown on the board just 29 seconds into the game, followed by Freddy Olofsson's 25th goal of the season to tie the game at one. Kiefer Sherwood put the Phantoms back on top just before the first break of action. The lone second period goal was scored by John Schilling,knotting the game at two. In the final period, the Steel took their first lead of the game off Marcel Godbout’s tenth goal of the season. Youngstown’s Matt Alvaro re-tied the game at the five-minute mark and USHL points leader Kyle Connor scored the game-winning goal with four minutes remaining in the game to give the Phantoms their USHL-record 17th straight win. LassiYrjola made 40 saves in the 4-3 loss, while Colin DeAugustine earned the victory making 28 saves for Youngstown.
This weekend, the Steel travel to Ann Arbor on Friday to take on Team USA before returning home for a Saturday evening matchup with the Madison Capitols. Friday’s game will begin at 7 p.m. EST, while Saturday’s puck will drop at 7 p.m. CST. Tickets for Saturday’s game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Steel jumped out to a 2-0 lead in Saturday’s high-scoring affair with goals from Tanner Laczynski and Carson Vance. Just before the first intermission, the Stampede’s Dakota Joshua scored shorthanded to cut the Steel lead to one. In the second, Ryan Blankemeier scored his 15th goal of the season to give the Steel a 3-1 cushion. Two Stampede goals in eight minutes tied the game at three. JD Dudek and Marcel Godbout scored on either side of the second intermission to give the Steel a 5-3 lead. However, the Stampede lit the lamp four times in a seven-minute span to take down the Steel, 7-5. Vance recorded two assists to go along with his goal. Connor Murphy also added two assists. Trevor Gorsuch turned away 21 shots in the loss.
Sunday, the Steel faced the red-hot Youngstown Phantoms who were riding a 16-game win streak. Tyler Sheehy put Youngstown on the board just 29 seconds into the game, followed by Freddy Olofsson's 25th goal of the season to tie the game at one. Kiefer Sherwood put the Phantoms back on top just before the first break of action. The lone second period goal was scored by John Schilling,knotting the game at two. In the final period, the Steel took their first lead of the game off Marcel Godbout’s tenth goal of the season. Youngstown’s Matt Alvaro re-tied the game at the five-minute mark and USHL points leader Kyle Connor scored the game-winning goal with four minutes remaining in the game to give the Phantoms their USHL-record 17th straight win. LassiYrjola made 40 saves in the 4-3 loss, while Colin DeAugustine earned the victory making 28 saves for Youngstown.
This weekend, the Steel travel to Ann Arbor on Friday to take on Team USA before returning home for a Saturday evening matchup with the Madison Capitols. Friday’s game will begin at 7 p.m. EST, while Saturday’s puck will drop at 7 p.m. CST. Tickets for Saturday’s game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
STEEL UNABLE TO STOP PHANTOMS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Kyle Connor scored the game-winning goal Sunday evening and the Youngstown Phantoms won their 17th straight game, defeating the Chicago Steel, 4-3, at the Edge Ice Arena. The 17-game winning streak is a United States Hockey League record.
Connor’s goal came at the 15:53 mark in the third frame, just over 11 minutes after the Phantoms tied the game 3-all when Matt Alvaro lit the lamp at 4:47. Chicago grabbed a 3-2 advantage at 2:16 in the third thanks to Marcel Godbout.
In the first period, Tyler Sheehy got Youngstown on the board just 29 seconds in to the game. Freddy Olofsson knotted the contest 1-1 when he struck on the power play at 3:56. However, Kiefer Sherwood put Youngstown up 3-2 going into the first intermission.
In the second stanza, John Schilling tallied his 13th goal of the 2014-15 campaign. Chicago and Youngstown were tied 3-all at the second intermission.
Lassi Yrjola made 40 saves for Chicago in the loss. Youngstown outshot Chicago, 44-31, in the game.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena next Saturday, March 28 to face the Madison Capitols at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Connor’s goal came at the 15:53 mark in the third frame, just over 11 minutes after the Phantoms tied the game 3-all when Matt Alvaro lit the lamp at 4:47. Chicago grabbed a 3-2 advantage at 2:16 in the third thanks to Marcel Godbout.
In the first period, Tyler Sheehy got Youngstown on the board just 29 seconds in to the game. Freddy Olofsson knotted the contest 1-1 when he struck on the power play at 3:56. However, Kiefer Sherwood put Youngstown up 3-2 going into the first intermission.
In the second stanza, John Schilling tallied his 13th goal of the 2014-15 campaign. Chicago and Youngstown were tied 3-all at the second intermission.
Lassi Yrjola made 40 saves for Chicago in the loss. Youngstown outshot Chicago, 44-31, in the game.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena next Saturday, March 28 to face the Madison Capitols at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
STEEL FALL TO STAMPEDE
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Sioux Falls scored four goals in just over six minutes in the third period Saturday evening, as the Stampede beat the Chicago Steel, 7-5, at The Edge Ice Arena.
The Steel had a 2-1 advantage at the first intermission with goals from Tanner Laczynski and Carson Vance.
In the Second period, Ryan Blankemeier scored at 3:51 to put Chicago up 3-1. Sioux Falls struck back with two goals to knot the game, 3-all. However, JD Dudek lit the lamp on the power play to send Chicago into the second intermission with a 4-3 lead.
Marcel Godbout scored the Steel’s lone goal in the third, before Sioux Falls pulled away.
Trevor Gorsuch made 21 saves in the loss, while Stefanos Lekkas earned the victory after making 21 stops for Sioux Falls.
Chicago will face Youngstown on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Edge Ice Arena. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
The Steel had a 2-1 advantage at the first intermission with goals from Tanner Laczynski and Carson Vance.
In the Second period, Ryan Blankemeier scored at 3:51 to put Chicago up 3-1. Sioux Falls struck back with two goals to knot the game, 3-all. However, JD Dudek lit the lamp on the power play to send Chicago into the second intermission with a 4-3 lead.
Marcel Godbout scored the Steel’s lone goal in the third, before Sioux Falls pulled away.
Trevor Gorsuch made 21 saves in the loss, while Stefanos Lekkas earned the victory after making 21 stops for Sioux Falls.
Chicago will face Youngstown on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Edge Ice Arena. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
ANDREW MILLER MAKES NHL DEBUT
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Andrew Miller, a Chicago Steel forward from 2007-09, played in his first NHL game Thursday. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich. native and Yale University graduate, suited up for the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Miller is in his second season of professional hockey after signing with Edmonton after his collegiate career concluded with a national championship in 2013. He began the 2014-15 campaign with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, where he racked up 25 goals and 31 assists through 58 games.
In two seasons with Chicago, Miller competed in 117 games, scoring 46 goals and adding 77 assists. He was the recipient of numerous individual honors following the 2008-09 season, including the USA Junior Hockey Player of the Year, and the USHL’s Player of the Year and Forward of the Year.
Miller is in his second season of professional hockey after signing with Edmonton after his collegiate career concluded with a national championship in 2013. He began the 2014-15 campaign with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, where he racked up 25 goals and 31 assists through 58 games.
In two seasons with Chicago, Miller competed in 117 games, scoring 46 goals and adding 77 assists. He was the recipient of numerous individual honors following the 2008-09 season, including the USA Junior Hockey Player of the Year, and the USHL’s Player of the Year and Forward of the Year.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
SLAVIN AND SMITH HONORED
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Colorado College defenseman Jaccob Slavin and UMass Lowell forward C.J. Smith were honored by their respective conferences this past week. Slavin was named First Team All-Conference by the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, while Hockey East announced that Smith received all-rookie honors.
Slavin, who played for the Steel from 2011-13, notched 17 points (5g,12a) for the Tigers this season. The Carolina Hurricanes prospect is also a finalist for the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year award. The winners of this season’s NCHC individual honors will be announced Thursday, March 19 in Minneapolis.
Smith competed in 46 games for Chicago during the 2013-14 campaign. In his freshman season with the River Hawks, the Des Moines, Iowa native had 16 goals to go along with 19 assists in 37 contests. UMass Lowell is currently ranked No. 12 in the latest USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll.
Slavin, who played for the Steel from 2011-13, notched 17 points (5g,12a) for the Tigers this season. The Carolina Hurricanes prospect is also a finalist for the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year award. The winners of this season’s NCHC individual honors will be announced Thursday, March 19 in Minneapolis.
Smith competed in 46 games for Chicago during the 2013-14 campaign. In his freshman season with the River Hawks, the Des Moines, Iowa native had 16 goals to go along with 19 assists in 37 contests. UMass Lowell is currently ranked No. 12 in the latest USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 25
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — The Chicago Steel picked up four out of a possible six points this weekend. After Friday’s home loss to Muskegon, the Steel rebounded with a 5-4 overtime win against Team USA U-18 on Saturday and a 5-1 win against Madison on Sunday. The Steel are now 26-22-3 on the season.
The Steel struggled on Friday evening allowing two goals in the first period, four in the second and three in the third. Tanner Laczynski and Marcel Godbout tallied third-period goals for the Steel as the Lumberjacks skated away with a 9-2 victory.
Saturday, the Steel jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead behind goals from Marcel Godbout, Brendon Kearney and JD Dudek, all before the ten-minute mark of the first period. In the second, Team USA trimmed the lead with a goal from Jeremy Bracco. The U-18’s pulled within one midway through the third period. At the 15-minute mark of the final period, Connor Murphy put the Steel up 4-2, off assists from Tanner Laczynski and John Schilling. Two quick strikes from Clayton Keller and Jack Roslovic tied the game at four with less than three minutes remaining. At the 1:21 mark of overtime, Carson Vance tallied his first goal as a member of the Steel to give Chicago the 5-4 win. Dennis Gilbert and JD Dudek assisted on the overtime goal. Godbout added two assists to go along with his goal while Mikey Joyaux and Freddy Olofsson also added assists. Trevor Gorsuch made 34 saves for the win in net.
On Sunday, Brendon Kearney and John Schilling gave the Steel a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Peter Tischke and John Ernsting assisted on Kearney’s 16th goal of the season. Recent Steel additions and former high school teammates Jake Jaremko and Matthew Kiersted added assists on Schilling’s goal. Mason Bergh and Carson Vance lit the lamp on either side of the second intermission to push the Steel lead to four. Madison tallied their first goal of the contest with one minute remaining to ruin Gorsuch’s shutout chance. Tanner Laczynski found the back of the net seconds later and the Steel picked up the 5-1 victory. Gorsuch made 31 saves for his fourth win with the Steel.
This weekend, the Steel return to the Edge for Saturday and Sunday games against Sioux Falls and Youngstown. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Steel struggled on Friday evening allowing two goals in the first period, four in the second and three in the third. Tanner Laczynski and Marcel Godbout tallied third-period goals for the Steel as the Lumberjacks skated away with a 9-2 victory.
Saturday, the Steel jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead behind goals from Marcel Godbout, Brendon Kearney and JD Dudek, all before the ten-minute mark of the first period. In the second, Team USA trimmed the lead with a goal from Jeremy Bracco. The U-18’s pulled within one midway through the third period. At the 15-minute mark of the final period, Connor Murphy put the Steel up 4-2, off assists from Tanner Laczynski and John Schilling. Two quick strikes from Clayton Keller and Jack Roslovic tied the game at four with less than three minutes remaining. At the 1:21 mark of overtime, Carson Vance tallied his first goal as a member of the Steel to give Chicago the 5-4 win. Dennis Gilbert and JD Dudek assisted on the overtime goal. Godbout added two assists to go along with his goal while Mikey Joyaux and Freddy Olofsson also added assists. Trevor Gorsuch made 34 saves for the win in net.
On Sunday, Brendon Kearney and John Schilling gave the Steel a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Peter Tischke and John Ernsting assisted on Kearney’s 16th goal of the season. Recent Steel additions and former high school teammates Jake Jaremko and Matthew Kiersted added assists on Schilling’s goal. Mason Bergh and Carson Vance lit the lamp on either side of the second intermission to push the Steel lead to four. Madison tallied their first goal of the contest with one minute remaining to ruin Gorsuch’s shutout chance. Tanner Laczynski found the back of the net seconds later and the Steel picked up the 5-1 victory. Gorsuch made 31 saves for his fourth win with the Steel.
This weekend, the Steel return to the Edge for Saturday and Sunday games against Sioux Falls and Youngstown. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
STEEL CAP OFF WEEKEND WITH BIG WIN OVER MADISON
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Trevor Gorsush made 20 saves Sunday afternoon to lead the Chicago Steel to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Madison Capitols at the Edge Ice Arena.
In the first period, Brendon Kearney scored at the 13:35 mark and John Schilling lit the lamp at 16:59. Peter Tischke, John Ernsting and Jake Jaremko each added assists in the period as the Steelhad a 2-0 lead at first intermission.
In the second frame, Mason Bergh recorded his 18th goal of the season to put the Steel up 3-0.
In the third, Carson Vance tallied a goal on the power play to extend Chicago’s advantage to 4-0. Freddy Olofsson provided the assist. Madison’s Haralds Egle prevented Gorsuch and the Steel fromearning the shutout, but Tanner Laczynski struck 19 seconds late to give the Steel a 5-1 cushion.
Chicago outshot Madison, 30-21 in the game. The Steel were 1-for-3 on the power play, while Madison was 1-for-4 on its man-advantage opportunities.
Chicago will be back at the Edge next Saturday to face the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
In the first period, Brendon Kearney scored at the 13:35 mark and John Schilling lit the lamp at 16:59. Peter Tischke, John Ernsting and Jake Jaremko each added assists in the period as the Steelhad a 2-0 lead at first intermission.
In the second frame, Mason Bergh recorded his 18th goal of the season to put the Steel up 3-0.
In the third, Carson Vance tallied a goal on the power play to extend Chicago’s advantage to 4-0. Freddy Olofsson provided the assist. Madison’s Haralds Egle prevented Gorsuch and the Steel fromearning the shutout, but Tanner Laczynski struck 19 seconds late to give the Steel a 5-1 cushion.
Chicago outshot Madison, 30-21 in the game. The Steel were 1-for-3 on the power play, while Madison was 1-for-4 on its man-advantage opportunities.
Chicago will be back at the Edge next Saturday to face the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
STEEL WIN IN OVERTIME
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Carson Vance’s overtime goal and Marcel Godbout’s goal and two assists lifted the Chicago Steel to a 5-4 victory over Team USA U-18 at the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday. Steel netminder Trevor Gorsuch turned in a 34-save performance to move his record to 3-1 with Chicago.
Vance tallied the game winner at the 1:21 mark in the overtime period, after USA mounted a comeback in the last four minutes of regulation to send the contest into the extra frame. USA was down 4-2 up until Clayton Keller struck at 6:16 and Jack Roslovic scored at 17:11 in the third.
Chicago jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first frame with goals from Godbout, Brendon Kearney and JD Dudek.
Connor Murphy added a goal in the third period to give Chicago a 4-2.
Freddy Olofsson, John Schilling and Dudek also registered assists in the win. Team USA went 1-for-7 on the power play, while Chicago went 0-for-2 on its man advantage opportunities.
The Steel will be back at the Edge on Sunday to face the Madison Capitols at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Vance tallied the game winner at the 1:21 mark in the overtime period, after USA mounted a comeback in the last four minutes of regulation to send the contest into the extra frame. USA was down 4-2 up until Clayton Keller struck at 6:16 and Jack Roslovic scored at 17:11 in the third.
Chicago jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first frame with goals from Godbout, Brendon Kearney and JD Dudek.
Connor Murphy added a goal in the third period to give Chicago a 4-2.
Freddy Olofsson, John Schilling and Dudek also registered assists in the win. Team USA went 1-for-7 on the power play, while Chicago went 0-for-2 on its man advantage opportunities.
The Steel will be back at the Edge on Sunday to face the Madison Capitols at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
STEEL BRING IN 2015 MINNESOTA MR. HOCKEY
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel affiliate player Jake Jaremko is the recipient of the 2015 Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award. The Elk River High School Senior, who is committed to Minnesota State University Mankato, scored 25 goals and added 54 assists as the Elks lost in the Section 7AA final to Minnesota’s Class AA runner-up, Duluth East.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward is ranked as the No. 107 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He will compete for the Steel for the remainder of the 2014-15 campaign. Jaremko suited up for one game for the Steel this season, a 7-4 loss to Waterloo back on Nov. 6.
Also joining Chicago for the conclusion of the season, is Jaremko’s high school teammate and the Steel’s first overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase I Draft, Matthew Kiersted. The 5-foot-11, 162-pound defenseman had eight goals and 28 assists in 25 games for the Elks this past year. He is committed to the University of North Dakota.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward is ranked as the No. 107 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He will compete for the Steel for the remainder of the 2014-15 campaign. Jaremko suited up for one game for the Steel this season, a 7-4 loss to Waterloo back on Nov. 6.
Also joining Chicago for the conclusion of the season, is Jaremko’s high school teammate and the Steel’s first overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase I Draft, Matthew Kiersted. The 5-foot-11, 162-pound defenseman had eight goals and 28 assists in 25 games for the Elks this past year. He is committed to the University of North Dakota.
Monday, March 9, 2015
VANCE NAMED CCM DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel defenseman Carson Vance was named the CCM Defenseman of the Week, the USHL announced on Monday.
The Tempe, Ariz. native was acquired by Chicago on March 3 in a trade with the Youngstown Phantoms. In his first weekend as a member of the Steel, Vance tallied four assists in three Chicago victories, with three of his four helpers coming on the game-winning goals. His two-point effort in Saturday’s 4-3 win against Dubuque was the first multi-point game of his USHL career.
In 44 career games with Youngstown, Vance tallied one goal and added seven assists.
The Tempe, Ariz. native was acquired by Chicago on March 3 in a trade with the Youngstown Phantoms. In his first weekend as a member of the Steel, Vance tallied four assists in three Chicago victories, with three of his four helpers coming on the game-winning goals. His two-point effort in Saturday’s 4-3 win against Dubuque was the first multi-point game of his USHL career.
In 44 career games with Youngstown, Vance tallied one goal and added seven assists.
Monday, March 9, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 24
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — The Chicago Steel successfully completed a sweep of their three games this past weekend. Friday’s home game ended in overtime with the Steel defeating the Omaha Lancers, 2-1. On Saturday, the Steel held off the Dubuque Fighting Saints for the 4-3 victory. Sunday, the Steel traveled to Dubuque, and came away with the 2-1 win. The weekend was highlighted by the three newest members of the Chicago Steel. Goaltender Trevor Gorsuch picked up wins on both Friday and Sunday, allowing just two goals on the weekend. Defenseman Carson Vance tallied four assists over the weekend, while forward JD Dudek scored the game-winning goal on Saturday, against his former team.
On Friday, the score remained 0-0 until late in the second period. Mikey Joyaux scored on the powerplay for the Steel at the 18:21 mark, assisted by Freddy Olofsson and John Ernsting. In the third period, Omaha’s Matthew Meier slipped one past Trevor Gorsuch on a power play to tie the game at one. In the extra period, John Ernsting found the back of the net for the game-winning goal. Connor Murphy and Carson Vance added the assists on the game winner. Gorsuch stopped 21 Omaha shot attempts for the win in net.
Saturday, the Steel held a 3-0 lead at the first break of action. Tanner Laczynski scored first for the Steel at the 2:14 mark, followed by a shorthanded goal by Brendon Kearney just three minutes later. With one second remaining in the first, Freddy Olofsson tallied his 24th goal of the season on a power play to give the Steel the three-goal lead. Dubuque tallied the only goal of the second period, as Brett Boeing scored shorthanded for the Saints. Dubuque trimmed the Steel lead to one early in the third period, with a goal from forward Brian Bowen. The score remained 3-2 when JD Dudek tallied his first goal as a member of the Steel. With less than two minutes to play, the Saints inched closer with an extra attacker on the ice, but Lassi Yrjola withheld the final push by Dubuque and the Steel picked up the 4-3 victory. Yrjola made 42 saves in net while Carson Vance recorded two assists in the contest.
Sunday’s game in Dubuque was another strong performance for netminder Trevor Gorsuch. His 41 saves marked a career best as he picked up his second win of the weekend. After allowing a goal at the 13-minute mark of the first period, Gorsuch stonewalled the remaining Dubuque shot attempts. The Steel were held scoreless until the 6:19 mark of the third period, when Ryan Blankemeier scored his 14th goal of the season, tying the game at one. With just over five minutes to play, Brendon Kearney broke the 1-1 tie with his 14th goal of the year. Kearney’s goal proved to be the winner, as the Steel held on for the 2-1 victory.
This weekend, the Steel are in action with three home games at the Edge Ice Arena. Friday, the Steel host the Muskegon Lumberjacks. On Saturday, Chicago will face-off against Team USA U-18. Sunday, the Steel are set to play the Madison Capitols. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
On Friday, the score remained 0-0 until late in the second period. Mikey Joyaux scored on the powerplay for the Steel at the 18:21 mark, assisted by Freddy Olofsson and John Ernsting. In the third period, Omaha’s Matthew Meier slipped one past Trevor Gorsuch on a power play to tie the game at one. In the extra period, John Ernsting found the back of the net for the game-winning goal. Connor Murphy and Carson Vance added the assists on the game winner. Gorsuch stopped 21 Omaha shot attempts for the win in net.
Saturday, the Steel held a 3-0 lead at the first break of action. Tanner Laczynski scored first for the Steel at the 2:14 mark, followed by a shorthanded goal by Brendon Kearney just three minutes later. With one second remaining in the first, Freddy Olofsson tallied his 24th goal of the season on a power play to give the Steel the three-goal lead. Dubuque tallied the only goal of the second period, as Brett Boeing scored shorthanded for the Saints. Dubuque trimmed the Steel lead to one early in the third period, with a goal from forward Brian Bowen. The score remained 3-2 when JD Dudek tallied his first goal as a member of the Steel. With less than two minutes to play, the Saints inched closer with an extra attacker on the ice, but Lassi Yrjola withheld the final push by Dubuque and the Steel picked up the 4-3 victory. Yrjola made 42 saves in net while Carson Vance recorded two assists in the contest.
Sunday’s game in Dubuque was another strong performance for netminder Trevor Gorsuch. His 41 saves marked a career best as he picked up his second win of the weekend. After allowing a goal at the 13-minute mark of the first period, Gorsuch stonewalled the remaining Dubuque shot attempts. The Steel were held scoreless until the 6:19 mark of the third period, when Ryan Blankemeier scored his 14th goal of the season, tying the game at one. With just over five minutes to play, Brendon Kearney broke the 1-1 tie with his 14th goal of the year. Kearney’s goal proved to be the winner, as the Steel held on for the 2-1 victory.
This weekend, the Steel are in action with three home games at the Edge Ice Arena. Friday, the Steel host the Muskegon Lumberjacks. On Saturday, Chicago will face-off against Team USA U-18. Sunday, the Steel are set to play the Madison Capitols. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
STEEL HOLD OFF FIGHTING SAINTS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel bent, but did not break on Saturday evening, as JD Dudek notched the game-winning goal late in the final period to power his squad to a 4-3 victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the Edge Ice Arena.
Chicago looked like it was going to skate away easily with the win early in the first period, after grabbing a 3-0 lead at the first intermission, with goals from Tanner Laczynski at 2:41, a short-handed score by Brendon Kearney at 5:13, and a tally by Freddy Olofsson with one second left on the clock.
In the second period, Brett Boeing added a short-handed goal for the Fighting Saints to make the score 3-1 at second intermission.
In the third, Dubuque inched even closer on Brian Bowen’s goal at 2:54. However, Dudek struck with the game-winner at 15:41 to put Chicago back up 4-2. Dylan Gambrell added a goal late for the Saints with the extra attacker to make it 4-3.
Lassi Yrjola made 42 saves between the pipes for his 10th win of the season. Chicago is now 6-2 under head coach Dan Boeser and 23-21-3 on the season.
Chicago looked like it was going to skate away easily with the win early in the first period, after grabbing a 3-0 lead at the first intermission, with goals from Tanner Laczynski at 2:41, a short-handed score by Brendon Kearney at 5:13, and a tally by Freddy Olofsson with one second left on the clock.
In the second period, Brett Boeing added a short-handed goal for the Fighting Saints to make the score 3-1 at second intermission.
In the third, Dubuque inched even closer on Brian Bowen’s goal at 2:54. However, Dudek struck with the game-winner at 15:41 to put Chicago back up 4-2. Dylan Gambrell added a goal late for the Saints with the extra attacker to make it 4-3.
Lassi Yrjola made 42 saves between the pipes for his 10th win of the season. Chicago is now 6-2 under head coach Dan Boeser and 23-21-3 on the season.
Friday, March 6, 2015
STEEL WIN IN OVERTIME
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago’s John Ernsting scored the game-winning goal at the 3:09 mark in the overtime and Trevor Gorsuch made 21 saves, as the Steel downed the Omaha Lancers, 2-1, at The Edge Ice Arena.
Ernsting, who also added an assist earlier in the game, tallied his ninth USHL goal of the 2013-14 season. For Gorsuch, it was his first win with the Steel after coming over from the Waterloo Black Hawks on Wednesday.
Chicago jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Mikey Joyaux’s power play goal at 18:21 in the second period. Freddy Olofsson and Ernsting tallied the assists on the score.
In the final stanza, Omaha’s Matthew Meier notched the score 1-all, just 1:08 into the frame. Both squads had their chances throughout the period, but were unable to capitalize and the game went to overtime.
The Steel will be back in action tomorrow evening to face the Dubuque fighting Saints at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Ernsting, who also added an assist earlier in the game, tallied his ninth USHL goal of the 2013-14 season. For Gorsuch, it was his first win with the Steel after coming over from the Waterloo Black Hawks on Wednesday.
Chicago jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Mikey Joyaux’s power play goal at 18:21 in the second period. Freddy Olofsson and Ernsting tallied the assists on the score.
In the final stanza, Omaha’s Matthew Meier notched the score 1-all, just 1:08 into the frame. Both squads had their chances throughout the period, but were unable to capitalize and the game went to overtime.
The Steel will be back in action tomorrow evening to face the Dubuque fighting Saints at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
STEEL ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CJ WILSON MAZDA
BENSENVILLE, Ill. - The Chicago Steel are proud to announce their new partnership with CJ Wilson Mazda. With locations in Orland Park, Countryside and Lake Villa, CJ Wilson Mazda is Illinois’ #1 dealer group and one of the nation’s top Mazda dealers.
In addition to owning several Mazda dealerships across the nation, Major League pitcher CJ Wilson has developed a program to support emerging professional athletes in their pursuit to become positive role models in the community. Through the generosity provided by CJ Wilson Mazda, the Chicago Steel will continue to afford the resources for our players to develop into effective leaders, both on and off the ice.
For more information on CJ Wilson Mazda please visit zoomzoomnation.com.
In addition to owning several Mazda dealerships across the nation, Major League pitcher CJ Wilson has developed a program to support emerging professional athletes in their pursuit to become positive role models in the community. Through the generosity provided by CJ Wilson Mazda, the Chicago Steel will continue to afford the resources for our players to develop into effective leaders, both on and off the ice.
For more information on CJ Wilson Mazda please visit zoomzoomnation.com.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
TISCHKE NAMED ASSISTANT CAPTAIN
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel have named defenseman Peter Tischke as an assistant captain, the team announced on Wednesday.
Tischke is in his second full season with Chicago and has 16 points (2g, 14a) through 45 games in the 2014-15 campaign. The Hinsdale, Ill. native is a 1996 birth year and is committed to the University of Wisconsin.
“With the loss of our captain, Connor McDonald, we knew Peter Tischke was the guy to step up and fill a leadership role,” Chicago Steel head coach and general manager Dan Boeser said. “Peter has been with the team a few years and is one of the guys the boys in the locker room look up to and respect. He can also provide leadership from the back end, which is something I covet as a coach.”
The Steel will skate with four assistant captains for the rest of the season. Tischke joins Brendon Kearney, Freddy Olofsson and Mason Bergh as assistants, following the departure of McDonald, who was traded to the Youngstown Phantoms on Monday.
Chicago is action this weekend at The Edge Ice Arena and will face the Omaha Lancers on Friday and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Tischke is in his second full season with Chicago and has 16 points (2g, 14a) through 45 games in the 2014-15 campaign. The Hinsdale, Ill. native is a 1996 birth year and is committed to the University of Wisconsin.
“With the loss of our captain, Connor McDonald, we knew Peter Tischke was the guy to step up and fill a leadership role,” Chicago Steel head coach and general manager Dan Boeser said. “Peter has been with the team a few years and is one of the guys the boys in the locker room look up to and respect. He can also provide leadership from the back end, which is something I covet as a coach.”
The Steel will skate with four assistant captains for the rest of the season. Tischke joins Brendon Kearney, Freddy Olofsson and Mason Bergh as assistants, following the departure of McDonald, who was traded to the Youngstown Phantoms on Monday.
Chicago is action this weekend at The Edge Ice Arena and will face the Omaha Lancers on Friday and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
STEEL ACQUIRE GORSUCH FROM WATERLOO
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel acquired goaltender Trevor Gorsuch from the Waterloo Black Hawks on Tuesday.
Gorsuch has played in the 13 games this season for the Black Hawks and registered a 3.24 goals-against-average and 0.883 save percentage. The St. Charles, Mo. native spent the last three seasons with the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound netminder played in two games with the Tri-City Storm during the 2011-12 season.
Gorsuch has played in the 13 games this season for the Black Hawks and registered a 3.24 goals-against-average and 0.883 save percentage. The St. Charles, Mo. native spent the last three seasons with the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound netminder played in two games with the Tri-City Storm during the 2011-12 season.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
STEEL ACQUIRE J.D. DUDEK FROM DUBUQUE
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel traded forward Robby Jackson to the Dubuque Fighting Saints in exchange for forward J.D. Dudek, a first-round pick in the United States Hockey League 2015 Phase II Draft, and an affiliate player to be named later.
Dudek was taken in the sixth round, 152nd overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Boston College recruit tallied six goals to go along with six assists in Dubuque. A native of Auburn, N.H., Dudek represented the United States at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Breclav, Czech Republic.
Jackson played 89 careers games for the Steel, scoring 39 goals and registering 25 assists. He was the 2014 USHL Rookie of the Year and needed just eight goals to take over the Steel’s career goal scoring record.
Dudek was taken in the sixth round, 152nd overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Boston College recruit tallied six goals to go along with six assists in Dubuque. A native of Auburn, N.H., Dudek represented the United States at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Breclav, Czech Republic.
Jackson played 89 careers games for the Steel, scoring 39 goals and registering 25 assists. He was the 2014 USHL Rookie of the Year and needed just eight goals to take over the Steel’s career goal scoring record.
Monday, March 2, 2015
STEEL ACQUIRE VANCE FROM YOUNGSTOWN
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel traded team captain, Connor McDonald, to the Youngstown Phantoms in exchange for defenseman Carson Vance and a first-round pick in the 2015 United States Hockey League Phase II Draft. The Phantoms also receive a 2015 Phase II, third-round selection, in the deal.
Vance is a 5-foot-10, 174-pound blueliner out of Tempe, Ariz. He has played parts of two seasons in Youngstown, where the 19-year-old competed in 39 games this year for the Phantoms and five games in 2013-14, after arriving from the North American Hockey League’s Janesville Jets. Vance had one goal and seven assists this season for Youngstown. The Tempe native began his junior hockey career in the NAHL with the Kenai River Brown Bears.
The Steel will be at home this weekend when they face the Omaha Lancers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Vance is a 5-foot-10, 174-pound blueliner out of Tempe, Ariz. He has played parts of two seasons in Youngstown, where the 19-year-old competed in 39 games this year for the Phantoms and five games in 2013-14, after arriving from the North American Hockey League’s Janesville Jets. Vance had one goal and seven assists this season for Youngstown. The Tempe native began his junior hockey career in the NAHL with the Kenai River Brown Bears.
The Steel will be at home this weekend when they face the Omaha Lancers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, March 2, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 23
Bensenville, Ill. — The Chicago Steel were unable to take down the Bloomington Thunder on Sunday afternoon, dropping their road contest 3-2. The Steel are now 21-21-3 on the season, and look to bounce back with two of their three games at home this weekend.
In Bloomington, the Steel fell behind by two goals in the first eight minutes of the game; Logan Lambdin and Jacob Slaker tallied the Thunder goals. Freddy Olofsson lit the lamp at the 18:01 mark of the first period, extending his goal-streak to four games. The Thunder scored the lone second period goal, pushing their lead back to two. In the third period, Tyler Sifferelen, off the assist from Mike Severson, brought the Steel within one. With goaltender Lassi Yrjola pulled from net, the Steel were unable to tie the game in the final minute of action. Yrjola made 28 saves in the 3-2 loss. The Steel were outshot by the Thunder 31-27.
This weekend, the Steel have home games at the Edge Ice Arena on both Friday and Saturday evening. Friday, the Steel host the Omaha Lancers for the first time this season. The Steel defeated the Lancers 4-3 in November. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. Immediately following Friday’s game, we will hold a postgame autograph session. Saturday at 7 p.m., the Steel will face-off against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. The Steel recently defeated the Saints, 4-3 in overtime. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
In Bloomington, the Steel fell behind by two goals in the first eight minutes of the game; Logan Lambdin and Jacob Slaker tallied the Thunder goals. Freddy Olofsson lit the lamp at the 18:01 mark of the first period, extending his goal-streak to four games. The Thunder scored the lone second period goal, pushing their lead back to two. In the third period, Tyler Sifferelen, off the assist from Mike Severson, brought the Steel within one. With goaltender Lassi Yrjola pulled from net, the Steel were unable to tie the game in the final minute of action. Yrjola made 28 saves in the 3-2 loss. The Steel were outshot by the Thunder 31-27.
This weekend, the Steel have home games at the Edge Ice Arena on both Friday and Saturday evening. Friday, the Steel host the Omaha Lancers for the first time this season. The Steel defeated the Lancers 4-3 in November. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. Immediately following Friday’s game, we will hold a postgame autograph session. Saturday at 7 p.m., the Steel will face-off against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. The Steel recently defeated the Saints, 4-3 in overtime. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
OLOFSSON NAMED USHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK
Bensenville, Ill. — Chicago Steel forward Freddy Olofsson was named a co-recipient of the CCM Forward of the Week, the USHL announced on Monday.
Olofsson scored four goals and also added two assists to lead Chicago to weekend victories over the Green Bay Gamblers and Muskegon Lumberjacks. Against Muskegon on Saturday, he registered four points (2g, 2a) in his 100th career USHL game. A 2014 NHL Draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, Olofsson is currently tied for eighth in the league for goals with 22, and is tied for 10th for points (45).
Olofsson and the Steel will be back in action at The Edge Ice Arena on March 6 as they face the Omaha Lancers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the contest can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1163 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Olofsson scored four goals and also added two assists to lead Chicago to weekend victories over the Green Bay Gamblers and Muskegon Lumberjacks. Against Muskegon on Saturday, he registered four points (2g, 2a) in his 100th career USHL game. A 2014 NHL Draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, Olofsson is currently tied for eighth in the league for goals with 22, and is tied for 10th for points (45).
Olofsson and the Steel will be back in action at The Edge Ice Arena on March 6 as they face the Omaha Lancers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the contest can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1163 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, February 23, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 22
Bensenville, Ill. — The Chicago Steel picked up four of a possible six points at home this weekend. Friday, the Steel defeated the Green Bay Gamblers 3-2. Saturday, the Steel took down the Muskegon Lumberjacks 5-3 to push their win streak to four games. Sunday afternoon, the Steel were unable to complete the weekend sweep, falling to the Madison Capitols 5-2. Chicago is 21-20-3 on the season and has won seven of their last ten games.
Friday, the Steel trailed the Gamblers by one goal on two separate occasions. Zach Osburn’s shorthanded goal in the first period tied the game at one and Freddy Olofsson’s second period goal tied the game at two. Olofsson’s goal gave him a team-high 20 on the season. In the third period, Robby Jackson skated around Gambler goaltender Kevin Reich and notched the game-winning goal. Lassi Yrjola made 21 saves on the evening for his eighth win on the season.
Saturday evening, Jake Bresser tallied his first goal of the season to get the Steel on the board. Muskegon tallied goal on either side of the first intermission to take a 2-1 lead. Late in the second, Brendon Kearney lit the lamp for his twelfth goal of the season. In the third period, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson gave the Steel a 4-2 lead with goals at the 2:06 and 10:07 minute marks, respectively. Tom Marchin of Muskegon trimmed the Steel lead with just under four minutes remaining, but Olofsson was able to seal the 5-3 home victory with his second goal of the game on the empty net. Yrjola again picked up the win in net making 44 saves in the process.
On Sunday, Madison and Chicago played through a scoreless first period. In the second, the Capitols scored at the 7:56 minute mark, followed by Mason Bergh’s 18th goal of the season. With the game leveled at one, Madison tallied two more goals in the period to take a 3-1 lead into the final frame. Two quick strikes from Madison, including forward Charlie Gerard’s third goal of the game, gave Madison a comfortable 5-1 lead. Olofsson added his fourth goal of the weekend but the Steel still fell 5-2.
The Steel will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, March 6to take on the Omaha Lancers, followed by a home matchup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday, March 7. Tickets for the games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, the Steel trailed the Gamblers by one goal on two separate occasions. Zach Osburn’s shorthanded goal in the first period tied the game at one and Freddy Olofsson’s second period goal tied the game at two. Olofsson’s goal gave him a team-high 20 on the season. In the third period, Robby Jackson skated around Gambler goaltender Kevin Reich and notched the game-winning goal. Lassi Yrjola made 21 saves on the evening for his eighth win on the season.
Saturday evening, Jake Bresser tallied his first goal of the season to get the Steel on the board. Muskegon tallied goal on either side of the first intermission to take a 2-1 lead. Late in the second, Brendon Kearney lit the lamp for his twelfth goal of the season. In the third period, Tanner Laczynski and Freddy Olofsson gave the Steel a 4-2 lead with goals at the 2:06 and 10:07 minute marks, respectively. Tom Marchin of Muskegon trimmed the Steel lead with just under four minutes remaining, but Olofsson was able to seal the 5-3 home victory with his second goal of the game on the empty net. Yrjola again picked up the win in net making 44 saves in the process.
On Sunday, Madison and Chicago played through a scoreless first period. In the second, the Capitols scored at the 7:56 minute mark, followed by Mason Bergh’s 18th goal of the season. With the game leveled at one, Madison tallied two more goals in the period to take a 3-1 lead into the final frame. Two quick strikes from Madison, including forward Charlie Gerard’s third goal of the game, gave Madison a comfortable 5-1 lead. Olofsson added his fourth goal of the weekend but the Steel still fell 5-2.
The Steel will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, March 6to take on the Omaha Lancers, followed by a home matchup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday, March 7. Tickets for the games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
GERARD NETS HAT TRICK, SNAPS STEEL'S FOUR GAME WIN STREAK
Bensenville, Ill. – Mason Bergh and Freddy Olofsson tallied Chicago’s only goals Sunday afternoon, and Madison’s Charlie Gerard notched a hat trick as the Capitols defeated the Steel, 5-2, at The Edge Ice Arena.
Chicago outshot Madison, 51-39, in the contest and went 1-for-2 on its man-advantage opportunities. Lassi Yrjola made 34 saves In the loss. The Steel are now 21-20-3 on the season.
A scoreless first period was followed by four second period goals, including Bergh’s score at 10:47. Charlie Raith and Yrjola added the assist on Bergh’s goal.
In the third, the Capitols pulled away, registering two quick goals before the five minute mark to grab a commanding 5-1 advantage. Olofsson added his goal at 13:07 to make the game 5-2. Bergh and Robby Jackson provided the assists.
The Steel will be back at home on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 to take on Omaha and Dubuque, respectively. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Chicago outshot Madison, 51-39, in the contest and went 1-for-2 on its man-advantage opportunities. Lassi Yrjola made 34 saves In the loss. The Steel are now 21-20-3 on the season.
A scoreless first period was followed by four second period goals, including Bergh’s score at 10:47. Charlie Raith and Yrjola added the assist on Bergh’s goal.
In the third, the Capitols pulled away, registering two quick goals before the five minute mark to grab a commanding 5-1 advantage. Olofsson added his goal at 13:07 to make the game 5-2. Bergh and Robby Jackson provided the assists.
The Steel will be back at home on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 to take on Omaha and Dubuque, respectively. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
STEEL CUT DOWN LUMBERJACKS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago’s Freddy Olofsson struck twice Saturday evening and the Steel held off the Muskegon Lumberjacks, 5-3, to earn their fourth straight victory.
Both of Olofsson’s goals came in the third period. His first at the 10:07, which proved to be the game winner, and the second came with 31 ticks left on the clock after Muskegon pulled its goalie. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound forward out of Broomfield, Colo. now has 19 goals on the season and had a plus-four on-ice rating on Saturday evening.
Steel goaltender Lassi Yrjola made 44 saves in the contest for his ninth victory of the season. Muskegon’s Michael Latorella earned the loss in the contest.
Jake Bresser opened up the scoring for Chicago with his first goal of his USHL career at 13:14 in the first frame. The Steel and the Lumberjacks entered the first intermission tied 1-all.
In the second period, Chicago fell behind 2-1 at the 9:27 mark, but Brendon Kearney knotted the contest 2-2 with four minutes left in the stanza.
Both squads began the third frame tied at two, however Tanner Laczynski and Olofsson gave Chicago a 4-2 advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining. Olofsson added the empty netter as the Steel skated away with the two goal victory.
Chicago will be back in action at The Edge on Sunday afternoon to face the Madison Capitols at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the contest can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Both of Olofsson’s goals came in the third period. His first at the 10:07, which proved to be the game winner, and the second came with 31 ticks left on the clock after Muskegon pulled its goalie. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound forward out of Broomfield, Colo. now has 19 goals on the season and had a plus-four on-ice rating on Saturday evening.
Steel goaltender Lassi Yrjola made 44 saves in the contest for his ninth victory of the season. Muskegon’s Michael Latorella earned the loss in the contest.
Jake Bresser opened up the scoring for Chicago with his first goal of his USHL career at 13:14 in the first frame. The Steel and the Lumberjacks entered the first intermission tied 1-all.
In the second period, Chicago fell behind 2-1 at the 9:27 mark, but Brendon Kearney knotted the contest 2-2 with four minutes left in the stanza.
Both squads began the third frame tied at two, however Tanner Laczynski and Olofsson gave Chicago a 4-2 advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining. Olofsson added the empty netter as the Steel skated away with the two goal victory.
Chicago will be back in action at The Edge on Sunday afternoon to face the Madison Capitols at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the contest can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, February 20, 2015
JACKSON'S GOAL LIFTS STEEL; BOESER MOVES TO 3-0
Bensenville, Ill. – Robby Jackson scored the game winning goal on Friday evening, as the Chicago Steel downed the Green Bay Gamblers, 3-2, in USHL action at the Edge Ice Arena.
Jackson’s tally came at the 1:19 mark in third period. Peter Tischke and John Schilling assisted on Jackon’s 10th goal of the 2014-15 season. Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola turned away 21 Green Bay shots to improve his record 8-4-1.
Green Bay grabbed a 1-0 lead at 9:59 in the first frame, but Zach Osburn struck just under four minutes later to tie it 1-all. Mason Bergh provided the assist, his 46th point of the year.
In the second stanza, the Gamblers went up 2-1 at the 3:28 mark. However, Freddy Olofsson evened the contest at 8:05 in the frame. John Ernsting and Mikey Joyaux helped on the Olofsson goal.
Jackson’s tally came at the 1:19 mark in third period. Peter Tischke and John Schilling assisted on Jackon’s 10th goal of the 2014-15 season. Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola turned away 21 Green Bay shots to improve his record 8-4-1.
Green Bay grabbed a 1-0 lead at 9:59 in the first frame, but Zach Osburn struck just under four minutes later to tie it 1-all. Mason Bergh provided the assist, his 46th point of the year.
In the second stanza, the Gamblers went up 2-1 at the 3:28 mark. However, Freddy Olofsson evened the contest at 8:05 in the frame. John Ernsting and Mikey Joyaux helped on the Olofsson goal.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
GODBOUT NAMED CCM FORWARD OF THE WEEK
Bensenville, Ill. – Chicago Steel forward Marcel Godbout has been named a co-recipient of CCM Forward of the Week, the USHL announced on Monday.
Godbout had two assists in Friday’s 3-1 win against the Lincoln Stars and tallied a goal and two more helpers on Saturday, as Chicago downed the Stars, 5-4. The Center Line, Mich. native was acquired by the Steel on Dec. 18, 2014 in a trade with the Waterloo Black Hawks. He has notched 12 points in 18 games with Chicago this season.
Godbout is committed to Michigan State University.
Godbout had two assists in Friday’s 3-1 win against the Lincoln Stars and tallied a goal and two more helpers on Saturday, as Chicago downed the Stars, 5-4. The Center Line, Mich. native was acquired by the Steel on Dec. 18, 2014 in a trade with the Waterloo Black Hawks. He has notched 12 points in 18 games with Chicago this season.
Godbout is committed to Michigan State University.
Monday, February 16, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 21
Bensenville, Ill. – It was a strong start for interim head coach Dan Boeser, as he guided the team to a weekend sweep in Lincoln for his first two wins at the helm of the Chicago Steel. Friday’s 3-1 win was followed by a 5-4 victory on Saturday evening.
Lincoln took an early 1-0 lead on Friday evening with a tally from forward Ethan Price. Connor Murphy responded with his 12th goal of the season to knot the game at one. The score remained tied at one heading into the final period. At the 1:09 mark of the third period, Robby Jackson lit the lamp, which proved to be the game-winner. Brendon Kearney provided an insurance goal for the Steel at the 8:47 mark of the period, and the Steel took the first game of the back-to-back 3-1. Lassi Yrjola captured the win in net with 32 saves. Marcel Godbout added two assists in the contest.
On Saturday, the Steel and the Stars traded first period goals to enter the second period again tied at one. Zach Osburn tallied the Steel goal for his fifth of the season. In the second period, the Steel took a commanding 5-2 lead, with goals from Tyler Sifferlen, Marcel Godbout, John Ernsting and Tanner Laczynski. Lincoln’s lone goal in the period came from Ryan Jones. In the final period, Lincoln mustered a comeback with two goals in the 16th minute of the period, but the Stars were unable to find the equalizer, as the Steel successfully completed the four-point weekend sweep. Lassi Yrjola earned his seventh win of the season making 24 saves in the process. Chicago outshot Lincoln 30-28 on the evening.
The Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena this weekend for a three-game home stand against Green Bay, Muskegon and Madison. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday’s games will begin at 7:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Lincoln took an early 1-0 lead on Friday evening with a tally from forward Ethan Price. Connor Murphy responded with his 12th goal of the season to knot the game at one. The score remained tied at one heading into the final period. At the 1:09 mark of the third period, Robby Jackson lit the lamp, which proved to be the game-winner. Brendon Kearney provided an insurance goal for the Steel at the 8:47 mark of the period, and the Steel took the first game of the back-to-back 3-1. Lassi Yrjola captured the win in net with 32 saves. Marcel Godbout added two assists in the contest.
On Saturday, the Steel and the Stars traded first period goals to enter the second period again tied at one. Zach Osburn tallied the Steel goal for his fifth of the season. In the second period, the Steel took a commanding 5-2 lead, with goals from Tyler Sifferlen, Marcel Godbout, John Ernsting and Tanner Laczynski. Lincoln’s lone goal in the period came from Ryan Jones. In the final period, Lincoln mustered a comeback with two goals in the 16th minute of the period, but the Stars were unable to find the equalizer, as the Steel successfully completed the four-point weekend sweep. Lassi Yrjola earned his seventh win of the season making 24 saves in the process. Chicago outshot Lincoln 30-28 on the evening.
The Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena this weekend for a three-game home stand against Green Bay, Muskegon and Madison. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday’s games will begin at 7:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively. Tickets for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, February 13, 2015
BOESER EARNS FIRST VICTORY
Bensenville, Ill. – Chicago Steel head coach, Dan Boeser, guided the Steel to the win on Friday evening, with a 3-1 triumph over the Lincoln Stars at the Lincoln Ice Box Arena. It was Boeser’s first win as the Steel’s interim bench boss after he was named to the position on Wednesday.
A first period goal by Lincoln’s Ethan Price at the 7:22 mark was matched by the Steel’s Connor Murphy at 15:57 in the frame. Both squads failed to put the puck in the back of the net in the second and the game remained 1-all going into the second intermission.
A quick score from Robby Jackson at 1:09 in the third period proved to be the game winner, while Brendon Kearney made the score 3-1 with his 11th goal of the season at 8:47. Chicago goaltender Lassi Yrjola earned his sixth win in 2014-15 after turning away 32-of-33 shots he faced, including 13 in the third period.
Chicago and Lincoln will face off again on Saturday evening in Lincoln at 7:05 p.m. CST.
A first period goal by Lincoln’s Ethan Price at the 7:22 mark was matched by the Steel’s Connor Murphy at 15:57 in the frame. Both squads failed to put the puck in the back of the net in the second and the game remained 1-all going into the second intermission.
A quick score from Robby Jackson at 1:09 in the third period proved to be the game winner, while Brendon Kearney made the score 3-1 with his 11th goal of the season at 8:47. Chicago goaltender Lassi Yrjola earned his sixth win in 2014-15 after turning away 32-of-33 shots he faced, including 13 in the third period.
Chicago and Lincoln will face off again on Saturday evening in Lincoln at 7:05 p.m. CST.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
BOESER TAKES OVER HEAD COACHING DUTIES
Bensenville, Ill. – The Chicago Steel organization and its head coach and general manager, Scott McConnell have mutually decided to go in a new direction, the team announced on Wednesday.
McConnell, who took over full-time head coaching duties prior to the 2011-12 season, produced 56 NCAA Division I college athletes and three NHL Draft picks. He led Chicago to a 29-27-4 mark a season ago.
McConnell played collegiately at the University of Denver and won the 2004 NCAA Division I Ice Hockey National Championship with the Pioneers. Last November, he had the honor of being inducted into the DU Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the university’s first national championship team in 35 years.
Assistant coach Dan Boeser will assume head coaching responsibilities. Boeser is in his first season with the Steel, having served as a coach at Burnsville High School in Minnesota before arriving in Chicago. The Burnsville, Minn. native competed collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a captain for the Badgers his final two seasons and was honored as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star in 2001.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2004, Boeser played five seasons of professional hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), Elmira Jackals (ECHL), Rockford Icehogs (UHL) and the Muskegon Lumberjacks. During the 2006-07 season with Rockford, he scored five goals and added 25 assists in the regular season and followed that up with two goals and 10 assists in the playoffs, as the IceHogs captured the 2007 Colonial Cup Championship.
Boeser is no stranger to the USHL. He played two seasons in the league with the Green Bay Gamblers from 1998-2000, helping the club to the 2000 Clark Cup Championship. That same season he garnered All-USHL Second Team honors.
McConnell, who took over full-time head coaching duties prior to the 2011-12 season, produced 56 NCAA Division I college athletes and three NHL Draft picks. He led Chicago to a 29-27-4 mark a season ago.
McConnell played collegiately at the University of Denver and won the 2004 NCAA Division I Ice Hockey National Championship with the Pioneers. Last November, he had the honor of being inducted into the DU Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the university’s first national championship team in 35 years.
Assistant coach Dan Boeser will assume head coaching responsibilities. Boeser is in his first season with the Steel, having served as a coach at Burnsville High School in Minnesota before arriving in Chicago. The Burnsville, Minn. native competed collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a captain for the Badgers his final two seasons and was honored as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star in 2001.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2004, Boeser played five seasons of professional hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), Elmira Jackals (ECHL), Rockford Icehogs (UHL) and the Muskegon Lumberjacks. During the 2006-07 season with Rockford, he scored five goals and added 25 assists in the regular season and followed that up with two goals and 10 assists in the playoffs, as the IceHogs captured the 2007 Colonial Cup Championship.
Boeser is no stranger to the USHL. He played two seasons in the league with the Green Bay Gamblers from 1998-2000, helping the club to the 2000 Clark Cup Championship. That same season he garnered All-USHL Second Team honors.
Monday, February 9, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 20
Bensenville, Ill. -- It wasn’t the weekend the Chicago Steel were looking for, as they dropped both contests on the road. A 4-1 loss to the Sioux Falls Stampede on Friday, was proceeded by a 5-3 loss at the hands of the Sioux City Musketeers on Saturday.
Despite outshooting the Stampede 34-16 on Friday evening, Chicago could only muster one goal in the contest, when Freddy Olofsson notched his 18th goal of the 2014-15 campaign. Chicago Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola had a rough evening, allowing four goals in just over 58 minutes of play between the pipes.
On Saturday, the Steel made a nice comeback against Sioux City after falling behind 4-1 late in the second stanza. Two straight goals from Chicago forwards Tanner Laczynski (19:22 in the second) and Robby Jackson (1:20 in the third) cut the Musketeers’ lead to 4-3. However Robert Carpenter scored the empty netter with 38 ticks left on the clock to put the game away. Connor Murphy tallied the Steel’s first goal of the game at the 15:15 mark in the first period.
Chicago outshot Sioux City, 48-34, but it went 0-for-5 on its man-advantage opportunities. After Saturday’s loss the Steel drop to 17-19-3 on the season and trail Youngstown by 12 points for the last playoff spot in the USHL Eastern Conference.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, Feb. 20 to begin a three-game weekend series. For ticket information please visit tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or call the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Despite outshooting the Stampede 34-16 on Friday evening, Chicago could only muster one goal in the contest, when Freddy Olofsson notched his 18th goal of the 2014-15 campaign. Chicago Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola had a rough evening, allowing four goals in just over 58 minutes of play between the pipes.
On Saturday, the Steel made a nice comeback against Sioux City after falling behind 4-1 late in the second stanza. Two straight goals from Chicago forwards Tanner Laczynski (19:22 in the second) and Robby Jackson (1:20 in the third) cut the Musketeers’ lead to 4-3. However Robert Carpenter scored the empty netter with 38 ticks left on the clock to put the game away. Connor Murphy tallied the Steel’s first goal of the game at the 15:15 mark in the first period.
Chicago outshot Sioux City, 48-34, but it went 0-for-5 on its man-advantage opportunities. After Saturday’s loss the Steel drop to 17-19-3 on the season and trail Youngstown by 12 points for the last playoff spot in the USHL Eastern Conference.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, Feb. 20 to begin a three-game weekend series. For ticket information please visit tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or call the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 19
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — With a sweep of their Wisconsin rivals this weekend, the Chicago Steel picked up four points, moving their overall record to 17-17-3. Friday, the Steel cruised to a 5-2 victory against the Madison Capitols. Saturday, Lassi Yrjola earned his first career USHL shutout in a 1-0 win against Green Bay. Robby Jackson tallied the overtime winner for the Steel.
On Friday in Madison, Marcel Godbout lit the lamp midway through the first period to take an early lead. In the second period, the teams combined for five goals, three tallied by Chicago. John Schilling, John Ernsting and Zach Osburn all scored for the Steel, with Schilling scoring a shorthanded goal. Madison’s two goals came in the final five minutes of the period, on either side of Osburn’s tally. The game remained 4-2 until the final minute of play, when John Schilling scored his second goal of the game on the empty net to seal the 5-2 victory. Lassi Yrjola stopped 29 Capitol shot attempts. Freddy Olofsson recorded three assists, while Mikey Joyaux added two.
On Saturday, the Steel and the Gamblers were locked into a defensive battle. The game remained scoreless through the first 60 minutes. At the end of regulation, the Steel went on a five-minute powerplay, which carried into the extra frame. At the 26-second mark of overtime, Robby Jackson netted the game-winning goal, assisted by Mason Bergh and Freddy Olofsson. Lassi Yrjola posted a 30-save shutout between the pipes for Chicago.
The Steel head West this weekend for games against Sioux Falls and Sioux City. Chicago will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Feb. 20 to take on the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
On Friday in Madison, Marcel Godbout lit the lamp midway through the first period to take an early lead. In the second period, the teams combined for five goals, three tallied by Chicago. John Schilling, John Ernsting and Zach Osburn all scored for the Steel, with Schilling scoring a shorthanded goal. Madison’s two goals came in the final five minutes of the period, on either side of Osburn’s tally. The game remained 4-2 until the final minute of play, when John Schilling scored his second goal of the game on the empty net to seal the 5-2 victory. Lassi Yrjola stopped 29 Capitol shot attempts. Freddy Olofsson recorded three assists, while Mikey Joyaux added two.
On Saturday, the Steel and the Gamblers were locked into a defensive battle. The game remained scoreless through the first 60 minutes. At the end of regulation, the Steel went on a five-minute powerplay, which carried into the extra frame. At the 26-second mark of overtime, Robby Jackson netted the game-winning goal, assisted by Mason Bergh and Freddy Olofsson. Lassi Yrjola posted a 30-save shutout between the pipes for Chicago.
The Steel head West this weekend for games against Sioux Falls and Sioux City. Chicago will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Feb. 20 to take on the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
YRJOLA WINS USHL GOALIE OF THE WEEK
Bensenville, Ill. – Chicago Steel goaltender Lassi Yrjola has been named the CCM Goaltender of the Week, the USHL announced on Monday. In his last three starts between the pipes, Yrjola has helped the Steel to three victories and improved his record to 5-2-1 on the season.
The native of Tampere, Finland went 2-0 last weekend, including a 30-save performance in a 1-0 victory over the Green Bay Gamblers on Saturday. The evening before, he allowed only two goals and turned away 29 shots in a 5-2 win against the Madison Capitols.
Yrjola arrived in Chicago on Jan. 1 and earned his first USHL victory two days later in a 3-2 triumph over the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
The native of Tampere, Finland went 2-0 last weekend, including a 30-save performance in a 1-0 victory over the Green Bay Gamblers on Saturday. The evening before, he allowed only two goals and turned away 29 shots in a 5-2 win against the Madison Capitols.
Yrjola arrived in Chicago on Jan. 1 and earned his first USHL victory two days later in a 3-2 triumph over the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
JACKSON'S POWERPLAY GOAL GIVES STEEL THE WIN
Bensenville, IL — After coming off of a 5-2 victory in Madison last night, the Steel headed to Green bay trying to sweep the state of Wisconsin this weekend.
After three scoreless periods of hockey in Green Bay, the Steel would find themselves on the powerplay after Mitch Snyder would be sent off at the end of the third period for head contact. This is where Robby Jackson would net the game winner only 26 seconds into the extra frame.
Lassi Yrjola earned his second victory of the weekend, and his first shutout of his USHL career, saving all 30 shots he faced.
The Steel are back on the road next weekend as they head to Sioux Falls and Sioux City.
Monday, January 26, 2015After three scoreless periods of hockey in Green Bay, the Steel would find themselves on the powerplay after Mitch Snyder would be sent off at the end of the third period for head contact. This is where Robby Jackson would net the game winner only 26 seconds into the extra frame.
Lassi Yrjola earned his second victory of the weekend, and his first shutout of his USHL career, saving all 30 shots he faced.
The Steel are back on the road next weekend as they head to Sioux Falls and Sioux City.
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 18
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel split their two games this past weekend to move their overall record to 15-17-3 on the season. Friday night, the Steel lost on the road to the Waterloo Black Hawks, 7-1. Saturday, Chicago returned home and came from behind to defeat the Dubuque Fighting Saints, 4-3, in overtime.
Friday’s game began with Tanner Laczynski tallying his seventh goal of the season to give the Steel a 1-0 lead. Waterloo responded with two goals to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Waterloo tallied four goals in the second and one goal in the third to skate away with the 7-1 victory. Former Steel netminder Cale Morris made 29 saves to earn the win in net for the Black Hawks.
After a scoreless first period on Saturday, Willie Knierim put the Fighting Saints on top with a power play goal. Mason Bergh responded at the 11-minute mark with a power play goal for the Steel. Dubuque tallied two more in the second to take a 3-1 lead. Freddy Olofsson scored early in the third period to bring the Steel within one. In the final minute of play, with an extra Steel attacker on the ice, Freddy Olofsson tallied his second goal of the game to force overtime. In the first minute of overtime, Ryan Blankemeier lit the lamp to give the Steel the 4-3 victory. Lassi Yrjola made 31 saves in net for the Steel. Mike Joyaux recorded two assists in the contest while Bergh, Olofsson, Robby Jackson, John Ernsting and Tanner Laczynski added one.
Chicago is on the road for the next three weeks. The Steel will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Feb. 20 to take on the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Friday’s game began with Tanner Laczynski tallying his seventh goal of the season to give the Steel a 1-0 lead. Waterloo responded with two goals to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Waterloo tallied four goals in the second and one goal in the third to skate away with the 7-1 victory. Former Steel netminder Cale Morris made 29 saves to earn the win in net for the Black Hawks.
After a scoreless first period on Saturday, Willie Knierim put the Fighting Saints on top with a power play goal. Mason Bergh responded at the 11-minute mark with a power play goal for the Steel. Dubuque tallied two more in the second to take a 3-1 lead. Freddy Olofsson scored early in the third period to bring the Steel within one. In the final minute of play, with an extra Steel attacker on the ice, Freddy Olofsson tallied his second goal of the game to force overtime. In the first minute of overtime, Ryan Blankemeier lit the lamp to give the Steel the 4-3 victory. Lassi Yrjola made 31 saves in net for the Steel. Mike Joyaux recorded two assists in the contest while Bergh, Olofsson, Robby Jackson, John Ernsting and Tanner Laczynski added one.
Chicago is on the road for the next three weeks. The Steel will return to the Edge Ice Arena on Feb. 20 to take on the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
STEEL WIN IN THRILLING FASHION
Bensenville, Ill. -- Ryan Blankemeier’s overtime goal
gave the Steel the 4-3 victory against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday.
Blankemeier’s goal came 52 seconds into overtime to complete the Steel
comeback.
A scoreless first period was followed up with four goals
in the second period. Dubuque’s Willie Knierim struck first. Mason Bergh tied
the game at the 11:14 mark of the second with his 17th goal of the season. Dubuque tallied the final two goals
of the period to take a two-goal lead into the final period.
In the third, Freddy Olofsson scored his 16th and 17th goals of the year to
tie the game. Olofsson’s game-tying goal came at the 19:07 minute mark with an
extra attacker on ice.
Olofsson ended the game with two goals and one assist.
Bergh had one assist to go along with his goal. Lassi Yrjola earned the win in
net with 31 saves.
The Steel will be back at The Edge Ice Arena on Friday,
Feb. 20 to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game
can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
3 PLAYERS NAMED ON MIDTERM RANKINGS
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel defenseman Dennis
Gilbert and affiliate list players Jake Jaremko and John Marino were listed on
NHL Central Scouting’s “Midterm Rankings” of the top North American players
eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Marino is ranked No. 64, while Gilbert
and Jaremko come in at No. 72 and No. 107, respectively.
The Steel selected Marino with the 79th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft. The
6-foot-2, 181-pound blueliner is out of North Eaton, Mass. and is currently
playing for the South Shore Kings of the United States Premier Hockey League.
Marino has tallied four goals and 18 assists in 34 games in the USHPL this year
and is committed to Yale University.
Gilbert committed to Notre Dame in December and competed
for Team East in the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects game earlier in January. He
has had a strong rookie campaign with Chicago, posting three goals and 14
assists through 33 games.
Jaremko is in his senior season with Elk River High
School in Minnesota and has made his college commitment to Minnesota State
Mankato. He suited up for the Steel in one game this season, a 7-4 loss
to Waterloo back on Nov. 6. The 5-foot-7, 140-pound forward was acquired by
Chicago in a trade with Sioux City last September.
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 17
Bensenville, Ill. -- With two road games in Ann Arbor,
Mich. this past weekend, the Steel picked up three out of a possible four
points. On Friday, Chicago took
down Team USA for the 3-1 victory. Saturday, Team USA
tallied the game-winner in overtime to beat the Steel 3-2.
After a scoreless first period on Friday, the USA U-17
Juniors struck first at the 5:44 mark of
the second period. Late in the second, Connor Murphy tied the game with his
tenth goal of the season. In the third period, Brendon Kearney and Tyler
Sifferlen scored for the Steel to seal the 3-1 road victory. John Ernsting
tallied two assists in the win, while Mason Bergh, Zach Osburn and Connor
Murphy all added one. Lassi Yrjola earned the win in net with 29 saves. Chicago
outshot Team USA 42-30.
Saturday, Team USA jumped out to a two-goal lead with tallies from
Clayton Keller and William Lockwood. After a scoreless second period, Ryan
Blankemeier lit the lamp to put the Steel on the board. At the 12:01 mark of the third period, Freddy
Olofsson tied the game at two with his 15th goal of the season. In overtime,
Joey Anderson of Team USA slipped one past Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola to earn
the 3-2 overtime win. Tanner Laczynski, Mikey Joyaux, Mason Bergh and Peter
Tischke each recorded an assist in the contest. Chicago outshot Team USA 45-20.
This weekend, the Steel travel to Waterloo for a Friday evening matchup with the Black Hawks,
with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. Waterloo
is currently in last place in the Western Conference with a record of 10-20-3. Saturday, the Steel
return home to the Edge Ice Arena to face the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7:00 p.m. Dubuque has compiled a record of
20-9-3 and currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference. The Steel
are hosting mascots from around the Chicago-land area on Saturday for Mascot
Night. Tickets for this Saturday’s game
are still available and can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
MUSKETEERS POWER PLAY PUSHES PAST STEEL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Sioux City’s Joe Snively scored
three goals on Sunday afternoon,
as the Musketeers beat the Chicago Steel, 7-3, at the Edge Ice Arena in
Bensenville.
Snively’s goals came at the 16:45 mark in the first, 19:18 in the second, and 12:03 in the final frame.
Chicago fell behind 2-0 going into the first
intermission, but exploded for two quick goals in the second with Fredrik
Olofsson and Connor Murphy lighting the lamp at 3:16 and 4:52,
respectively.
Tanner Laczynski notched the third goal for the Steel in
the final stanza, but it was too little too late as the Musketeers had a
comfortable 5-3 lead and extended the advantage to 7-3 to skate away with the
victory.
Cale Morris made 25 saves in net for Chicago, and Sioux
City was 3-for-7 on the powerplay in the contest.
Chicago will be back at home on Saturday, Jan. 24 to face the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by
calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
USA DOWNS STEEL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Fredrik Olofsson and Dennis Gilbert
scored the only goals for the Steel Saturday evening
in a 6-2 loss to Team USA U-18 at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville.
The goals from Olofsson and Gilbert arrived late in the
contest at the 14:09 mark
and the 19:15 marks, respectively. Tanner
Laczynski, Mason Bergh and John Ernsting added assists in the game.
Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola faced 17 shots in the loss,
before being relieved by John Lethemon, who turned away eight shots. Team
USA outshot Chicago, 27-23, on the evening.
The Steel will be back in action on Sunday afternoon to face the Sioux City
Musketeers at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by
calling the Steel Ticket office at 630-594-1161.
STEEL ACQUIRE OLCZYK
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel have acquired
Nick Olczyk from the Waterloo Black Hawks. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound
forward from Long Grove, Ill. has tallied one point and one assist this season
for Waterloo.
Olczyk was selected by the Sioux City Musketeers in the
2013 USHL Phase II Draft. In 20 games last season for the Black Hawks, he
registered two goals and four assists. Olczyk is committed to Colorado
College.
Monday, January 5, 2015
WEEKEND RECAP: WEEK 15
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel picked up four
out of a possible six points in week 15. The Steel ended 2014 with a 4-2
victory against the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Wednesday afternoon.
Friday, the Steel fell to Youngstown 3-2 at the Edge Ice
Arena but rebounded to defeat the Lumberjacks 4-3 for the second time in four
days.
Wednesday, Brendon Kearney put the Steel on the board at the 18-minute
mark of the first period. Muskegon then tied up the game just three minutes
into the second period. John Ernsting and Tanner Laczynski each lit the lamp to
give the Steel a two-goal cushion. David Keefer of Muskegon slipped one past
Cale Morris to bring the Lumberjacks within one but Ernsting sealed the 4-2
victory with his second goal of the game. Morris made 40 saves on 42 attempts
for the win in net. Recent addition Marcel Godbout recorded two assists for the
Steel.
On Friday, the Steel again jumped out to a one-goal lead on a Ryan
Blankemeier goal. Youngstown responded with two goals to take a 2-1 lead into
the first break. In the second period, Godbout and Blankemeier each scored to
help the Steel reclaim the lead. A late second-period goal by Kiefer Sherwood
of Youngstown tied the game at three heading into the final frame. In the third
period, Carson Vance scored the game-winner for Youngstown to capture the 4-3
victory.
After a scoreless first period on Saturday, Muskegon
tallied two in the second, while Dennis Gilbert tallied one for the Steel. In
the final frame, Marcel Godbout lit the lamp to tie the game at two. At the 11:35 mark of the third, Steel forward Jake
Nielsen tallied the game-winning goal, the first of his USHL career. In his
first career start, Steel netminder Lassi Yrjola turned away 33 of 35
Lumberjack shot attempts, earning the 3-2 win.
The Steel have two games on the schedule this weekend,
both at the Edge. On Saturday, Chicago hosts the USA U-18 team, with play
beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, the Steel face off against Sioux City, with
puck drop set for 3:30 p.m. Tickets
for the weekend games can be purchased by calling the Steel box office at 630-594-1161.
STEEL POWERPLAY PROPELS STEEL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago’s Jake Nielson scored the game-winning
goal as the Steel earned a 3-2 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Saturday evening.
Nielson’s goal, the first of his USHL career, came at
the 11:35 mark of the final period when the
Steel were on a five minute powerplay after Muskegon’s Steven Merl was sent off
for head contact. Merl’s penalty also contributed to Chicago’s game-tying
goal at 8:48 in the third frame when Marcel Godbout
beat Eric Schierhorn.
The game was scoreless going into the first
intermission. The Lumberjacks grabbed a 1-0 lead on Trevor Hamilton’s
score at 14:28 in the second. Dennis Gilbert
knotted the score 1-all at 17:40 in the
frame, but Jack Rowe answered for Muskegon with one minute, three seconds to go
in the stanza. Muskegon had a 2-1 lead at second intermission.
Lassi Yrjola made 33 saves in his first victory for the
Steel and Chicago outshot Muskegon, 38-35, in the contest. The Steel went
3-for-3 on the powerplay, while Muskegon was unable to capitalize on its man
advantage opportunity.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena next
Saturday, Jan. 10 to take on Team USA at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by
calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
PHANTOMS STEAL FIRST GAME OF 2015
Bensenville, Ill. -- Steel forward Ryan Blankemeier
scored two goals Friday evening,
but Youngstown’s Kiefer Sherwood notched two of his own and Carson Vance
tallied the game-winner late in the final period to power the Phantoms past
Chicago, 4-3, at The Edge Ice Arena.
Blankemeier gave Chicago a 1-0 lead just 31 seconds into
the contest. Tanner Laczynski and Michael Severson assisted on
Blankemeier’s goal. Youngstown would grab the lead going into first
intermission with goals from Bryan Lemos and Sherwood’s first of the evening.
In the second frame, the Steel jumped back out in front
3-2 after Marcel Godbout beat Youngstown goalie Colin DeAugustine at 2:22 and Blankemeier tallied his second of
the game at 12:45.
Vance broke the 3-all tie, with four minutes, 47 seconds
left in regulation as Youngstown skated away with the win.
Cale Morris made 25 saves for Chicago in the loss.
The Steel outshot Youngstown, 34-29, in the game.
Chicago will be back at the Edge tomorrow evening to face the Muskegon
Lumberjacks at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by
calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
FOUR STEEL SKATERS NAMED TO USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel forwards Mason Bergh,
Tanner Laczynski and Robby Jackson, and defenseman Dennis Gilbert have been
named to the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. This year’s event will be
held on Jan. 13 at Mystique Community Ice Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
The game will feature 40 of the top players in the USHL
eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft that will be held in Sunrise, Fla.,
on June 26-27. The selection process for the USHL/NHL Top Prospects
game is based on input from NHL Central Scouting, USHL general managers and NHL
team scouts.
Bergh is fresh off a gold medal-winning performance with
Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge. The 6-foot, 161-pound native of
Eden Prairie, Minn. currently leads the league in points with 16 goals and 21
assists.
Laczynski has tallied 16 points (4g, 12a) in 21 games
this season. He competed in the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American
Prospects Game back in September and is committed to The Ohio State University.
Jackson is in his second season with Chicago after an
impressive freshman campaign where he was named the 2014 USHL Rookie of the
Year. Jackson has seven goals and eight assists in 17 games so far in
2014-15.
Gilbert is a recent commit to the University of Notre
Dame. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound blueliner is from Williams, NY and has
notched 14 points (1g, 13a) in 24 games in his first year of USHL play.
BERGH AND MORRIS HELP TEAM USA EARN GOLD MEDAL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Mason Bergh tallied the game tying
goal with 1:43 left in the gold medal match versus Denmark on Saturday night at
the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley, Sask. which helped Team USA win
the gold medal in overtime.
Thomas Novak (Waterloo Blackhawks) was able to secure
the gold for USA at the 4:56 mark of the first overtime. Team USA has now
won gold at the World Junior A Challenge the past three years.
Team USA peppered the Denmark goalie with a tournament
record 60 shots in the match.
TEAM USA WJAC UPDATE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Team USA exploded for five first
period goals Thursday evening,
as it defeated Canada East, 7-1, in semifinal action at the World Junior A
Challenge.
The United States received goals from Tyler Sheehy,
Anthony Angello, Thomas Novak, Alex Tonge, Joe Snively and Kyle Connor in the
first frame, and Dylan Gambrell and Brock Boeser in the second and third
periods, respectively.
Chicago Steel forward Mason Bergh tallied an assist on
Sheehy’s goal at 5:18 in the
first period. Team USA outshot Canada East, 47-23, in the contest.
Team USA will face Denmark in the Gold Medal game on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Puck drop is set for 2:30 CST at
the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
GILBERT COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel defenseman Dennis Gilbert has committed to the University of Notre Dame, the team announced on Thursday. Gilbert hails from Williamsville, NY and is in his first season with the Steel.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound blueliner was selected by Chicago with the 110th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Entry Draft. In 23 games this season, Gilbert has notched 1g and 12 assists, and is tied for 10th in points among USHL defenseman.
“Dennis is extremely excited to commit to Notre Dame and we are just as excited for him,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “He has dreamed about going to the University of Notre Dame, and anytime you have the ability to help a kid get to a dream school it’s something that makes you feel good. Dennis will continue to develop here with the Steel, and be able to step in at Notre Dame and contribute immediately.”
Gilbert competed for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL in 2013-14, where he tallied four goals and 13 assist in 35 games.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound blueliner was selected by Chicago with the 110th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Entry Draft. In 23 games this season, Gilbert has notched 1g and 12 assists, and is tied for 10th in points among USHL defenseman.
“Dennis is extremely excited to commit to Notre Dame and we are just as excited for him,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “He has dreamed about going to the University of Notre Dame, and anytime you have the ability to help a kid get to a dream school it’s something that makes you feel good. Dennis will continue to develop here with the Steel, and be able to step in at Notre Dame and contribute immediately.”
Gilbert competed for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL in 2013-14, where he tallied four goals and 13 assist in 35 games.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
STEEL ACQUIRE GODBOUT
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel have acquired forward Marcel Godbout from the Waterloo Black Hawks on Wednesday.
Godbout was a third-round draft pick, 45th overall, in the 2012 USHL Futures Draft by the Des Moines Buccaneers. The Center Line, Mich. native competed in 54 games in 2013-14 for the Buccaneers and registered 14 goals and 11 assists. He has two goals this season in 21 games with Waterloo.
Godbout is a product of Shattuck St. Mary’s and helped Team USA to a Gold Medal at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge. He is committed to Michigan State University.
Godbout was a third-round draft pick, 45th overall, in the 2012 USHL Futures Draft by the Des Moines Buccaneers. The Center Line, Mich. native competed in 54 games in 2013-14 for the Buccaneers and registered 14 goals and 11 assists. He has two goals this season in 21 games with Waterloo.
Godbout is a product of Shattuck St. Mary’s and helped Team USA to a Gold Medal at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge. He is committed to Michigan State University.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
MORRIS BACKSTOPS TEAM USA TO VICTORY
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel goaltender Cale
Morris made 26 saves on Tuesday to
lead Team USA to a 3-2 win against Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge
in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
Team USA utilized two third-period goals to earn the
come-from-behind victory, after falling behind, 2-1, at 15:07 in the final period. Seamus
Malone knotted the score 2-all with one minute, 31 seconds remaining in the
contest, and Shane Gersich provided the game-winning score with just two ticks left
on the clock.
Brock Boeser tallied Team USA’s first goal of the game
at the 11:24 mark in the first frame, as USA jumped
out in front 1-0.
Morris and Team USA finished first in Group A after
going 2-0 and outscoring their opponents 10-2.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE UPDATE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Team USA was victorious on Monday evening, beating Switzerland, 7-0, in
their first game of the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. Chicago Steel
forward Mason Bergh, who was a late addition to the squad, tallied an assist in
the victory.
Team USA scored two goals in the first frame, three in the
second, and two in the final stanza. Bergh’s assist came on Anthony
Angello’s goal at the 13:31 mark in the third.
Team USA will face Canada East today at 3:30 p.m. central time at the West Central
Events Centre in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
Monday, December 15, 2014
WEEK 12: WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel split their
weekend games against their two Wisconsin rivals. On Friday, the Steel
cruised to an 8-1 victory in Madison. Brendon Kearney recorded his first career
hat trick, while Mason Bergh and Freddy Olofsson each added two goals. The
Steel returned to the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday and
fell to the Green Bay Gamblers 4-2.
On Friday, the Steel scored the first five goals of the contest. Brendon
Kearney scored twice in the first period, Mason Bergh tallied one first period
goal and Freddy Olofsson added one goal in each of the first two periods.
Madison forward Mitch Hults scored the lone Capitols goal prior to Kearney’s
third goal of the contest to complete the hat trick. Bergh scored his second
goal of the game early in the third period and Zach Osburn tallied the eighth
and final Steel goal for the 8-1 victory. John Lethemon made 36 saves for the
Steel to capture the win in net. John Ernsting and Ryan Blankemeier recorded
two assists, with Peter Tischke, Tanner Laczynski, Connor McDonald and Tyler
Sifferelen all posting one. Kearney also tallied one assist to go along with
his three goals.
Saturday, the Steel jumped out to a 1-0 lead with Connor Murphy’s first
period goal. Green Bay took control in the second period with three goals, two
by Ryan Tait and one by Michael Houle. Connor McDonald helped the Steel get
back to within one with his second goal of the season. But Green Bay’s empty
net goal at the 18:54 mark of
the third sealed the win for the Gamblers. Lethemon recorded 26 saves for the
Steel. With the weekend split, the Steel are now 11-10-2 on the season.
The Steel are on the road in Muskegon this Friday, with play
set to begin at 7:15 p.m EST. The
Steel will return to the Edge after the holidays on Friday, January 2nd to face the
Youngstown Phantoms. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket
office at 630-594-1161.
We want to thank everyone that participated in our Toys
for Tots donation drive, 50/50 raffle for the Wounded Warrior Project and our
post-game Skate with the Steel. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
BERGH HEADED TO WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel forward Mason Bergh has been added to the 2014 World Junior A Challenge team, USA Hockey announced on Monday. Bergh leads the United States Hockey League in points after notching 16 goals and 20 assists through 23 games this season.
The 6-foot, 160-pound native of Eden Prairie, Minn. will be in action this evening when Team USA takes on Switzerland at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Team USA boasts a 26-4-1 all-time record at the World Junior A Challenge and has won the gold medal the last two years.
GAMBLERS TAKE DOWN STEEL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Green Bay’s three-goal second
period proved to be too much for the Steel on Saturday, as the Gamblers beat
the Chicago Steel, 4-2, at the Edge Ice Arena.
Connor Murphy scored the lone first period goal to give
the Steel the 1-0 lead heading into the first break. Ryan Blankemeier assisted
on the goal.
In the second, Green Bay notched three goals to take a
3-1 lead into the final period. Ryan Tait netted two for the Gamblers and
Michael Houle added one.
Connor McDonald helped the Steel climb to within one
with his early third period goal.
The Gamblers added an empty net goal to take the game
4-2.
John Lethemon made 26 saves in net. Chicago outshot
Green Bay 44-30, on the evening.
The Steel will return to the Edge after the holidays on
January 2nd to face off against
the Youngstown Phantoms. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the
Steel box office at 630-594-1161.
KEARNEY NETS HAT TRICK IN 8-1 WIN
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago forward Brendon Kearney
scored three goals, and Fredrik Olofsson and Mason Bergh each registered two
goals to guide the Steel to an 8-1 victory over the Madison Capitols on Friday evening at the Alliant Energy Center
in Madison.
Kearney scored his first goal in the opening stanza at 2:38 to give Chicago a 1-0 lead.
Mason Bergh struck at 10:20, Kearney tallied his second at 17:58, and Fredrik
Olofsson lit the lamp at 19:13, as the Steel entered the first intermission with a
four-goal cushion. Ryan Blankemeier tallied two assists in the first and
Tanner Laczynski added one of his own. Chicago outshot Madison, 15-7, in the
frame.
In the second, Olofsson notched his second of the
contest at 2:26. John Ernsting, who provided the assist on Olofsson’s
first period goal, helped once again and Chicago jumped to a 5-0 lead.
Mitch Hults got the Capitols on the board just over a minute later.
Kearney netted the hat trick at the 14:06 mark,
his second powerplay goal of the evening, and Chicago padded its lead,
6-1. Despite the two second period goals from the Steel, Madison buried
Chicago in the shots department, 21-11.
In the third, Bergh lit the lamp one minute, 15 seconds
into the frame. Zach Osburn increased Chicago’s lead to 8-1 with his
third goal of the season.
Steel netminder John Lethemon turned away 36 of 37 shots
he faced for his fourth win in 2014-15 and move Chicago’s overall record to
11-9-2. The Steel were 3-for-4 on the powerplay, while the penalty kill denied
Madison on both of its man-advantage opportunities. Chicago outshot
Madison, 46-37, on the evening.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05 p.m. Tickets
can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by
visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
WEEK 11: WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel split their two
week 11 games, dropping Wednesday’s affair
in Youngstown 2-1 before exploding for seven goals against the Des Moines
Buccaneers in Friday’s 7-4
victory. Ryan Blankemeier and Mason Bergh powered the Steel offense on Friday with three points each; Blankemeier
recorded his first career USHL hat trick and Bergh added two goals and one
assist.
Wednesday’s game in Youngstown
began with a Mason Bergh goal halfway through the first stanza off assists from
Dennis Gilbert and John Schilling. Youngstown tallied two second-period goals,
including Trey Bradley’s game winner with two seconds remaining in the period,
to earn the 2-1 victory. Chicago’s Cale Morris made 21 saves in the game.
After an early Des Moines goal on Friday, the Steel
scored five goals to take a 5-1 lead into the second period. Ryan Blankemeier
tallied the first two, Mason Bergh followed with two of his own, and John
Schilling added the final first period goal at the 13:46 mark. The Steel and the Buccaneers
played through a scoreless second period before five third period goals, three
by Des Moines and two by Chicago. Freddy Olofsson scored his ninth goal of the
season and Ryan Blankemeier tallied his third of the game. Bergh’s three points
on the night gives him 14 goals and 20 assists on the season for a league-high
34 points.
On Saturday, the Steel return to the Edge for a showdown against the Green
Bay Gamblers, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. We are
holding a Toys for Tots drive this Saturday to help
less fortunate children in the area experience the joy of the holidays. Any fan
that brings a toy donation to the game will receive two dollars off the price
of a walk-up ticket. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Steel box
office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
BLANKEMEIER AND BERGH POWER STEEL PAST BUC'S
Bensenville, Ill. -- Ryan Blankemeier recorded a hat
trick and Mason Bergh had two goals and an assist to help the Steel defeat the
Des Moines Buccaneers 7-4 in Des Moines Friday night.
Des Moines’ Joe Widmar was able to get the Buc’s on the
board first, but the Steel came back and answered with five unanswered goals
later that period. Blankemeier got the Steel on the board in the 1st
period with a powerplay goal and followed it up with a short handed goal five
minutes later. Mason Bergh followed up with two goals of his own and John
Schilling rounded out the first period giving the Steel a 5-1 lead going into
intermission.
After a scoreless 2nd period, the Steel and the
Buccaneers traded goals in the 3rd with Freddy Olofsson and Blankemeier getting
the tallies.
Cale Morris earned his seventh win of the year stopping
33 of 37 shots.
HELP SUPPORT TOYS FOR TOTS ON DEC. 13th
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel will be holding a
Toys for Tots drive at the Edge Ice Arena on Dec. 13 when
the Steel faceoff against the Green Bay Gamblers. By bringing in toys, fans
will help brighten the holidays for the needy children in the Chicagoland area.
Every fan that brings a toy to the game will receive two dollars off the price
of a walk up ticket.
Toys for Tots has been one of the nation’s most
charitable organizations for over 50 years. The organization’s objective is to
help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of
the holidays. This is a chance for the Steel fans to join one of the most
rewarding charities anyone can be a part of especially with the spirit of the
holidays rapidly filling the air.
Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the
Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
STEEL FALL SHORT IN YOUNGSTOWN
Bensenville, Ill. -- Mason Bergh scored the lone goal
for Chicago on Wednesday, as the Youngstown Phantoms skated past the
Steel, 2-1, at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio.
Bergh’s goal came at the 10:34 mark in the first period on an assist
by Dennis Gilbert and John Schilling.
The Phantoms would tie the game and eventually take the
lead in the second frame on Josh Melnick’s goal at 17:22 and Trey Bradley’s game winner with
two seconds left in the period.
Cale Morris made 21 saves in the contest, while Chris
Birdsall turned away 26 Steel shots for the win.
The Steel will be back at the Edge Ice Arena on Dec. 13 to take on the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05 p.m. Tickets
for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
KWIECINSKI CHOOSES COLORADO COLLEGE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel defenseman Nate
Kwiecinski has committed to Colorado College, the team announced on Tuesday. The
6-foot, 181-pound blueliner will join the Tigers after the conclusion of his
United States Hockey League career.
Kwiecinski is from Livonia, Mich., and is in his second
season with the Steel. In 2013-14, he played in 40 games, scoring one
goal, adding four assists and registering a plus-six on-ice rating.
Through 19 contests this year, Kwiecinski has tallied three points (1g, 2a) and
is a plus-three.
“We are very happy for Nate and Colorado College,” Steel
head coach Scott McConnell said. “CC is getting an outstanding young man
and a great hockey player who will be able to come in and help in their
transition from one coaching regime to another. The Tigers are extremely
excited to add him to the program and continue his hockey development.”
The Little Caesars Hockey product is the
third member of the 2014-15 Chicago Steel hockey team to make his
commitment to Colorado College. Kwiecinski will join forward Mason Bergh
and defenseman Charlie Raith.
COLE BORCHARDT PROGRESSING IN RECOVERY
Bensenville, Ill. -- It has been nearly four months since Burnsville, Minnesota’s Cole Borchardt was critically injured in a rollover accident on U.S. Highway 52 near Coates, Minn. Despite some early setbacks and subsequent surgeries, the Chicago Steel draft pick has made significant strides in his recovery.
Borchardt undergoes daily physical, occupational and speech therapy at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley, Minn., and is showing improved movement on his left side. According to his CaringBridge page, Borchardt’s speech has progressed nicely and he is able to feed himself after the feeding tube was removed in early November. He enjoys visiting with family and friends, including Jack Jablonski, who is in outpatient rehab at Courage.
“I’ve known Cole and the Borchardt family for quite some time,” said Steel assistant coach and Burnsville, Minn. native Dan Boeser. “We are from the same home town, I was his high school coach for the last several years, and I coached his brother, Cade. This accident has greatly impacted not only his family, but the whole Burnsville community.
“Seeing the obstacles he has overcome is nothing short of a miracle and it doesn’t really surprise me with Cole, because the kid is a fighter. His progress has been remarkable to watch and the outpouring of support from the hockey community has been amazing. I know Cole will continue to fight to try and get back as much as he can.”
Borchardt continues to face a long road of rehabilitation and medical care. The Borchardt family has to make considerable home improvements to accommodate Cole’s needs, while also tackling the burden of medical bills.
You can help with his medical expenses and long-term needs by making donations directly into the Cole Borchardt Foundation account via his CaringBridge site, or by visiting any Wells Fargo location and mentioning the Cole Borchardt Foundation account ending in 5021.
For more information please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coleborchardt
Borchardt undergoes daily physical, occupational and speech therapy at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley, Minn., and is showing improved movement on his left side. According to his CaringBridge page, Borchardt’s speech has progressed nicely and he is able to feed himself after the feeding tube was removed in early November. He enjoys visiting with family and friends, including Jack Jablonski, who is in outpatient rehab at Courage.
“I’ve known Cole and the Borchardt family for quite some time,” said Steel assistant coach and Burnsville, Minn. native Dan Boeser. “We are from the same home town, I was his high school coach for the last several years, and I coached his brother, Cade. This accident has greatly impacted not only his family, but the whole Burnsville community.
“Seeing the obstacles he has overcome is nothing short of a miracle and it doesn’t really surprise me with Cole, because the kid is a fighter. His progress has been remarkable to watch and the outpouring of support from the hockey community has been amazing. I know Cole will continue to fight to try and get back as much as he can.”
Borchardt continues to face a long road of rehabilitation and medical care. The Borchardt family has to make considerable home improvements to accommodate Cole’s needs, while also tackling the burden of medical bills.
You can help with his medical expenses and long-term needs by making donations directly into the Cole Borchardt Foundation account via his CaringBridge site, or by visiting any Wells Fargo location and mentioning the Cole Borchardt Foundation account ending in 5021.
For more information please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coleborchardt
Monday, December 1, 2014
WEEK 10: WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville, Ill. -- Two road games in Bloomington last week resulted in two one-goal losses for the Steel. Chicago dropped Wednesday’s game 4-3 and Saturday’s game 3-2 to move their record to 9-8-2 on the season.
On Wednesday, Mason Bergh continued his excellent season with his first career USHL hat trick. Bergh tallied two first period goals and added one in the second period to give the Steel a 3-2 lead heading into the final period. However, the Thunder scored twice in the third to earn the 4-3 victory. Cale Morris stopped 30 of 34 Thunder shot attempts on the night and Brendon Kearney recorded two assists.
Saturday, the Steel fell behind 2-0 early in the second period, but fought back to tie the game at two with power play goals from John Schilling and Tyler Sifferlen. Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson assisted on both goals. In the third period, Van Barr of Bloomington scored on a power play and the Steel fell 3-2. John Lethemon made 31 saves in net for the Steel. Across the two games, Bloomington converted on five of 10 power plays while Chicago scored three goals on 12 man-advantages.
Chicago is on the road again this week with Wednesday and Friday games against Youngstown and Des Moines. Wednesday’s play will begin at 9:15 a.m. CST while puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 7:05 p.m. The Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday, December 13th for a matchup against the Green Bay Gamblers. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
On Wednesday, Mason Bergh continued his excellent season with his first career USHL hat trick. Bergh tallied two first period goals and added one in the second period to give the Steel a 3-2 lead heading into the final period. However, the Thunder scored twice in the third to earn the 4-3 victory. Cale Morris stopped 30 of 34 Thunder shot attempts on the night and Brendon Kearney recorded two assists.
Saturday, the Steel fell behind 2-0 early in the second period, but fought back to tie the game at two with power play goals from John Schilling and Tyler Sifferlen. Dennis Gilbert and Freddy Olofsson assisted on both goals. In the third period, Van Barr of Bloomington scored on a power play and the Steel fell 3-2. John Lethemon made 31 saves in net for the Steel. Across the two games, Bloomington converted on five of 10 power plays while Chicago scored three goals on 12 man-advantages.
Chicago is on the road again this week with Wednesday and Friday games against Youngstown and Des Moines. Wednesday’s play will begin at 9:15 a.m. CST while puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 7:05 p.m. The Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena on Saturday, December 13th for a matchup against the Green Bay Gamblers. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
BERGH'S HAT TRICK NOT ENOUGH
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago forward Mason Bergh scored
three goals on Wednesday evening,
but it was not enough, as the Bloomington Thunder beat the Steel, 4-3, at U.S.
Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Ill.
Bergh, who entered Wednesday’s contest
as the USHL leader in points with 27, now has 11 goals and 19 assists through
18 games in 2014-15.
In the first period, Bergh scored at the 14:41 and 16:06 marks to put Chicago ahead
2-1. The Steel outshot Bloomington, 10-9, in the stanza. The
Thunder received goals from Shane Bednard and Matt Nuttle.
In the second period, Bergh notched the hat trick at the 4:27 mark and Chicago took the lead
3-2. Chicago fired off 13 shots on Bloomington netminder David Jacobson,
while the Steel defense allowed 11 shots in the second.
Bloomington tied the game at 10:26 in the final period and Vince Pedrie
scored the game-winning goal with three minutes, 26 seconds left in regulation.
Cale Morris turned away 30 Thunder shots in the
loss. The Thunder outshot Chicago, 34-30, on the evening.
Chicago will face-off again with Bloomington on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at
U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
Monday, November 24, 2014
WEEK 9: WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville, Ill. -- After dropping Friday’s game 3-2, Steel defenseman Zach Osburn
scored in overtime to help the Chicago Steel win Saturday’s game 5-4 and split their weekend
series with the Fargo Force. USHL points-leader Mason Bergh tallied one goal
and three assists on the weekend to extend his season total to 27 points.
Friday’s game began
with an early Steel goal from Ryan Blankemeier for his sixth goal in eight
games. The Force responded with goals from Brody Stevens and Mason Morelli to
take a 2-1 lead into the first break. Freddy Olofsson tallied his eighth goal
of the season late in the second period, off assists from Brendon Kearney and
Mason Bergh. But with a two-man advantage midway through the final frame, Fargo’s
Cole Bjugson was able to find the back of the net for the game-winning goal.
Cale Morris made 15 saves in net and Chicago outshot Fargo 39-18.
On Saturday, it was Fargo jumping out to an early 1-0 lead with Zach
Yon’s goal. The second period scoring began with Dennis Gilbert tallying the
first goal of his young USHL career. Three consecutive Fargo goals in a span of
four minutes and 38 seconds gave the Force a 4-1 lead. Brendon Kearney, off the
assist from Bergh, cut the Fargo lead to two just before the second
intermission. The Chicago comeback continued as Peter Tischke lit the lamp at
the 4:25 mark of the third to bring the Steel
within one. In the final minute of regulation, with an extra attacker on the
ice, Mason Bergh found the back of the net to send the game into overtime. Zach
Osburn’s game winner came at the 1:10 mark of
the extra frame to give the Steel their first overtime victory of the season.
Cale Morris earned the win in net, making 10 saves in relief of John Lethemon.
The Steel will play nine of their next ten games on the road, with their lone December home game on Saturday, Dec. 13th against the Green Bay Gamblers. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel box office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
The Steel will play nine of their next ten games on the road, with their lone December home game on Saturday, Dec. 13th against the Green Bay Gamblers. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel box office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
OSBURN NETS GAME WINNER
Bensenville, Ill. -- Zach Osburn’s overtime goal gave the
Chicago Steel a 5-4 victory over the Fargo Force on Saturday.
Osburn tallied the game-winner at the 1:10 mark in
overtime as Chicago moves to 9-6-2 on the season.
Things were not looking promising for the Steel midway
through the second period, as they dug themselves into a 4-1 hole with 11
minutes, 20 seconds left in the stanza. However, Brendon Kearney’s goal
at 17:18 cut Fargo’s lead to 4-2 going into the
second intermission.
In the third period, Peter Tischke made the contest 4-3
at the 4:25 mark. With less than one minute
left in the game, Steel head coach Scott McConnell pulled goalie Cale Morris
and put the extra attacker on the ice. With 15 seconds left on the clock,
Mason Bergh’s wrist shot beat Fargo’s Mathias Israelsson to send the game into
overtime.
Bergh ended the game with a goal and two assists.
Morris made 10 saves in net for Chicago after he relieved John Lethemon midway
through the second period.
John Schilling added two assists in the contest, while
Nate Kwiencinski, Freddy Olofsson, and Tischke each added one.
The Steel will be back at The Edge Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 13 to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
The Steel will be back at The Edge Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 13 to face the Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
CHICAGO UNABLE TO HOLD OFF FORCE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Fargo’s Cole Bjugson scored the game
winning goal on Friday, as the Force beat the Chicago Steel, 3-2, at the
Edge Ice Arena.
The Force had a two skater advantage after Dennis
Gilbert and Mason Bergh were sent to the box. Bjugson capitalized, breaking the
2-2 tie, and giving his squad the lead at 9:24 in the
third stanza.
Chicago grabbed the lead quickly, with Ryan
Blankemeier’s score at the 1:10 mark in
the first. The Force took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, thanks
to goals from Brody Stevens and Mason Morelli.
In the second period, Freddy Olofsson scored his eighth
goal of the season at 18:35 to knot
the contest 2-all.
Connor Murphy, Brendon Kearney and Mason Bergh each added an assist against Fargo. Cale Morris turned away 15 shots in the loss. The Steel outshot the Force, 39-18.
Connor Murphy, Brendon Kearney and Mason Bergh each added an assist against Fargo. Cale Morris turned away 15 shots in the loss. The Steel outshot the Force, 39-18.
Chicago and Fargo will meet up once again Saturday at the Edge. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1163.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
3 PLAYERS NAMED TO CSS PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST
Bensenville,
Ill. -- NHL Central Scouting released their latest “Players
to Watch” list for next June’s NHL Entry Draft, and Robby Jackson, Tanner
Laczynski and Dennis Gilbert received grades.
All
three Steel players were rated as “C” skaters, meaning they are likely to be
selected in the fourth, fifth or sixth rounds of the NHL Draft. Jackson
(7g,7a) and Tanner Laczynski (4g, 9a) are committed to St. Cloud State
University and The Ohio State University, respectively. Gilbert,
who has tallied eight assists this season, has not made his college commitment.
The
2015 NHL Entry Draft will be held at BT&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. on June
26-27th.
STEEL AWARDED THE FRIENDS OF EDUCATION AWARD
Bensenville,
Ill. -- The Chicago Steel were the recipient of the 2014
Friend of Education Award presented by the Bensenville Education Association.
The honor is given to a person or group who has displayed excellence in service
to the students and staff of Bensenville School District 2.
“We
are privileged to be receiving the 2014 Friend of Education Award,” Steel head
coach Scott McConnell said. “We started this relationship a few years ago and
it really allows our players to become positive role models within the
community of Bensenville. It is a great relationship with the Village of
Bensenville and we hope to continue it for a very long time.”
Since
the 2011-12 season, Steel players have been mentoring Bensenville students in
kindergarten through eighth grade.
“When
you see a grown hockey player lean over and read with a kindergarten student,
help an intermediate student with math facts, or inspire a middle school child
to keep trying, it simply melts your heart,” said Chrissy Hollman, Bensenville
Education Association co-president.
The
Steel will be back in action this Friday and Saturday at The Edge Ice Arena to face the
Fargo Force. Puck drop is set for 7:35 p.m. on Friday and 7:05 on Saturday.
Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
LETHEMON CHOOSES MICHIGAN STATE
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago Steel
goaltender, John Lethemon, has committed to Michigan State University.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound native of Northville, Mich., will suit up for the
Spartans after the conclusion of his United States Hockey League career.
The Steel used the sixth overall pick to select Lethemon
in last May’s USHL Phase II Draft. He has assembled a 3-2-1 record in
his first season in the league, along with a 3.10 goals-against-average and
.907 save percentage.
“John arrived in Chicago with an incredible work ethic,”
Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “As a result, John put himself in a
position to play immediately in the USHL. Anytime that a kid can commit
to the school he has been dreaming about for a long time, it puts a real big
smile on our faces.
“Michigan State is a great hockey institution and the
Spartans are really excited to have John. As a team, we will do our best
to make sure that he is ready to contribute when he steps in as a freshman.”
Lethemon led Michigan’s Farmington High School to a
Division III state title in 2013-14. In a quarterfinal matchup against heavily
favored Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, Lethemon made 60 saves to lead
Farmington to a 3-2 victory.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
MORRIS ADDED TO U.S. JUNIOR SELECT TEAM
Bensenville,
Ill. -- USA Hockey announced on Wednesday that Cale Morris
has been added to the 2014 U.S. Junior Select Team. Morris, who is in his
second season as a goaltender with Chicago, will join Omaha Lancer goalie
Hayden Hawkey as they represent Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in
Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
“To
have Cale selected as the second goaltender of the World Junior A Challenge
Team is a very big honor,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Cale has
done an extremely good job of adjusting to our league, and his record speaks
for itself. He has shown us over the last month that he is back to the way Cale
knows how to play. He is going to give the U.S. team an opportunity to take
home a gold medal.”
Morris
had a 13-5-1 record in 2013-14 for the Steel, including three shutouts, a 2.93
goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Despite a few hiccups early
on this season, the Colorado native has turned things around. Morris has
compiled a .907 save percentage, a 3.04 goals-against-average, and has improved
his record to 5-3-1.
Monday, November 17, 2014
WEEK 8: WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel took advantage of an odd week eight schedule with two road wins to bring their overall record to 8-5-2. Last Monday, the Steel played the second of a Sunday-Monday series in Youngstown, winning 7-5 for the weekend sweep.On Friday, the Steel traveled to Omaha and captured a 4-3 victory behind Connor Murphy’s late game-winning goal.
After falling behind 2-0 to Youngstown last Monday, John Ernsting tallied his first goal of the season to cut the deficit in half. In the second period, the Phantoms slipped another past Cale Morris to take a 3-1 lead before the Steel offense exploded for six consecutive goals. Connor Murphy and Ryan Blankemeier lit the lamp in the second period to tie the game at three. John Schilling then scored a shorthanded goal late in the second period and followed it up with a power-play goal in the third. Finally, Mason Bergh netted two third period goals to give the Steel a 7-3 lead. Youngstown finished with two third period goals but the Steel defense denied the comeback and came away with the 7-5 victory. Cale Morris discarded 27 of 32 attempts on the night.
On Friday, the Steel traveled west for a showdown with the Omaha Lancers. Tanner Lacyznski tallied his fourth goal of the season just 96 seconds into the game with Robby Jackson and Peter Tischke recording assists. With the Steel still up 1-0 late in the second period, Robby Jackson capitalized off a turnover to give the Steel a 2-0 lead. In the final frame, Brendon Kearney recorded his third goal of the season at the 7:21 mark of the third period to increase the Steel lead to three. But a furious rally from the Lancers erased the Steel lead as Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Anthony Angello and Steve Spinner all scored for Omaha in a span of four and a half minutes to tie the game at three. However, the game stayed tied for less than twenty seconds as the Steel’s Connor Murphy recorded the game winner to refuse the Lancers comeback attempt and give the Steel the 4-3 road victory. John Lethemon made 36 saves on the night to earn the win in net.
The Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena this weekend for a Friday/Saturday back-to-back with the Fargo Force. After a split this past weekend in Sioux City, the Force sit at .500 on the season with a 7-7-1 record. Last year, Chicago took both games against Fargo and has won five of the last six regular season meetings with the Force. Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased by calling the Steel box office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. Puck drop from Chicago is at 7:35 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., respectively.
Friday, November 14, 2014
MURPHY SEALS DEAL FOR STEEL
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago was able to stave off a fierce third period rally from Omaha on Friday evening, as the Steel’s Connor Murphy netted the game-winning goal with less than three minutes to play and lead his team to a 4-3 win against the Lancers at Ralston Arena.
Bensenville, Ill. -- Chicago was able to stave off a fierce third period rally from Omaha on Friday evening, as the Steel’s Connor Murphy netted the game-winning goal with less than three minutes to play and lead his team to a 4-3 win against the Lancers at Ralston Arena.
Murphy struck at the 17:26 mark in the third period. Chicago had relinquished a 3-0 lead after Omaha recorded three goals in less than five minutes at 12:51, 14:26 and 17:07, respectively. The Lancer onslaught resulted in Chicago being outshot 13-5 in the final stanza.
Chicago’s Brendon Kearney and Robby Jackson each tallied a goal and an assist on Friday, while John Schilling had a plus-three on-ice rating. Steel netminder, John Lethemon, made 36 saves against the Lancers for his third win of the 2014-15 campaign.
The Steel grabbed a 1-0 lead just one minute, 36 seconds into the contest on Tanner Laczynski’s fourth goal of the season. Jackson and Peter Tischke provided the assists.
In the second period, Jackson put Chicago up 2-0 at 18:29. Jackson’s goal was unassisted. Brendon Kearney scored unassisted to add to the Steel’s lead and make it 3-0 at the 7:21 mark in the third stanza. However, Omaha commenced its comeback after Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson beat Lethemon at 12:51. Anthony Angello and Steven Spinner followed up Forsbacka-Karlsson’s goal at 14:26 and 17:07, respectively.
Omaha outshot Chicago, 39-25, on Friday. Both squads were unable to capitalize on their man-advantage opportunities.
The Steel will be back at The Edge Ice Arena this weekend for a Friday-Saturday series against the Fargo Force. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
JACKSON
NAMED TO U.S. JUNIOR SELECT TEAM
Bensenville,
Ill. -- Chicago Steel forward Robby Jackson has been named
to the U.S. Junior Select Team, USA Hockey announced on
Wednesday. Jackson and 21 other United States Hockey League
players will represent the United States at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, Dec.
14-20 in
Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
It will be
the second time in the last four months that the Alameda, Calif. native will
wear the red, white and blue in international competition. In August,
Jackson’s two goals and three assists helped the U.S. Under-18 Select Team
finish third at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Breclav, Czech Republic.
“We are
very proud of Robby’s selection to the 2014 U.S. Junior Select Team,” Steel
head coach Scott McConnell said. “It is an honor anytime you have the ability
to put the Team USA logo on the front of your chest. Robby had success at
the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup earlier this year and his international experience
will be relied upon to help lead this team at the World Junior A Challenge.”
Jackson,
who has six goals and six assists for the Steel through 14 games this season,
was selected to play in the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game
held at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y on Sept.
23. The event showcased the top American players eligible
for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Monday, November 10, 2014
BERGH
AND STEEL SWEEP THE PHANTOMS
Bensenville,
Ill. -- Chicago’s John Schilling and Mason Bergh each
scored two goals, as the Steel overcame an early deficit to defeat the
Youngstown Phantoms, 7-5, at the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio.
Bergh’s
power play goal at the 8:17 mark in the third stanza proved to be
the game winner. He would go on to score a short-handed goal just over a
minute later to seal the victory for Chicago. The Eden Prairie, Minn.
native, who currently has a plus-12 on-ice rating, also added an assist to go
along with his two goals in Monday’s victory for a league-leading 23 points
(7g, 16a).
Bergh’s
assist came on Schilling’s first goal of the evening at 18:56 in
the second period. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward, beat Youngstown’s
Colin DeAugustine as the Phantoms were on the power play. Schilling
followed up his second period goal with another score at 5:34 in
the third.
Cale
Morris, who is coming off a 41-save performance in Sunday’s win
against the Phantoms, continued to be solid between the pipes, making 32 stops
to improve his record to 5-3-1 in 2014-15.
The
Phantoms jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first with goals from Kyle Connor and
Ryan Lomberg, respectively. John Ernsting scored his first goal of the
season to cut Youngstown’s lead in half, 2-1, going into the first
intermission.
Lomberg,
who scored three goals in the game for the Phantoms, added his second at 1:02 in
the second to put his club up 3-1. However, it would be the last goal
Youngstown would score until the 16:37 mark in the final period.
Chicago received consecutive goals from Connor Murphy, Ryan Blankemeier and
Schilling to close out the second.
In
the third, Schilling made the game 5-3, and Bergh proceeded to extend the gap
to 7-3 with 11 minutes, 28 seconds remaining in the game. Youngstown
finished with two third period goals from Lomberg and Bryan Lemos, but it was
too little too late for the Phantoms.
The
Steel will be back at The Edge Ice Arena on Friday, Nov. 21 to face the Fargo
Force. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket
Office at 630-594-1161.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
STEEL
FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS
Bensenville,
Ill. -- In a bit of an odd schedule for the Steel, they
headed east to Youngstown for a rare Sunday/Monday two game set against the
Youngstown Phantoms. Scoring two goals in each of the first two periods,
the Steel had a solid 4-1 lead going into the final frame, where they would net
one more against the Phantoms.
Chicago
was able to score on all fronts tonight as they recorded two powerplay goals, a
shorthanded goal and two full strength goals. Robby Jackson, John
Schilling and Tanner Laczynski each had a goal and assist, while Brendon
Kearney and Ryan Blankemeier picked up the other goals for the Steel.
Mason Bergh also added to his league leading point total with two assists
tonight.
Cale
Morris earned the win tonight in net for Chicago, kicking out 41 of the 43
shots he faced.
The Steel
and Phantoms will face off again tomorrow night at 6:05 central time in
Youngstown.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
SHEEHY
OVERPOWERS STEEL
Bensenville,
Ill. -- It wasn’t the way the Chicago Steel would have liked
to open up the Bauer World Hockey Invitational at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in
Woodridge, Ill. Despite a goal and assist from the Steel’s John
Schilling and the United States Hockey League’s leading scorer, Mason Bergh,
Chicago didn’t have an answer for Black Hawks’ Tyler Sheehy who scored
three goals to guide Waterloo to a 7-4 victory over.
Waterloo
jumped out to a 1-0 advantage at 10:38 in the first period on Sheehy’s power
play goal. Schilling evened the score just under five minutes later, also on
power play, as Dennis Gilbert and Mason Bergh provided the assists.
Sheehy added another just before intermission as the Black Hawks had a 2-1 lead
going into the locker room.
The Steel
were able to tie the contest 2-2 at the 3:11 mark in the second, when Robby Jackson
beat Hayden Lavigne on Freddy Olofsson’s assist. Waterloo scored two more
goals in the second period to make the game 4-2. Bergh struck on the
power play as Chicago closed the gap to 4-3. Schilling and Tanner Laczynski
helped on Bergh’s fifth goal of the season.
Waterloo
notched two more goals as it took a 6-3 advantage at 13:56 in the third stanza. Ryan
Blankemeier lit the lamp for his third goal in the last four games. Tom
Novak tallied an empty net goal for the Black Hawks as they skated out of the
arena with the three-goal victory.
John
Lethemon made 14 saves in net before he was relieved by Cale Morris, who turned
away 19 of 21 shots he faced.
The Steel
will be back at the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, Nov. 21 to take on the Fargo
Force. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel ticket office at 630-594-1161.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
MCCONNELL
INDUCTED TO DU HALL OF FAME
Bensenville,
Ill. -- Scott McConnell, head coach and general manager of
the Chicago Steel, had the honor of being inducted into the University of
Denver Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the 2004 NCAA National
Championship Ice Hockey team. The ceremony took place at DU’s Magness
Arena this past Saturday.
Under the
direction of Coach George Gwozdecky, McConnell and his DU teammates finished
27-12-5, which included seven shutouts during the season. It was the
first of two national championships won by Gwozdecky during his 19-year career
with the Pioneers and the first national championship for DU in 35 years.
Monday, November 3, 2014
WEEK 6:
WEEKEND RECAP
Bensenville,
Ill. -- The Chicago Steel closed out their first
three-and-three of the season with a 2-1 road win against Madison on
Sundayafternoon to take their weekend total to four points. Friday,
the Steel fell to Cedar Rapids 5-3 at home but Saturday,
with assistant coach Dan Boeser filling in for head coach Scott McConnell who
was being inducted into the Denver University Hall of Fame for being a member
of the 2004 National Championship team, the Steel offense was strong and took
down the Des Moines Buccaneers with an impressive 7-2 victory.
On Friday, the Steel took a 2-0 lead into the first
intermission behind goals from Ryan Blankemeier and Connor Murphy. But the
RoughRiders came out firing in the second and tallied three in the period to
take a 3-2 lead into the final period. Mason Bergh scored early in the third to
knot the game at three, but a power play goal by Jiri Fronk of Cedar Rapids at
the 15:10 mark proved to be the deciding goal.
The RoughRiders added an empty net goal as time expired to secure the win, 5-3.
Heading
into Saturday’s game, the Des Moines Buccaneers were
allowing, on average, just 2.3 goals per contest, but the Chicago offense was
determined to change that. The Steel once again took a 2-0 lead into the first
intermission behind goals from Nate Kwiecinski and Ryan Blankemeier. But this
time, it was the Steel tallying three goals in the second period with Robby
Jackson, Connor Murphy and Tanner Laczynski all scoring for the Steel. Des
Moines added two in the second but the Steel still took a 5-2 lead into the
third period. Mason Bergh and Jake Bunz added goals in the third period to lock
up a 7-2 home win for the Steel. Cale Morris made 32 saves on the night. Dennis
Gilbert recorded three assists for his first career multi-point game and
Brendon Kearney added two.
On Sunday, the Steel traveled to Madison for the first
regular season meeting between these two teams. After two close victories
against Tri-City, the Capitols were coming into the game looking for a weekend
sweep, but the Steel, behind another strong showing from goaltender Cale
Morris, denied the Capitols the opportunity for six points on the weekend.
The game
stood scoreless through the first period and most of the second until Tanner
Laczynski found the back of the net with just under two minutes left to play in
the period. Zach Osburn and Ryan Blankemeier assisted on the goal and the Steel
took a 1-0 lead into the second intermission.
The Steel
carried a power play into the third period and John Schilling was able to
capitalize on the man-advantage and give the Steel a 2-0 lead with 19 minutes
to play. Madison forward Will Johnson lit the lamp at the 9:25 minute mark to cut the lead to one but
Cale Morris and the Chicago defense discarded the final push from Madison and
preserved the 2-1 victory for the Steel.
This week,
the Steel host the Waterloo Black Hawks on Thursday from Seven Bridges Ice
Arena in Woodridge, Ill. Tickets for the game are sold out.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
STEEL SINK
BUCCANEERS SHIP
Bensenville,
Ill. -- It was an impressive United States Hockey League
coaching debut for Chicago Steel assistant coach Dan Boeser, who filled in for
head coach Scott McConnell on Saturday evening. The Steel got things
rolling early and cruised to an easy 7-2 victory.
Nate
Kwiecinski and Ryan Blankemeier got the Steel off to a 2-0 start in the first
period. John Schilling, Brendon Kearny and Dennis Gilbert provided the
assists on the goals.
In the
second stanza, Robby Jackson put Chicago up 3-0 on the power play at the 1:03mark.
Des Moines got on the board with Patrick Koch’s goal at 12:20,
but Connor Murphy and Tanner Laczynski propelled the steel to a 5-1 lead with
goals at 13:19 and 13:35, respectively. The Buccaneers scored their
second and final goal of the contest as Patrick Grasso lit the lamp at the 17
minute mark. Murphy, Freddy Olofsson, Peter Tischke, Mikey Joyaux and
Gilbert added assists on the goals in the second period.
In the third,
Mason Bergh and Jake Bunz netted goals for Chicago as the lead swelled to
7-2. Kearney, Gilbert, Jackson and Tyler Sifferlen helped on Bergh’s and
Bunz’s goals.
Cale
Morris made 32 saves in the game to move Chicago’s record to 4-4-2 on the
2014-15 campaign.
Chicago
will be in action this Thursday, Nov. 6 against the Waterloo Black
Hawks. The game will be held at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge,
Ill. Tickets for the game are sold out.
Friday, October 31, 2014
STEEL
UNABLE TO PRESERVE LEAD
Bensenville,
Ill. -- For the second Friday in a row, Cedar Rapids came into the
Edge Ice Arena and defeated the Chicago Steel. Jiri Fronk’s power play
goal was the game winner as the RoughRiders came away with the 5-3 victory.
Chicago
jumped out to a 2-0 lead going into the first intermission with goals from Ryan
Blankemeier at 14:25 and Connor Murphy at 18:46.
However, the two-goal cushion would quickly evaporate in the second stanza as
Cedar Rapids put up three goals in just over seven minutes. Andrew
Oglevie, Ross Colton and Adam Gaudette lit the lamp for Cedar in the period.
In the
third, Mason Bergh knotted the score at 3-3 at the 4:37 mark. But Fronk put Cedar Rapids
up for good with four minutes, 50 seconds remaining in the contest to earn the
victory. Gaudette added his second of the game on the empty net with one second
remaining.
Freddy
Olofsson, Tanner Laczynski, Dennis Gilbert, Connor McDonald and Bergh all
tallied assists for Chicago. John Lethemon made 28 saves in the loss as
the Steel move to 3-4-2 on the year.
The Steel
will be in action tomorrow evening to face the Des Moines
Buccaneers at the Edge Ice Arena for a 7 p.m.
faceoff. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel
Ticket office at 630-594-1161.
Monday, October 27, 2014
WEEK 5: WEEKEND RECAP
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- John Schilling’s late goal for the Steel sent Friday’s game against Cedar Rapids into overtime, but RoughRiders forward Clark Kuster found the back of the net to seal the 2-1 overtime victory for Cedar Rapids.
After playing through a scoreless first period, Jiri Fronk slipped one past John Lethemon at the 2:21 mark of the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Cedar Rapids goaltender Ben Blacker stood strong all night, making 40 saves, but Schilling was able to knot the game at one with 51 seconds remaining in the third period.
Kuster’s game-winner took a bounce off a Steel defenseman and snuck past Lethemon at the 3:22 mark of overtime. Lethemon made 32 saves for the Steel. Chicago moves to 3-3-2 on the season following the overtime loss.
This Friday, the Steel welcome the RoughRiders back to the Edge. During the game, we will have a Halloween costume contest on the ice so wear your costume to join in on the fun! Additionally, anyone who comes dressed in-costume will receive a Steel Trick-or-Treat bag and can participate in our Trick-or-Treat session during the game.
For tickets to our Halloween face-off, please call the Steel box office at 630-594-1161 or visit tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, October 20, 2014
OLOFSSON EARNS USHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Chicago Steel forward Freddy Olofsson was named the CCM Forward of the Week, the United States Hockey League announced on Monday.
Olofsson scored five goals on the weekend, including a hat trick in Chicago’s 4-3 victory over the Bloomington Thunder on Friday. The following evening he added two more goals and an assist as the Steel fell to the Muskegon Lumberjacks, 4-3, at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon.
“Friday was a good win at home,” Olofsson said. “We really grinded it out and came away with a hard fought victory against Bloomington. I was able to go hard to the net and was rewarded with the three goals.”
The Broomfield, Colo. native will play his college hockey at the University of Nebraska Omaha at the conclusion of his USHL career. Olofsson was a fourth-round selection, 98th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2014 USHL Entry Draft.
Monday, October 20, 2014
WEEK 4: WEEKEND RECAP
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel split their two games this weekend, beating the Bloomington Thunder 4-3 at home on Friday but losing 4-3 on the road to Muskegon on Saturday. Freddy Olofsson exploded this weekend with five goals and an assist in the two games.
On Friday, Steel forward Max Zimmer got the scoring underway at the 6:29 mark of the first period for his first career USHL goal. The Thunder tied the game just two minutes later and then took the lead with one second remaining in the first period, with goals from Logan Lambdin and Jacob Slaker.
Freddy Olofsson scored his first goal of the night at the 3:15 minute mark of the second period to tie the game at two. Bloomington was able to reclaim the lead in the third period but Olofsson struck twice more, scoring the game tying and game winning goals to complete the hat trick and give the Steel the win.
Mason Bergh increased his league-leading assist total to nine with three assists on Friday night. John Lethemon made 25 saves in net for the Steel and Logan Halladay of Bloomington made 33 saves in the loss
On Saturday, the Steel traveled to Muskegon, Mich. for a matchup with the first-place Lumberjacks.
The Steel took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, with a goal from Freddy Olofsson. Muskegon tied the game at the 8:09 mark of the second period and took the lead just twenty seconds later on goals from Christian Wolanin and Matheson Iacopelli. Olofsson lit the lamp for the fifth time of the weekend to tie the game at two. Muskegon reclaimed the lead just minutes later but the Steel, once again, found the equalizer from Connor Murphy.
David Keefer of Muskegon broke the 3-3 tie at the 4:04 mark of the third period, which proved to be the game winner, as the Steel fell 4-3. In addition to his two goals, Olofsson picked up an assist, taking his weekend points total to six. Robby Jackson earned two assists. Cale Morris made 30 saves in net for the Steel in the 4-3 loss.
The Chicago Steel host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Box Office at 630-594-1161.
OLOFSSON CHOOSES UNO AS HIS COLLEGE CHOICE
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel have announced that forward Freddy Olofsson has committed to play collegiality at the University of Nebraska Omaha after the conclusion his United States Hockey League career.
Olofsson was the 98th overall selection of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Broomfield, Colo. native was acquired by the Steel in a trade with the Green Bay Gamblers in January of 2014. Last season for Chicago, Olofsson tallied 15 points (4g, 11a) in 24 games. He has notched two goals and one assist in five contests in 2014-15.
“Freddy has worked extremely hard on his game since he has come to Chicago,” Steel head coach Scott McConnnell said. “We are very proud he chose a great school and great hockey program on the road to his dream to play professional hockey.
“Omaha received a great leader, an awesome person and a difference maker on the ice. The staff at UNO are outstanding hockey minds and the program is continually getting better and on the brink of becoming a powerhouse in the NCHC.”
Olofsson made an unofficial visit to Omaha’s campus before the season began. He gave the UNO coaching staff a call on Monday evening to let them know of his college decision.
“I spoke to my parents this weekend in Tri-City and I felt like it was the right place for me,” Olofsson said. “I liked everything about the campus, the facilities were great and Omaha will be opening up its new rink next year. My parents live relatively close to Omaha, so they will be able to make the drive up to see me play in college.”
Monday, October 13, 2014
WEEK 3: WEEKEND RECAP
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- A two game trip to Kearney, Neb. was capped off by a 2-1 Chicago Steel victory against the Tri-City Storm Saturday night.
After a scoreless first period on Saturday, the Storm struck first with a power play goal at the 9:35 minute mark of the second period.
The Steel would find the equalizer with a power play goal from Connor Murphy at the 3:37 mark and just two minutes later take the lead from another power play goal, this time from Robby Jackson.
Goaltender John Lethemon who saved 34 of 35 shots, would earn the win for the Steel as they split the weekend series with the Storm after being shut out the night before. Tri-City netminder Alec Dillon made 39 saves in the win.
The Chicago Steel host the Bloomington Thunder this Friday, puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Monday, October 6, 2014
WEEK 2: WEEKEND RECAP
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- After dropping their home opener to the Bloomington Thunder on Friday, the Chicago Steel lost in overtime to the Green Bay Gamblers on Saturday to close the weekend with one point.
The Steel jumped out to an early
lead on Friday on Peter Tischke’s goal at the 7:55 minute mark in the first.
Bloomington would tie up the game just a few minutes later on a strike from
Tyler Gernhofer.
After playing through a scoreless
second period, the Thunder found the back of the net twice to take a 3-1 lead
with less than four minutes to play. Robby Jackson was able to bring the Steel
within one but Chicago couldn’t find the equalizer in time and Bloomington came
away with the victory.
In his first career start, Chicago
goaltender John Lethemon made 25 saves in the 3-2 loss.
On Saturday, the Steel returned to
Green Bay just one week after their 8-2 victory against the Gamblers.
Green Bay took a 1-0 lead into the
first intermission behind a goal from Brent Gates Jr. Mason Bergh was able to
tie the game in the second period, and Connor McDonald gave the Steel a 2-1
lead on a short-handed goal at the 4:45 mark of the second. Green Bay answered
back behind two goals from Christopher Brown, reclaiming the lead heading into
the third period.
Freddy Olofsson lit the lamp at the
13:12 mark of the third period to tie the game at three and send it into
overtime. In overtime, Vili Saarijarvi of the Gamblers was able to slip the
puck past Cale Morris and the Gamblers came away with the 4-3 victory.
Mason Bergh (1g, 1a), Connor
McDonald (1g, 1a) and John Schilling (2a) each picked up two points on
Saturday. Cale Morris made 29 saves in the overtime loss.
The Chicago Steel head to Nebraska
this weekend for two games against the Tri-City Storm. Puck drop is at 7:30
p.m. on Friday and at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday, October 3, 2014
STEEL FALL TO THUNDER IN HOME
OPENER
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Robby Jackson
scored a goal and had an assist Friday
evening, but two third period goals from Bloomington carried the Thunder to a
3-2 victory over the Steel at the Edge Ice Arena.
The Steel’s Peter Tischke opened up
the scoring at the 7:55 mark in the
first. Jackson provided the assist on the play. However
Bloomington evened the game at 11:27 to
end the period with a 1-1 tie.
No scoring in the second stanza,
was followed up by two goals from Bloomington in the third. Jacob Slaker
and Patrick Curry scored for the Thunder to take a 3-1 advantage with three
minutes and three seconds left in the contest. Jackson struck at 18:13 in the final period to cut the
Bloomington lead to 3-2. Chicago was unable to tie the game and
Bloomington skated out of the Edge with the victory.
John Lethemon made 25 saves in the
loss for Chicago, while Bloomington’s Logan Halladay turned away 28 Chicago
shots for the win.
The Steel will be back at home on Oct. 17 as Bloomington ventures back to
Bensenville. Puck drop is set for 7:30
p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Steel
Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
STEEL AFFLIATE JAKE JAREMKO COMMITS
TO MANKATO
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago
Steel have announced that affiliate player, Jake Jaremko, has committed to
Minnesota State, Mankato. Jaremko is out of Elk River High School (Minn.)
and was named to NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary 2015 Players to Watch List.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound forward
notched 57 points (22g, 35a) in 26 games last season for the Elks.
Jaremko’s rights were traded to the Steel on Sept. 18, 2014 in a trade with
Sioux City. He was selected by the Musketeers with the 319th overall
pick in the 2013 United States Hockey League Entry Draft.
BERGH NAMED CCM FORWARD OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Chicago Steel forward Mason Bergh was named the
USHL CCM Forward of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Bergh’s goal and five assists on Saturday evening lead Chicago to an
8-2 victory over the Green Bay Gamblers.
The 6-foot, 173-pound native of Eden Prairie, Minn. scored at the 9:21
mark in the final period against the Gamblers.
He registered a plus-three on-ice rating in the contest.
“I was playing with an excellent line and our power play was working
well,” Bergh said. “I was the recipient
of a few fortunate bounces, so that really helped me out on Saturday. We played well, but we can play better.
Overall, it was a good team victory.”
Bergh is committed to Colorado College at the end of his USHL career.
Monday, September 29, 2014
OCTOBER
FAMILY PACK SPECIAL
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel are starting the 2014-15
season with a fresh new look to its Face-Off Family Packs. The Steel will
introduce a new family package each month that will include tickets,
merchandise items, sodas and hot dogs.
October’s Steel Family Pack will
consist of four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and four Steel mini sticks
for only $44! For a savings of $28.00 All
family packs must be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at
630-594-1161. Be sure to also ask how to take advantage of the season
long family pack special.
Chicago will
play their home opener at the Edge Ice Arena on Friday, Oct. 3 against the
Bloomington Thunder at 7:35 p.m. For more information on the Chicago
Steel, please visit us at www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
MCDONALD, KEARNEY AND OLOFSSON NAMED CAPTAINS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel have named Connor
McDonald, Brendon Kearney and Fredrik Olofsson as team captains for the 2014-15
season. McDonald will serve as captain, and
Kearney and Olofsson will provide leadership as alternate captains.
McDonald (Westerville, Ohio) is a 6-foot-1, 188-pound
defenseman who is committed to Bowling Green State University. He is in second season with the Steel and
compiled 12 points (1g, 11a) and 54 penalty minutes during the 2013-14
campaign.
“It’s a real honor to be named captain,” McDonald said. “It’s a big responsibility to be the captain
because guys look to you, no matter where the team is or what we are
doing. We will need to lead by example.
Kearney and Olofsson will put in just as much work and responsibility as
me. There were many guys in our locker
room that could have received a letter on their chest and there is a lot of
leadership in this locker room for us to have a great season.”
Kearney (Northville, Mich.) and Olofsson (Broomfield, Colo.)
are also veterans from the last year’s squad that finished 29-27-4. Kearney notched a goal and added 18 assists
in 43 games, while Olofsson had four goals and 11 assists. Olofsson was a fourth round selection, 98th
overall, by the Blackhawks in June’s NHL Entry Draft.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
3 STEEL PLAYERS NAMED TO CSS LIST
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- NHL Central Scouting released its roster
of preliminary players to watch for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and Chicago Steel
skaters Robby Jackson, Tanner Laczynski and Dennis Gilbert were named to the
list.
Jackson (Alameda, Calif.) and Laczynski (Shorewood, Ill.)
represented the United States at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Jackson is the reigning United States Hockey
League Rookie of the Year, who will play his collegiate hockey at Saint Cloud
State University. Laczynski competed in
two games for Chicago in 2013-14. He is committed to Ohio State.
Gilbert (Williamsville, NY) was selected by Chicago with the
110th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft. Last season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, the
6-foot-3, 195-pound blueliner had four goals and tallied 13 assists in 35
games. Gilbert is set to skate for
Niagara University after the conclusion of his USHL career.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
STEEL FINALIZE ROSTER AS THEY OPEN THE 2014-2015 SEASON
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel have finalized their
23-man roster for the 2014-15 United States Hockey League Regular Season. There
list is made up of 13 forwards, eight defenseman, two goaltenders. Fourteen players are committed to NCAA
Division I hockey programs.
Steel head coach and general manager Scott McConnell made
several roster moves in the preseason before solidifying his list of 23
players. One of the additions was Max
Zimmer, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound forward out of Wayzata High School in Minn. Zimmer, who is a 1997 birth year, committed
to the University of Wisconsin last June after scoring 10 goals and adding 23
assists in 27 games as a sophomore at Wayzata in 2013-14. Chicago acquired Zimmer’s rights in a trade
with the Sioux City Musketeers on Sept. 19. Chicago traded defensemen Matt Berkovitz and
Jake McGlaughlin to Sioux City.
For the complete 2014-15 Chicago Steel roster, please visit
the Chicago Steel website.
Chicago will open up on the road in Green Bay on Saturday,
Sept. 27 for a 7:05 pm faceoff against the Gamblers. Steel fans looking to purchase season
tickets, flex plans or individual game tickets can call the Steel Ticket Office
at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Monday, September 22, 2014
STEEL END PRESEASON WITH 3-2 VICTORY AGAINST MADISON
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel picked up a 3-2 road
victory on Saturday evening against the Madison Capitols at the Capitol Ice
Arena. The Steel avenged a loss earlier in the week to the Capitols, ending
their preseason on a positive note.
Freddy Olofsson got the scoring underway with a power play
goal at the 13:12 mark of the first period. The Capitols would answer right
back however, tying it up at one. Mason Bergh broke the tie less than three
minutes later, with a power play goal of his own.
After a scoreless second period, the Capitols once again
tied it up on a goal by Will Johnson. But Robby Jackson would come through,
breaking the tie with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, to give the
Steel a lead they would not relinquish. John Schilling was credited with his
second assist of the game on Jackson’s goal. Tanner Laczynski and Jackson also earned
assists in the victory. John Lethemon played the first two periods in goal,
while Ryan Wischow played the third and picked up the win.
The Steel finish the preseason with two straight wins and will
open the regular season on the road Saturday evening against the Green Bay
Gamblers.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
SIFFERLEN, KEARNEY, LEAD STEEL TO COMEBACK VICTORY
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Tyler Sifferlen netted two goals in the final period to give the Chicago Steel a 4-3 comeback win over the Bloomington Thunder at Green Bay’s Resch Center in the USHL Fall Classic East on Tuesday.
Brendan Kearney, posting a team high three points, played a major part in the Steel victory, including assists on both of Sifferlen’s late goals. Cale Morris, in his first action of the preseason, earned the win for the Steel, stopping 28 of 31 shot attempts by the Thunder. Logan Halladay of the Thunder was credited with the loss, stopping 29 of Chicago’s 33 shot attempts.
The Thunder opened up the scoring with a powerplay goal by Jalen Smereck just three and a half minutes into the game. John Schilling would answer back for the Steel recording a powerplay goal at 14:02 in the first period.
Michael Booth found the back of the net early in the second period to give the Steel a 2-1 advantage, with Kearney recording his first point of the game on the assist. Patrick Curry of Bloomington would however score late in the second to tie up the game.
Early in the third period, Bloomington broke the tie on a goal by Jack Jenkins. But Sifferlen, with two goals just seconds apart, was able to give the Steel the lead for good.
One day after going 0-for-5 on the man advantage, the Steel scored on two of their six man advantage opportunities on their way to victory. Robby Jackson led the Steel with five shots on goal, and posted a point with an assist on Schilling’s goal. John Ernsting, Zach Osburn and Ryan Blankemeier would also added assists against Bloomington.
Monday, September 15, 2014
FALL CLASSIC GAME ONE
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- John Lethemon had a solid performance in net for Chicago on Monday, but the Steel offense couldn’t provide the Northville, Mich. native any support as the Madison Capitols shutout Chicago, 3-0, in the first game of the 2014 United States Hockey League Fall Classic East at Green Bay’s Resch Center.
Chicago’s best opportunity came in the third period when defenseman Dennis Gilbert’s pass split two Madison defenders to find forward Connor Murphy on a breakout. Murphy, who was two strides ahead of the Capitols’ blueliners, had only Madison netminder Darren Smith to beat, but was unable to put the puck in the back of the net.
Smith earned the shutout for Madison after turning away all 39 of Chicago’s shot attempts. Smith received a big assist from his defensive core, which buckled down and stopped the Steel on all five of its man advantage opportunities. Lethemon registered 36 saves in the loss for Chicago.
Madison went up 1-0 at the 18:39 mark in the first stanza on Guillaume Leclerc’s goal. The Caps took a 2-0 advantage at 11:33 in the second when Freddy Gerard lit the lamp and they extended it to 3-0 just 32 seconds into the final period with Sam McCormick putting the puck past Lethemon.
The Steel will be back on the ice at the Resch Center on Tuesday to face the Bloomington Thunder. Puck drop against Bloomington is set for 10 a.m.
Monday, September 15, 2014
USHL FALL CLASSIC
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel will face off against the
Madison Capitols at 1 p.m. today at the United States Hockey League’s Fall
Classic East in Green Bay, Wis. Steel
fans can watch the game live or on-demand through FASTHockey, the USHL’s broadcast
partner.
For more information on the 2014-15 Chicago Steel, please visit www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. Season tickets, flex plans and individual
game tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket
Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Friday, September 12, 2014
JACKSON ADDED TO ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Chicago Steel forward Robby Jackson has been named to the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, USA Hockey announced on Friday. Jackson, the reigning United States Hockey League Rookie of the Year, netted 28 goals and notched 14 assists with the Steel in 2013-14.
The Alameda, Calif. native said it is an honor to be selected by USA Hockey and is looking forward to taking the ice on Sept. 25 at the Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY.
“I’m so excited that I will be playing in the contest,” Jackson said. “My parents were even more trilled than I was when I told them I was going to the prospects game. Just talking to them over the phone I could sense the excitement in their voice.”
Jackson recently represented the United States in the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup that was held in Breclav, Czech Republic. His two goals and three assists in five games helped Team USA to a bronze medal finish.
“I know a lot of the guys that will be playing in the prospects game from the Ivan Hlinka Tournament,” Jackson said. “It will also be nice to join my teammate Tanner [Laczynski] as we see how we measure up against the best players in the United States.”
Monday, September 8, 2014
STEEL HOST BLOOMINGTON IN PRE-SEASON
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Steel will be hosting the Bloomington Thunder this Friday in a United States Hockey League preseason matchup. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
Chicago will be looking to improve on a 29-27-3 record from 2013-14, where it narrowly missed out on the Clark Cup Playoffs. Steel head coach Scott McConnell will have the team primed and ready to roll for the upcoming season.
Bloomington is in its first season in the USHL after being approved as an expansion franchise on April 9, 2014. The Thunder are lead by head coach Dennis Williams, who previously served as bench boss of the North American Hockey League’s Amarillo Bulls.
Tickets for Friday’s game are $5 and can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
STEEL COACHING STAFF SOLIDIFIED
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Dan Boeser and Nick DeSalvo have been hired as assistant coaches, the Chicago Steel announced on Thursday.
Boeser arrives in Chicago after serving as an assistant coach at Burnsville High School in Minnesota. The Savage, Minn. native was a member of the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers from 1998-2000, winning the Clark Cup with the Gamblers in 2000. Boeser played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, serving as team captain his junior and senior seasons, and was named to the 2001 Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star team. Following a standout career with the Badgers, Boeser continued his hockey career in the professional ranks, competing in the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, International Hockey League and United Hockey League. He retired from professional hockey in 2009.
DeSalvo returns to the Steel after two seasons (2011-13) as a volunteer assistant with the club. The 2011 Bowling Green graduate, spent the last two years as a head coach with the Chicago Young Americans. During his collegiate days, DeSalvo worked in the Bowling Green hockey operations office as a student assistant for three seasons and was a hockey operations intern with the New York Islanders for the 2010-11 campaign. DeSalvo, who grew up in Palatine, Ill., played for Team Illinois.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
RAITH COMMITS TO COLORADO COLLEGE
“It was so clear that Colorado College was the right place for me to continue my hockey career after juniors,” Raith said. “I took a visit out to Colorado Springs and I thought the campus was beautiful. Coach [Mike] Haviland and Coach [R.J.] Enga seemed like such great guys. The academics and facilities at CC were ideal.”
The Winnetka, Ill. resident is a 1997 birth year and played last season for the Chicago Young Americans Midget Major team. In 27 games in 2013-14, Raith scored two goals and had eight assists.
“We are very excited for Charlie,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Over the last year he has shown great maturation on the ice and we hope he continues to build on that in the upcoming season. It’s always exciting for a kid to take care of a college choice before he comes to junior hockey, where now he can focus on becoming the best player he can be.”
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
LACZYNSKI NAMED TO PROSPECTS GAME
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Chicago
Steel forward Tanner Laczynski has been named to the 2014 CCM/USA
Hockey All-American Prospects Game. Laczynski was selected by the Steel
with the 51st overall pick in the 2013 United States Hockey League Phase I Draft and is committed to Ohio State University.
The prospects game will be held on Sept. 25 at
the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y. It will feature the top
players from the United States who are eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry
Draft.
Laczynski, the Shorewood, Ill. resident,
split time between the Chicago Mission’s Midget Minor and Midget Major
teams in 2013-14 where he scored 20 goals and tallied 24 assists in 28
games. He saw action in two games last season for the Steel and recently
helped Team USA to a bronze medal finish at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka
Memorial Cup.
JACKSON CONTINUES SCORING WAYS IN IVAN HLINKA TOURNAMENT
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- USA Hockey stayed on track today with an impressive 9-4 victory over Finland in the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. This was team USA’s second consecutive victory of three or more goals against its opponent. The USA pulled out a convincing 7-4 come from behind win against Russia on Tuesday.
The Chicago Steel’s Robby Jackson had a strong game Wednesday against
Finland. Jackson contributed one goal and two assists, which moved him
into seventh amongst all skaters in points (2g, 2a). Tanner Laczynski
is also representing the Chicago Steel for team U.S.A in this year’s
tournament.
The win over Finland moves team USA into second place in-group A. Jackson and team USA will head into the semifinals this Friday against
Canada, the winners of Group B. Canada’s goaltender Zachary Sawchenko
leads all goalies in goals allowed (2), save percentage (.95) and will
look to continue his impressive play Friday against team USA.
Friday, July 11, 2014
STEEL 30-MAN ROSTER AND
18-MAN AFFILIATE LIST ANNOUNCED
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Headlined by United States Hockey League rookie of the year Robby Jackson and National Hockey League draft picks Matt Berkovitz and Freddy Olofsson, the 2014-15 Chicago Steel 30-man roster and 18-man affiliate list has been set.
BENSENVILLE, Ill. -- Headlined by United States Hockey League rookie of the year Robby Jackson and National Hockey League draft picks Matt Berkovitz and Freddy Olofsson, the 2014-15 Chicago Steel 30-man roster and 18-man affiliate list has been set.
The 30-man roster features 11
defensemen, 16 forwards, and three goaltenders and will see 15 returning
members from last year’s team. Chicago opted to hold three spots for
goaltenders this year, changing the two-goaltender dynamic of last season.
“This list constitutes our
original 30 man list and our 18 player affiliate list,” Steel head coach Scott
McConnell said. “Our team will be picked in September when the players report
at training camp.”
“It’s exciting to have people
passionate enough about us to want to know right away who is playing for us,
but unfortunately we just can’t 100 percent confirm that until we submit our 23
man roster in September. We are excited
to release the blue print that this 48-man list gives us.”
Projected starting goaltender
Cale Morris acted as a backup last season. He compiled a 13-5-1 record with a
2.93 goals against average and three shutouts. John Lethemon and Ryan Wischow
filled the other two goaltending spots.
In addition to Jackson (28 G,
14 A), the second-leading scorer on the team last season, third-leading scorer
John Ernsting also returns to the roster. The Naperville, Ill. native posted 12
goals and 41 points last season and was a plus-17.
Freddy Olofsson, a
fourth-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, returns to the Steel as well
after splitting his time last season between Chicago and Green Bay. He totaled
six goals and 21 points and also represented Team Sweden Under-18 at the Ivan Hlinka
Memorial Tournament.
A newcomer to the team, Tyler
Sifferlen was named Mr. Hockey in Massachusetts last year and was drafted in
the seventh round in Phase II of the 2014 USHL Entry Draft. Sifferlen impressed
scouts last season as he captained his Malden Catholic Lancers to a fourth
consecutive Super 8 championship.
On the defensive side led by
Berkovitz, a fifth-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks, the Steel have six
players returning. The experience will be needed as Chicago lost its top three
scoring defensemen from last season. The former Steel trio of Alec Vanko, Brian
LeBlanc, and Victor Bjorkung accounted for 56 percent of the defense’s scoring
last year.
Following final cuts, the
Steel will open up the 2014-15 season Sept. 27 on the road against Green Bay.
30-MAN ROSTER
Player Name
|
Previous Team
|
Mason Bergh
|
Chicago Steel
|
Matthew Berkovitz
|
Ashwaubenon HS
|
Ryan Blankemeier
|
Chicago Young
Americans U18
|
Michael Booth
|
Chicago Steel
|
Jacob Bresser
|
Eau Claire Memorial HS
|
Jake Bunz
|
Chicago Steel
|
Johnathon Ernsting
|
Chicago Steel
|
Dennis Gilbert
|
Buffalo Jr. Sabres
|
Robby Jackson
|
Chicago Steel
|
Brady Jones
|
Chicago Steel
|
Brendon Kearney
|
Chicago Steel
|
Nate Kwiecinski
|
Chicago Steel
|
Johnathon Lethemon
|
Farmington HS
|
Vincent Marinaro
|
Team Illinois U18
|
Connor McDonald
|
Chicago Steel
|
Liam McGing
|
Chicago Steel
|
Jake McLaughlin
|
Team Illinois U18
|
Cale Morris
|
Chicago Steel
|
Connor Murphy
|
Caledonia
Corvairs
|
Freddy Olofsson
|
Chicago Steel
|
Zach Osburn
|
Victory Honda U18
|
Charlie Parker
|
Verona HS
|
Dakota Raabe
|
LA Jr. Kings U16
|
Charlie Raith
|
Chicago Young
Americans U18
|
John Schilling
|
Chicago Steel
|
Tyler Sifferlen
|
Malden Catholic
HS
|
Peter Tischke
|
Chicago Steel
|
Christiano
Versich
|
St. Thomas
Academy HS
|
Ryan Wischow
|
Team Wisconsin
U18
|
Connor Yau
|
Chicago Steel
|
AFFILIATE LIST
|
|
Player Name
|
Previous Team
|
Max Kalter
|
Springfield Jr.
Blues
|
Shawn Knowlton
|
Albany Academy HS
|
Wyatt Aamodt
|
Hermantown HS
|
Jack Doremus
|
Colorado
Thunderbirds U16
|
Tanner Laczynski
|
Chicago Mission
U18
|
John Marino
|
South Shore Kings
U18
|
Nolan Schaeffer
|
Team Illinois U18
|
Bailey Seagraves
|
Ohio Blue Jackets
U18
|
Brett Callahan
|
Chicago Mission
U18
|
Alex Frye
|
Orchard Lake St.
Mary's HS
|
Austin Grzenia
|
Victory Honda U16
|
Kenneth Johnson
|
Shattuck St.
Mary's U16
|
Matthew Kiersted
|
Elk River HS
|
Cole Koepke
|
Hermantown HS
|
Michael Maloney
|
Team Illinois U16
|
Jacob Nielsen
|
Milwaukee Jr.
Admirals U16
|
Colin Swoyer
|
Chicago Fury U16
|
Joshua Vertentes
|
Portsmouth Abbey
|
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
2014-2015 SEASON SCHEDULE REVEALED
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The 2014-15 United States Hockey League schedule was released Tuesday and the Chicago Steel will open up the season on the road against the Green Bay Gamblers on Saturday, Sept. 27. The Steel’s home opener is set for Friday, Oct. 3 versus the Bloomington Thunder at 7:30 p.m.
Steel fans can purchase season tickets, flex plans or
individual game tickets by calling 630-594-1161. For the complete 2014-15 schedule click on the schedule tab.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
STEEL PLAYERS PICKED IN NHL DRAFT
By JASON LOWENTHAL
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — Two hundred and ten draft picks. Two hundred and ten dreams realized. Friday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft commenced. The two-day period saw a record 35 United States Hockey League players from the 2013-14 selected as well as 16 alums, including Chicago Steel winger Freddy Olofsson and defenseman Matt Berkovitz. Olofsson was taken in the fourth round, 98thoverall to the Chicago Blackhawks while Berkovitz was drafted to the Anaheim Ducks in the fifth round, 123rd overall.
“The Steel organization’s goal is to continue to develop players on daily basis,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Freddy being drafted is as exciting for our organization as a college commitment, because it’s a testament to his work ethic. With Matt being drafted, it shows our scouting staff is exceptional with evaluating talent.”
It was an especially sweet moment for the Swedish-born Olofsson, whose brother Gustav was a second-round pick of the Minnesota Wild in last year’s draft.
“We couldn’t be happier for each other,” Olofsson said. “Gustav and I were big rivals growing up, but as we got older we have become big supporters of one another.”
The Blackhawks put a heavy focus on USHL prospects throughout the draft, with three of their first four selections coming directly out of the USHL.
Olofsson is entering his second season with the Steel and third in the USHL. He was acquired from the Green Bay Gamblers last January.
“We knew what the potential of Freddy could be, having watched his brother play in Green Bay, but we also knew Freddy was his own player,” McConnell said. “It is pretty special for the Olofsson’s to be able to have two NHL Draft picks in their family.
“When Freddy came to us, all he wanted was a chance. His ability to see the game, create plays and make others around him better, was evident from day one. Each day he has been with us he has become more confident and we are all excited to see where his development goes from here. We knew he was a gifted player, but what goes unnoticed is how great of a teammate he is.”
Berkovitz, a fourth-round pick of the Steel in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft and a University of Wisconsin commit, is beginning his first year with the team after completing his senior season at Ashwaubenon High School in Wisconsin.
“We are excited to work with Matt,” McConnell said. “He has the skill, the size and the hockey IQ to really make a difference in every level he plays. It will be fun to see where his development goes being on the ice everyday with elite players.”
NHL Central Scouting’s Greg Rajanen provided the following report on Berkovitz:
“He’s got skill, can skate, has nice hands and a good feel for the game. He played for Team Wisconsin [in the Upper Midwest elite league], so I’ve seen him against good teams at the AAA midget level, and he competed hard and has a lot of ability in his game.”
Berkovitz will look to help bolster an aging Anaheim blue line in the future. The Ducks currently hold five defenseman of at least 30 years of age.
“Getting selected by the Anaheim Ducks is an honor and really cool,” Berkovitz said. “I spoke with the Ducks before the draft, so I thought there was a chance they would pick me. I really like their staff, the organization and am excited to get out there tomorrow [July 1] for prospect camp. Being drafted is great, but right now I’m focusing on developing and becoming a better hockey player.”
Friday, May 23, 2014
DISPERSAL DRAFT
BENSENVILLE, Ill. — With
the Indiana Ice going dormant next season, the remaining United States Hockey
League teams participated in a dispersal draft to divide up Indiana ’s roster and affiliate
players. The Ice were crowned the 2014 USHL Clark Cup Champions after
defeating the Waterloo Black Hawks 3-2 on Tuesday evening.
With the sixth overall pick in the dispersal draft, the
Chicago Steel selected 5-foot-11, 179-pound defenseman Zach Osburn out of Plymouth , Mich.
Chosen by Indiana
with its first overall pick in the 2013 USHL Phase I Draft, Osburn, a 97 birth
year, suited up in four games last season for the Ice and notched an assist in
a 6-1 victory over the Des Moines Buccaneers on Oct. 27, 2013. He
also represented Team USA at
the 2013 Under-17 Five Nations tournament held in Trnava , Slovakia USA , which went
undefeated in the tournament. He is committed to Michigan State
University
The Scouting Report:
Osburn is a right shot defenseman, who is an excellent skater, defends well and
has a strong offensive upside.
With the 22nd overall pick in the dispersal draft, Chicago chose Nick Kunin
out of the St. Louis Jr. Blues Midget Major team. In 2013-14, the
5-foot-11, 170-pound forward scored 11 goals and had nine assists in 25
games. The Chesterfield ,
Mo.
Kunin was selected by Indiana
in the seventh-round, 91st overall, in the 2013 USHL Phase II Draft.
He is a 96 birth year.
The Scouting Report:
Kunin is good centerman, good on faceoffs and is a 200-foot player. He
skates well, is responsible in all zones and has an excellent work ethic.
With the 38th overall pick in the dispersal draft, the
Steel selected the rights of Tyler Andrew who will be attending Ferris State
JACKSON ADDS ALL ROOKIE TEAM TO HIS RESUME
BENSENVILLE,
IL (May 14th, 2014) — Robby Jackson has been named to the United States Hockey
League’s All-Rookie team for the 2013-2014 season. The team is decided by a
vote from the league’s coaches and general managers.
Hailing
from Alameda, Calif., Jackson joined the Steel after being drafted in the third
round of Phase I of the 2013 USHL Draft. He went on to appear in every game of
the 2013-2014 season for the Steel. In 60 games, Jackson scored 28 goals and
added 14 assists. Jackson’s 28 goals led the team and also set a new USHL
record for goals in a season by a 16 year old. This honor is another for
Jackson who was named the USHL Rookie of the Year last week.
On
Feb. 22, Robby Jackson had his best game of the season. He recorded five points
in the Steel victory over Muskegon including his first career USHL hat trick.
Joining
Jackson as the forwards on the All-Rookie Team are Tyler Sheehy, and Dennis
Smirnov. Sheehy had 49 points (21g, 28a) in 49 games for the Waterloo Black
Hawks this past season. He was also recognized as the CCM Forward of the Week
for the week of Dec. 30-Jan 5. Smirnov had 15 goals and 26 assists in 47 games
for the Indiana Ice. The defensemen on the All-Rookie team are Charlie Curti,
Hayden Shaw, and Tim Shoup. Curti appeared in all 60 games for Cedar Rapids. He
dished out 19 assists to go along with four goals. Shaw tallied 29 points (8g,
21a) for Waterloo this season. He was named the CCM Defenseman of the Week for
the week of Oct. 14-20. Shoup had five goals and 11 assists in 52 games for the
Ice. Shaw and Sheehy are currently battling Smirnov and Shoup for the Clark Cup
title. Hayden Hawkey earned the goaltender spot on the All-Rookie team after an
outstanding season. He posted a 22-6-3 record with three shutouts. He also
possessed a superb 1.99 GAA, he was named the Reebok Goaltender of the Week for
the week of Feb. 17-23.
STEEL ALUMNUS HEADED TO NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
BENSENVILLE,
Ill. (May 14, 2014) – The Chicago
Steel would like to congratulate alumnus John Moore and the rest of his New
York Rangers teammates on clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.
Moore
competed as a member of the Steel for two seasons (2007-2009) and was named the
United States Hockey League Defenseman of the Year following the 2008-2009
campaign. He was a first-round selection, 21stoverall, in the 2009 NHL Entry
Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. At last season’s trade deadline,
Moore was traded from the Blue Jackets to the Rangers. He registered 15 points
(11g, 4a) in 74 regular season games this year for the Rangers.
So
far during this postseason, Moore has seen action in 12 of the Rangers’ games.
Each of New York’s first two series needed seven games to be decided. In the
opening round, the Rangers came out on top of a back-and-forth series with the
Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers took a 1-0 series lead but Philadelphia
answered back in the next game to tie things up. This set the tone for the
series. The Rangers were the only team to lead the series and each time the
Rangers gained an advantage the Flyers answered back. New York was able to
clinch the series victory on home ice in game seven.
In
their second round series, the Rangers managed to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins
while on the road to take a 1-0 series lead. The Penguins went on to win the
next three games, including two at Madison Square Garden, to push the Rangers
to the brink of elimination. The Rangers then put together a three game win
streak of their own to stun the Penguins and take the series. This was the
first time in franchise history that the Rangers have managed to win a
postseason series after falling behind 3-1.
New
York will face the winner of the Boston/Montreal series for the chance to play
for the Stanley Cup.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
STEEL ALUM'S COMPETE IN IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Bensenville,
IL (May 13th, 2014) — Chicago Steel alumni Andy Miele and Luca Cunti are
currently competing in the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation World
Championship in Belarus. Miele is representing the United States, while
Cunti is playing for his native Switzerland.
Miele
spent parts of two seasons (2006-08) with the Steel, where he competed in 74
career regular season games, tallied 83 points (43g, 40a) and helped lead
Chicago to the 2007 United States Hockey League Clark Cup Playoffs. Miele
contributed two goals and four assists in four post season games.
Midway
through the 2007-08 season, Miele left the Steel to start his collegiate career
at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He went on to have a stellar career at the
collegiate level and in 2011, was awarded college hockey’s highest individual
honor, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Miele signed with the Phoenix Coyotes as
a free agent after the conclusion of his collegiate career with the
RedHawks. The Grosse Pointe, Mich. native has spent the last three seasons
splitting time between the Coyotes and the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes AHL
affiliate.
Cunti
joined the Steel for the second half of the 2007-2008 and in 34 games with
Chicago, he recorded 32 points (11g, 21a). During the 2008 USHL Clark Cup
playoffs, Cunti chipped in two goals and three assists as the Steel advanced to
the USHL Eastern Conference Finals.
For
the past three seasons, Cunti has been a member of the ZSC Lions competing in
the NLA, the premier professional hockey league in Switzerland. The Lions
have won the league title twice since Cunti joined the squad, once in 2012 and
again this past season.
The
United States and Switzerland find themselves in the same group for the initial
round of group play at this year’s championship. The two teams met this past
Saturday, May 10, with the United States winning 3-2. So far neither Steel
alumnus has managed to find his way onto the scorer’s sheet but the tournament
is far from over. Each team is guaranteed four more games before the playoff
round starts.
Full
coverage of the 2014 IIHF World Championship can be found at iihfworlds2014.com.
2014 STEEL DRAFT RECAP
Bensenville, IL (May 9th, 2014) — Earlier this week the
Chicago Steel participated in both phases of the 2014 United States Hockey
League draft.
During Phase I, only players with a 1998 birth year were
eligible to be drafted. Phase II, on the other hand, was open to players of any
birth year who are still eligible for the USHL competition.
When the dust settled the Steel had made 27 selections over
the two days of drafting. They will use this crop of new players to build for
the 2014-2015 season and beyond. The Steel’s 2014 draft class is a diverse one.
The players arrive in Chicago
representing nine different states and two other countries. The diversity is
also seen in the programs from which these players were selected. Twenty-five
different programs, either high school, midget, or junior are represented in
the class. Below is a breakdown of each round of the draft including some facts
about individual players to help flesh out the Steel’s picks.
Phase I Breakdown (7 selections)
- Matthew Kiersted (Round 1, 6th overall)
- Jake Nielsen (Round 2, 22nd overall)
- Brett Callahan (Round 4, 53rd overall)
- Austin Grzenia (Round 5, 69th overall)
- Kenneth Johnson (Round 6, 85th overall)
- Alex Frye (Round 7, 101st overall)
- Cole Koepke (Round 8, 117th overall)
Position
- Forwards: 4
- Defensemen: 3
- Goaltenders: 0
Four of the Steel’s Phase I draft picks, Brett Callahan, Ken
Johnson, Matthew Kiersted and Jake Nielsen, were invited to participate in the
USA National Team Development Program Tryout camp. At that camp the best
16-year-old players from around the United States compete to earn a
spot on the USA NTDP roster.
Callahan and Austin Grzenia were taken in this year’s OHL
priority selection. Callahan was selected in the 10th round, 187 overall,
by the Plymouth Whalers. Grzenia was taken in the 11th round, 215 overall,
by the Kingston Frontenacs.
Each of the Steel’s seven Phase I picks were from a
different program. Four players came out of high school programs; three were
from Midget Minor programs.
Ken Johnson’s father played four seasons of collegiate
hockey, one with Wisconsin and three with Michigan State
Phase II Breakdown (20 selections)
- John Lethemon (Round 1, 6 overall)
- Ryan Blankemeier (Round 1, 17th overall)
- Jake Bresser (Round 2, 24th overall)
- John Marino (Round 5, 79th overall)
- Dennis Gilbert (Round 7, 110th overall)
- Tyler Sifferlen (Round 7, 111th overall)
- Jack Doremus (Round 8, 126th overall)
- Kevin Fitzgerald (Round 9, 141st overall)
- Charlie Parker (Round 9, 150th overall)
- Colin Swoyer (Round 11,173rd overall)
- Cameron Klein (Round 12, 189th overall)
- Shawn Knowlton (Round 13, 205th overall)
- Cole Borchardt (Round 14, 221st overall)
- Dakota Raabe (Round 15, 237rd overall)
- Michael Maloney (Round 16, 253rd overall)
- Josh Vertentes (Round 17, 269th overall)
- Wyatt Aamodt (Round 18, 285th overall)
- Lawrence Pilut (Round 19, 301st overall)
- Jared Leslie (Round 20, 317th overall)
- Thomas Keane (Round 21, 333rd overall)
Position
- Forwards: 13
- Defensemen: 6
- Goaltenders: 1
- International:
2 (
Four different birth years were represented by the Steel’s
picks in Phase II. 1996 led the way with eight selections, followed by 1997
(5), 1995 (4), and 1998 (3).
Three of the Steel’s picks were selected in the 2013 USHL
Draft. Charlie Parker was selected in the 10th round (143 overall)
by Muskegon , Jake Bresser was taken in the 15th round
(222 overall) by Waterloo and Tyler Sifferlen
was taken in the 16th round (230 overall) by Cedar Rapids .
The Steel’s lone Canadian selection, Jared Leslie, was
selected in the 11th round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by the
Windsor Spitfires.
Two of the Steel’s picks, Cameron Klein and Kevin
Fitzgerald, were drafted from junior teams. Klein competed for the New Jersey
Titans of the Eastern Hockey League while Fitzgerald was a member of the Topeka
RoadRunners of the North American Hockey League.
Some of the Steel’s picks boast state titles on their
resumes. Tyler Sifferlen won multiple state championships with his Malden
Catholic team in Massachusetts .
Charlie Parker won the 2014 title in Wisconsin
with the Verona Wildcats along with being selected as first team all-state.
John Lethemon was in net as Farmington
High School captured the Division 3
title in Michigan .
Both Jake Bresser and Tyler Sifferlen were named Mr. Hockey
following last season. Bresser was named Wisconsin ’s
Mr. Hockey while ESPN Boston gave the honor to Sifferlen.
Charlie Parker’s uncle Jeff played in the NHL for the
Buffalo Sabres and Hartford Whalers.
Shawn Knowlton’s father, Jim, is currently the athletic
director at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He enjoyed a great collegiate
hockey career at West Point . Two of Shawn’s
older brothers also had successful collegiate careers at the NCAA Division I
level. His brother Pat played at Sacred
Heart University ,
while his brother Chris played at the University of Denver
Wyatt Aamodt earned the #9 spot on the Minnesota All-Hockey
Hair team for 2014.
Of the 20 Phase II picks for the Steel only two players,
Michael Maloney and Thomas Keane, were drafted out of the same program, Team
Illinois Minor Midget. Nine players were drafted off of high school teams,
eight off of minor teams, two from junior teams, and one from Sweden .
More information about each of the Steel’s draft picks can
be found in the articles USHL Phase I Draft Results and USHL
Phase II Draft Results on chicagosteelhockeyteam.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
USHL PHASE 2 DRAFT RESULTS
Bensenville, IL (May 6th, 2014) – After a successful 2014
Phase I Draft on Monday evening, the 2014 United States Hockey League
Entry Draft found each member team drafting their prospects. As per USHL
rules, “The number of rounds for the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft are based on how
many rounds necessary to bring each USHL Member Club’s player roster to 45.”
Each club in the league, except the United States National
Team Development Program, which conducted its own selection camp back in March,
initially submits a list of “protected players” for the 2014-15 season. The 16
participating USHL teams will then draft players of all ages who are eligible
to play junior hockey and are not protected by an opposing USHL
team. The number of players each USHL team drafted depends upon the
number of affiliate and protected players they currently possess. Teams
draft until their roster is at 45 players.
With sixth overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft, the
Chicago Steel select goalie John Lethemon from
Northville , Mich. Farmington
High School
The Scouting Report: John is a big, mobile Goaltender…Very
capable of stealing games…Athletic and competitive drive…High ceiling of
development potential.
The Steel chose forward Ryan Blankemeier with the
17th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft. The 5-foot-11,
148-pound Blankemeier played for the Chicago Young Americans Major Midget team
in 2013-14 where he scored 13 goals and added 7 assists in 28 games. He
is committed to Dartmouth .
The Scouting Report: Extremely high hockey IQ… Sneaky
size…Smart player…Very good job at making his teammates better…thought of as a
taller version of Steel player John Ernsting.
With the 24th overall pick, the Steel selected forward Jake
Bresser from Eau Claire Memorial High School
(Wis. ).
Bresser is 6-foot-2 and weighs in at 195 pounds. He was named Mr. Hockey
in Wisconsin
for 2014 after scoring 47 goals and adding 23 assist in 24 games last season.
The Scouting Report: Jake has a knack for putting the puck
in the net…Has all the physical tools to succeed…Can skate well for his
size…Great player to fit into systems and succeed.
With the 79th overall pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II
Draft, Chicago
chose defenseman John Marino from the South Shore Kings.
Marino tallied six goals and 11 assists in 34 games last season. He is
committed to Yale
University
The Scouting Report: John is a smooth skating offensive
defenseman…Good size…Is a play making defensenman…Has great poise with the
puck…Has the ability to run our powerplay.
The Steel selected Dennis Glibert 110th overall
in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft. Gilbert is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound
defenseman out of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. He tallied 17 points (4g, 13a)
in 35 game last season. Gilbert is committed to Niagara University
The Scouting Report: Dennis is a strong skater…Has a lot of
offensive upside…He is a big strong kid, who positions well.
With its 111th overall pick in the Phase II Draft, Chicago chose Tyler Sifferlen out of Malden Catholic
High School (Mass. ). Sifferlen is a 5-foot-11, 170
pounds forward who was named ESPN Boston’s Mr. Hockey after scoring 25 goals
and 26 assists in 24 games. He is committed to UMass-Lowell.
The Scouting Report: Tyler
is a veteran leader…A goal scorer who leads by example…Knows where to be on the
ice to find the net.
With their 126th overall pick, the Steel selected
forward Jack Doremus from the Colorado Thunderbirds Minor Midget
team. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Doremus scored four goals and tallied 10
assists in 37 games in 2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Jack is a big kid…Power forward…Has a
good head for the game…Has the ability to step into roles within the team.
With the 141st pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft, Chicago took 5-foot-11, 164-pound forward Kevin
Fitzgerald out of the Topeka RoadRunners of the NAHL where he scored one
goal and notched two assists in 22 games last season The Hinsdale, Ill. native began the
2013-14 campaign with the Chicago Mission Midget Major team.
The Scouting Report: Kevin skates well…Is a very good
F1…A great team guy…Very gritty and we are lucky to have him.
The Steel chose Charlie Parker with the 150th overall
pick in the Phase II Draft. Parker is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward out
of Verona High
School in Verona ,
Wis.
The Scouting Report: Charlie is a hard-nosed team first
player…Extremely hard worker…Smart on the ice…Not afraid to throw his body
around.
With the 173rd pick in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft the
Steel selected Colin Swoyer. Swoyer is a 5-foot-5, 137-pound
defenseman who competed for the Chicago Fury Minor Midget team in
2013-2014. He tallied two goals and added 13 assists in 36 games last
season.
The Scouting Report: Colin is a smooth skating
Defenseman…Little on the smaller size, but will develop and grow as he is a
’98…Good offensive ability.
The Chicago Steel selected Cameron Klein with the
189th overall pick. Klein is a 6-foot-1, 203-pound forward who
competed for the New Jersey Titans last season. He notched seven points
(5g, 2a) in 31 games in 2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Cameron is a big strong player…Has a
very heavy shot…Plays a ard nose-heavy game.
With the 205th pick in the Phase II Draft, the Steel
took Shawn Knowlton from Albany Academy (NY). Knowlton is a
5-foot-9, 165-pound forward who scored 20 goals and had 17 assists in 2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Shaun is a smaller forward…Has a high
motor…Very high skill…Very creative with the puck…Makes players around him
better.
The Steel selected Cole Borchardt with the 221st overall
pick. Borchardt is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound forward from Burnsville High School
in Burnsville , Minn.
The Scouting Report: Cole is a big kid with good skill…Loves
to shoot the puck…Puck seems to follow him…Good rangy size.
The Steel chose Dakota Raabe with the 237th pick
in the 2014 USHL Phase II Draft. Raabe is a 5-foot-8, 140-pound forward
from the L.A. Jr, Kings Midget Minor team. He scored eight goals and had
seven assists in 30 games last season.
The Scouting Report: Dakota has a high motor…Great skill…An
evasive, slippery player…Good on face-offs…Good speed.
With the 253rd selection, Chicago
took Michael Maloney from Team Illinois ’
Midget Minor squad. Maloney is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward who scored
seven goals and tallied nine assists in 25 games in 2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Michael has a 200 foot game…Plays with
grit…Has hard working skill…Very versatile – can play any position.
Josh Vertentes was selected by the Steel with 269th
overall pick in the Phase II Draft. Vertentes is out of Portsmouth Abbey
Prep School in Rhode Island . Vertentes is a 5-foot-7,
179-pound forward who put up 36 points (21g, 15a) last season.
The Scouting Report: Josh is a small forward…Skilled play
maker who has a knack for putting the puck in the back of the net.
With the 285th overall pick, Chicago
took Wyatt Aamodt from Hermantown
High School (Minn. ). Wyatt is a 5-foot-10, 195-pound
defenseman who put up 24 points (6g, 18a) in 25 games last season.
The Scouting Report: Wyatt is a smart player…Smart with the
puck…positions himself well…Efficient on the ice, so he does not have to over
exert himself.
With the 301st pick, Chicago
chose defenseman Lawrence Pilut from Tingsyrd , Sweden
The Scouting Report: Lawrence
is a highly rated European skater in Central scouting…Offensive
defenseman…Elite quality talent.
Jared Leslie was chosen with the 317th pick by the
Steel. Leslie is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound forward from Hill
Academy in Vaughn , Ontario
The Scouting Report: Jared is hardworking player…A
great skater…Good two-way player…Plays a 200 foot game.
With its final pick, 333rd overall, in the 2014 Phase
II Draft Chicago chose defenseman Thomas Keane from Team Illinois ’ Midget Minor
squad. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound blueliner scored five goals and had four
assists in 2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Thomas has the ability to play anywhere
on the ice…Played Forward and Defense last year for Team Illinois…Will do
everything for the team…Big, tough kid.
USHL PHASE 1 DRAFT RESULTS
USHL clubs retain the rights of their draftees for up to
three years and have the opportunity to call up any affiliate list player and
add them to the active roster during the season.
With their first pick, sixth overall in the 2014 USHL Phase
I Draft, the Chicago Steel selected Matthew Kiersted out of Elk River High School
in Elk River Minn.
The Scouting Report: Kiersted is an extremely intelligent
offensive minded defenseman…Very mobile defenseman and one of the best skaters
in this draft field…Has a quick and very smooth stride.
With its second-round pick in the 2014 USHL Phase I Draft, Chicago drafted Jake
Nielsen from the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals Midget Minor team. In 57
games in 2013-2014, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound forward registered 31 goals and 48
assists. Nielsen hails from New Berlin ,
Wis.
The Scouting Report: Nielsen is a forward that can play
anywhere up front and has a nose for the net…has a high motor who works hard… A
complete player who can score.
The Chicago Steel select Brett Callahan with their
fourth-round pick, 53rd-overall, in the 2014 USHL Phase I Draft. Callahan
is a 5-foot-9, 145-pound defenseman from the Chicago Mission Midget Major team.
He recorded two goals and nine assists in 27 games last season.
The Scouting Report: Callahan is an all-compass
skater…excellent mobility…moves the puck well…reliable, and has a great stick.
With their fifth-round pick, 69th-overall, the Steel chose Austin
Grzenia out of Victory Honda’s Midget Minor squad. The 6-foot, 152-pound
forward scored nine goals and tallied five assists in 35 games for Victory
Honda in 2013-14. Grzenia hails from Macomb , Mich.
The Scouting Report: Austin
has tremendous speed…Excellent skill and has a great ability to score…Has sneaky
size.
In the sixth-round, 85th-overall, Chicago selected defenseman Kenny
Johnson out of Shattuck St. Mary’s. Johnson competed for SSM’s U-16
team in 2013-14 where he notched 19 points (6g, 13a) in 47 games. He is
the brother of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jack Johnson
The Scouting Report: Very similar game to his brother
Jack…Very heavy hitter…Physical and smart with the puck…great developmental
potential.
With their seventh-round selection, 101st-overall, the Steel
chose Alex Frye out of St. Mary’s Prep (Mich. ) Frye is a 5-foot-10, 152-pound
forward who tallied 15 points (6g, 9a) last season.
The Scouting Report: Frye has great speed…Play maker
and is a goal scorer…Has great vision.
With their final pick in the 2014 USHL Phase I Draft, the
Chicago Steel chose Cole Koepke 117th overall. Koepke is a 5-foot-10,
170-pound center, who scored 17 goals and notched 11 assists in 25 games in
2013-14.
The Scouting Report: Cole is an exceptional skater…Has a
knack for the net…Can score goals…Very fast, skating is his best attribute.
Monday, May 5, 2014
JACKSON EARNS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR HONOR
“Obviously as an organization we are extremely proud of
Robby Jackson and the work he put in over the year,” Steel head coach Scott
McConnell said. “To be named USHL Rookie of the Year is something that
shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt, it’s a huge compliment and he is an
extraordinary young man.”
The Alameda ,
Calif.
“Robby really showed that it doesn’t matter what your age is
in the league, but if you put in the time and effort and play the game the
right way, you will be able to produce at this level,” McConnell said.
“It was really exciting to see a 16 year-old be able to that and it was
no small feat whatsoever.”
DIPAULI AND SAKELLAROPOULOS WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Bensenville, IL ( April 14th, 2014) – The Chicago Steel
would like to congratulate alumni, Theo DiPauli and Alex Sakellaropoulos, and
the rest of their Union College teammates on winning the 2014 NCAA Men’s Ice
Hockey National Championship this past weekend in Philadelphia, Pa. Before
being reunited on the Dutchmen squad, both DiPauli and Sakellaropoulos were
teammates during the 2011-2012 season with the Steel.
DiPauli spent three seasons (2009-2012) playing for Chicago , where he
appeared in 90 career games for and amassed 27 points. Following his freshman
season at Union , DiPauli was given the Thomas
VanArden Dukehart Award for the highest GPA on the team. He totaled two goals
and an assist this season as a sophomore.
Sakellaropoulos patrolled the crease for the Steel for two
seasons (2011-2013). During the 2012-2013 season he posted 22 wins for the
Steel. Those 22 wins set a new team record for most wins by a goaltender in a
season. Sakellaropoulos saw action in eight games this season for the Dutchmen.
On March 1, he earned his first career shutout at the collegiate level. He
stopped all 26 shots he faced in a 3-0 victory over Brown.
This was the first national championship for the Dutchmen in
program history. They have enjoyed a good amount of success over the last
several seasons. They have won the ECAC tournament the past three seasons and
previously appeared in the Frozen Four in 2012.
Friday, March 14, 2014
VANKO COMMITS TO MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY-MANKATO
BENSENVILLE, Ill. (March 14, 2014) – The Chicago Steel have
announced that defenseman Alec Vanko has committed to Minnesota State
University-Mankato after the conclusion of his United States Hockey League
career.
Vanko is enjoying a very successful campaign in his first
season with the Steel. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound blueliner has tallied 24
points (8g, 16a) in 41 games and was named to the midseason USHL All-Star Team
on Feb. 20. Vanko has been honored as the USHL’s CCM Defenseman of the
Week twice in 2013-14.
“I am really excited and it feels great to be committed to Mankato ,” Vanko
said. “It was just a good fit for me and my family. I really liked
the campus and out of all the visits I took, I liked Mankato the best because it felt like home
for me. The Mankato
coaching staff was great throughout the recruiting process and everyone
involved with the program was very genuine.”
Vanko, an Oregon , Wis. native, played for
the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League last season. In
36 games with Janesville
he scored one goal and added 16 assists.
“We are pleased to support Alec and his family in his
decision to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato,” Steel head coach Scott
McConnell said. “With what they have endured over the last six months, to
have this news makes everyone in our organization happy. Alec has worked
extremely hard and has been a great teammate during this season. He took
his time and carefully thought out where the best fit in a university would be
for him as a person and as a player. Mankato
Thursday, March 13, 2014
SLAVIN EARNS NCHC HONORS
BENSENVILLE, Ill (March 13, 2014) – The Chicago Steel would
like to congratulate alumnus Jaccob Slavin on being named to the inaugural NCHC
All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie team.
Slavin is wrapping up a successful freshman campaign at Colorado College
Slavin competed in 139 games over three seasons with the
Steel. The Erie , Colo.
native tallied 64 career points (9g, 55a) while in Chicago United States at the
2014 IIHF World Junior Championship in Malmo ,
Sweden
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
MASON BERGH
COMMITS TO COLORADO COLLEGE
BENSENVILLE,
Ill. (March 12th, 2014) – The Chicago Steel have announced that forward Mason
Bergh has committed to play for Colorado College after the conclusion of his
United States Hockey League career.
Bergh,
who is in his first season with the Steel, has recorded 21 points (9g, 12a) in
48 games in 2013-14. The 6-foot, 161-pound native of Eden Prairie, Minn. was
named the USHL CCM Forward of the Week for Feb. 10-16 following an impressive
seven point weekend (4g, 3a).
Bergh
said he was offered a scholarship last week by the Colorado College coaching
staff and knew during his visit that he would be wearing the black and gold of
the Tigers when his collegiate career begins.
“When
I arrived on campus, I had the immediate feeling that this was the right place
for me,” Bergh said. “I love the area, I loved the coaching staff, the
mountains are awesome and the campus is great. To get a good education is
very important and CC will provide that for me.
“I
called my parents when I was out there visiting and told them how much I liked
the school. They were very happy that I was going to commit to Colorado
College.”
Bergh
played for Eden Prairie High School last season, scoring 21 goals and tallying
17 assists in 25 games. The Steel drafted him with the 21st overall
pick in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft.
“We
are very proud of Mason and excited that he will have the opportunity to
continue his hockey career at Colorado College,” Steel head coach Scott
McConnell said. “Mason has had a positive impact on our organization in his
short time here in Chicago. We look forward to further being a part of
his development as a player and a young man in the next year and seeing him
arrive in Colorado Springs with an equally positive impact there.”
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
BJORKUNG COMMITS
TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
BENSENVILLE,
Ill (March 5, 2014) – The Chicago Steel are pleased to announce that Victor
Bjorkung has committed to play his collegiate hockey at Ohio State University.
“We
are extremely proud of Victor and his commitment to Ohio State. He has been a
great teammate and a big reason why we have had success this year. Anytime we
have one of our players fulfill their dream of playing collegiate hockey we are
excited for them,” Steel Head Coach Scott McConnell said.
The
6-foot, 165 pound defenseman was acquired by the Steel in a pre-season trade
with the Sioux Falls Stampede. Bjorkung split the 2012-2013 season, his first
in the United States Hockey League, between the Stampede and the Fargo Force.
Shortly after arriving in Chicago, the Stockholm, Sweden native was appointed
alternate captain. In 34 USHL games for the Steel this season, he has recorded
16 (4g, 12a) points.
Bjorkung
is set to join the Buckeyes next year. He will join fellow Chicago Steel alum
Darik Angeli on the Buckeye’s roster.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
ALEC VANKO NAMED TO USHL ALL STAR TEAM
ALEC VANKO NAMED TO USHL ALL STAR TEAM
BENSENVILLE,
IL (February 20th, 2014) – Chicago Steel defenseman Alec Vanko has been
named a mid-season Second Team Eastern Conference All-Star, the United States
Hockey League announced on Thursday.
Vanko,
who is tied for 10th among USHL defenseman in
scoring with 21 points (8g, 13a), is the reigning CCM Defenseman of the Week
after tallying five points (1g,4a) in last weekend’s sweep of Team USA U-17,
Muskegon and Tri-City. It is the second time this season that the Oregon,
Wis., native has been selected as defenseman of the week.
“We
are very excited for Alec and happy to have his play honored by the league,”
Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “What he has overcome this year is
indescribable. We are extremely proud to have him as part of our team.”
The
All-Star Team was voted on by USHL coaches and general managers, and was
created to highlight the outstanding performances of the season so far.
Monday, February 17, 2014
BERGH AND VANKO EARN USHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
BERGH AND VANKO EARN USHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Bensenville,
IL (February 17th, 2014) — Chicago Steel forward Mason Bergh has been named the
CCM Forward of the Week and teammate Alec Vanko was honored as the CCM
Defenseman of the Week, the United States Hockey League announced on
Monday.
Bergh
tallied seven points (4g, 3a) over the weekend as the Steel went 3-0 after wins
against Team USA U-17, Muskegon and Tri-City. Against, USA on
Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich., he registered two goals and two assists, which
included the game tying tally at the 13:44mark in the third period to help
propel his squad to a 9-8 shootout victory. The following evening in
Muskegon, Mich., the 6-foot, 160-pound native of Eden Prairie, Minn., added a
goal and an assist in an 8-2 win against the Lumberjacks. He notched the
Steel’s first goal in Sunday’s 4-2 victory over the Storm.
Vanko,
a 6-foot-1, 173-pound blueliner out of Oregon, Wis., put up five points (1g,
4a) in the three games. He recorded three assists against USA and helped
on John Ernsting’s second period goal versus Muskegon. Vanko scored on
the powerplay against Tri City en route to being named CCM Defenseman of the
Week for the second time this season.
Friday, February 14, 2014
STEEL ALUMNUS ON SWISS OLYMPIC TEAM
STEEL ALUMNUS ON SWISS OLYMPIC TEAM
Bensenville,
IL (February 14th, 2014) – Chicago Steel alumnus Luca Cunti is
representing his native Switzerland in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic
Games. Cunti and Switzerland are currently in third place in Group C,
after defeating Latvia 1-0 on Wednesday and getting shut out 1-0 by
Henrik Lundqvist and Sweden this afternoon.
Cunti
was a member of the Steel during the 2007-08 season, where the left winger was
an integral part of head coach Steve Poapst’s squad that finished 32-22-6
during the regular season and eliminated the Indiana Ice in the first-round of
the 2008 United States Hockey League Clark Cup Playoffs. In 34 regular
season games that year, Cunti scored 11 goals and had 21 assists, before
tallying five points (2g, 3a) in the playoff run.
A
third-round draft pick, 75th overall,
by the Tampa Bay Lighting in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Cunti is presently with
the Zurich Lions of the Swiss National A League and has 42 points (18g, 24a) in
43 games.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
STEEL ACQUIRE OLOFSSON
STEEL ACQUIRE OLOFSSON
Bensenville,
IL (January 25th, 2014) — The Chicago Steel have acquired forward Fredrik
Olofsson in a trade with the Green Bay Gamblers on Friday. In
exchange, the Gamblers receive Steel forward Patrick Polino.
Olofsson,
a native of Broomfield, Colo., has played in 28 games this season for Green Bay
and has scored two goals and added four assists. He suited up for the
Gamblers in eight games during the 2012-13 campaign.
Olofsson
is a 1996 birth year and was a fifth round pick of the Gamblers in the 2012
United States Hockey League Futures Draft. He represented his native
Sweden in the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Monday, January 13, 2014
CHICAGO STEEL REPRESENTED ON MIDTERM SKATER RANKINGS
CHICAGO STEEL REPRESENTED ON MIDTERM SKATER RANKINGS
Bensenville,
IL (January 13th, 2014) — The National Hockey League Central Scouting Service
released its midterm skater rankings today. On the list are a couple players
with Chicago Steel ties.
Ranked
No. 78 overall is Matthew Berkovitz. Berkovitz, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound
defenseman, is a United States Hockey League draft pick of the Steel. He was
taken with the 46th overall pick in last year’s Futures
Draft. Berkovitz is currently competing for Ashwaubenon High School in suburban
Green Bay, Wis. So far this season, he has appeared in 13 games for the Jaguars
recording 19 (3g, 16a) points. One of his goals this season was a game winner.
Berkovitz previously showed up on the CSS’s Preliminary Ones to Watch
List. He was graded as a “B” skater on that list. He has given a verbal commit
to the University of Wisconsin.
Steel
alum Thomas Ebbing appears at No. 127 on the list. Ebbing spent last season
with the Steel. He appeared in 60 games recording 16 goals and 11 assists.
Ebbing arrived in Chicago after being drafted by the Steel in the 2012 USHL
Entry Draft. He won a gold medal as a member of Team USA at the 2012 World
Junior A Challenge. Following his only season in Chicago, he moved on to
Michigan State University. Ebbing has appeared in 19 games for the Spartans. He
has recorded seven points (2g,5a).
Also
appearing on the list is Christian Dvorak. Dvorak appeared in a handful of
games for the Steel throughout last season. The left winger is ranked No. 69.
December 30th, 2013
SLAVIN AND TEAM USA SET TO FACE CANADA IN 2014 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – Chicago Steel
alumnus Jaccob Slavin and Team USA will be in action tomorrow as they battle
Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship in Malmo, Sweden. Game time is set for 10:30 a.m. CST and can
be seen on the NHL Network.
Slavin, an Erie, Colo. native, scored a
goal in USA’s 5-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Dec. 26 and currently has
a +2 on-ice rating through three contests.
Team USA is 3-0 in the tournament with victories over the Czech
Republic, Slovakia (6-3) and Germany (8-0).
For more information on Slavin and Team
USA at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit http://worldjuniors.usahockey.com/page/show/695820-world-juniors-hockey
December 17th, 2013
STEEL ACQUIRE MICHAEL BOOTH
STEEL ACQUIRE MICHAEL BOOTH
Bensenville, IL (December 17th, 2013) –
The Chicago Steel have acquired forward Michael Booth from the Indiana Ice in
exchange for a 2014 United States Hockey League Phase I Draft Pick.
Booth has played in 14 games with the
Ice this season and has scored two goals and one assist. He hails from Cary, Ill. and is in his second
season of USHL play after recording 14 points (6g, 8a) in 58 games for the
Fargo Force in 2012-13.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound forward, was a
second round pick, 29th overall, in the 2012 USHL Futures Draft by Fargo. Booth
is a product of Team Illinois.
December 16th, 2013
ROBBIE PAYNE EARNS USHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK
ROBBIE PAYNE EARNS USHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. (December 16th, 2013)
– Chicago Steel forward Robbie Payne has been named the CCM Forward of the Week
, the United States Hockey League announced on Monday.
Payne, who was acquired from the
Tri-City Storm on Oct. 24, scored two goals and tallied an assist in the
Steel’s 6-4 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Saturday. Payne notched five points (4g, 1a) last week,
as he helped guide Chicago to wins over Green Bay, Cedar Rapids and
Muskegon. Payne is currently on a
six-game goal scoring streak.
A native of Gaylord Mich., Payne has
recorded eight goals and three assists in 17 games for the Steel this season. He is committed to Northern Michigan
University after the conclusion of his USHL career.
December 9th, 2013
ALEC VANKO EARNS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
ALEC VANKO EARNS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill (December 9, 2013) –
The Chicago Steel are proud to announce that Alec Vanko has been named the
United States Hockey League Defensive Player of the Week. This is the first
time Vanko has won the weekly honor.
Vanko joined the Steel after spending
last season competing for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey
League. So far this season, Vanko has
appeared in 20 games for Chicago registering four goals to go along with six
assists. Vanko first cracked the scorer’s sheet, with a goal, just two games
into his USHL career.
Over this past weekend, Vanko recorded
three points in two games. In Friday night’s game, Vanko scored two power play
goals to help lead the Steel to a road victory over the Youngstown Phantoms.
Vanko’s second goal of the contest was the game winner, coming just ten seconds
into overtime. His two points against the Phantoms tied a career high for
points in a game, a feat which he had accomplished twice before. Vanko chipped
in an assist in Saturday’s game against Muskegon. His three points was a career
high for points in a single weekend.
November 30th, 2013
STEEL LOSE A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
STEEL LOSE A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
BENSENVILLE, Ill (November 30, 2013) –
The Chicago Steel are saddened to report the passing of alum Jordan Black.
Hailing from Canton, MI, Black joined
the Steel for the 2002-2003 season. Wearing number 23, Black led the Steel in
goals for the season. Following his career in Chicago, Black moved onto
MerrimackCollege where he spent the next three years.
Black is remembered for his passion for
hockey. He was a part owner of the hockey program RBH Training which helps
groom the next generation of hockey players.
A full obituary and information
regarding services can be found at the Martenson’s Family of Funeral Homes
website.
November 25th, 2013
CALE MORRIS EARNS USHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
CALE MORRIS EARNS USHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Bensenville, IL (November 25th, 2013) —
Chicago Steel goaltender Cale Morris has been named the Reebok Goaltender of
the Week, the United States Hockey League announced on Monday.
Morris recorded the first shutout of
his USHL career in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Tri-City. The Larkspur, Colo. native made 21 saves
against the Strom to improve his record to 2-1-0 on the season. He notched his
first USHL win back on Nov. 14.
Morris has a 3.12 goals against average
and a .912 save percentage in 2013-14.
ERNSTING EARNS FORWARD OF THE WEEK
BENSENVILLE, Ill. (November 11th, 2013) – Chicago Steel forward John Ernsting has been named the CCM Co-Forward of the Week, the United States Hockey League announced on Monday.
Ernsting, who is in his first season in the USHL, earned a hat trick in Friday’s 6-3 win against the Green Bay Gamblers. All three of his goals came in the final period.
Ernsting leads the Steel in both goals (5) and points (9) on the season.
Ernsting, who is in his first season in the USHL, earned a hat trick in Friday’s 6-3 win against the Green Bay Gamblers. All three of his goals came in the final period.
Ernsting leads the Steel in both goals (5) and points (9) on the season.
STEEL ACQUIRE CJ SMITH
Bensenville, IL (November 6th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel have traded forward Chris Dodero to the Muskegon Lumberjacks in exchange for forward C.J. Smith and a seventh-round pick in the 2014 United States Hockey League Phase Two Draft.
Smith, who competed in 13 games (4g,1a) this season for the Jacks, was a second-round pick of Muskegon in last May’s USHL Phase Two Draft. He spent the previous two seasons with the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League where he played in 113 total games for the club and registered 43 goals and 43 assists. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Smith, is a native of Richfield, Minn. and a 1994 birth year.
Dodero scored one goal this season for the Steel and had a minus nine on-ice rating through 10 games before being traded to Muskegon on Tuesday. In 2012-13, Dodero had five goals and seven assists in 52 games.
STEEL ACQUIRE BRENDON KEARNEY
BENSENVILLE,
Ill. (November 4th, 2013) – The Chicago Steel announced that they have
acquired forward Brendon Kearney from the Langley Rivermen of the British
Columbia Hockey League. In exchange, the Rivermen received forward Liam
McDermott, who competed in five games this season with the Steel.
Kearney,
a 6-foot, 185-pound forward, played in 16 games for Langley and registered two
goals and four penalty minutes. The Northville, Mich. native participated
in six games for Team USA in 2012-13.
Monday, October 28th, 2013
BAGUS NAMED HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER FOR WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE
BAGUS NAMED HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER FOR WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The Chicago Steel would like to congratulate Steve Bagus on being selected as the head athletic trainer for Team USA at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Bagus, who has been with the Steel since the 2010-2011 season, will join Team USA at the end of the month as they attempt to defend their 2012 World Junior A Challenge title. This is not the first time Bagus will represent the United States in international competition, he previously served as an athletic trainer with the U.S men’s national under-18 soccer team in Lisbon, Portugal.
The 2013 World Junior A Challenge will take place from Nov. 4 -10. For more information please visit http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-
STEEL ACQUIRE VIDMAR
In 2012-13, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward, competed in 45 games for the IF Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish J20 SuperElit League. He averaged a point per game last season with the Redhawks after scoring 26 goals and tallying 19 assists.
Vidmar was a fourth-round draft pick in Phase II of the 2013 United States Hockey League Entry Draft by the Phantoms.
Thursday, October 10th, 2013
STEEL CAPTAINS NAMED
Bensenville,
IL (October 10th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel are proud to announce the
captains for the 2013-2014 season. Danny Fetzer has been appointed captain
while Victor Bjorkung, Brian LeBlanc, and Patrick Polino have all been named
alternate captains.
Fetzer, a Chicago native, returns to the Steel for
his second season. Last season Fetzer saw action in 52 games. He registered six
goals and six assists. In the Steel’s most recent game against Green Bay,
Fetzer was the lone goal scorer.
Bjorkung joins the Steel after spending last season
splitting time between Sioux Falls and Fargo in the United States Hockey
League. The defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden has played in 63 career USHL
games. In those games Bjorkung has managed to tally 22 points and pick up a
plus 10 rating.
LeBlanc returns this season for his second tour of
duty in a Steel uniform. LeBlanc was on the ice for 22 games for the Steel last
year before being moved to the Aberdeen Wings of the North American Hockey
League. The Hermantown, Minn. native is also the brother of Chicago Steel
alumnus and current Rockford IceHog Drew LeBlanc.
Polino begins his second year in a Steel uniform in
2013-14. The forward from Buffalo, NY played in 60 games for the Steel last
season as well as three contests in 2011-12. In five games for the Steel this
season, Polino has registered a goal and an assist.
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN MOORE
CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN MOORE
Bensenville, IL (October 9th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel would like to congratulate New York Ranger defenseman and Steel alumnus John Moore, who recently competed in the 100th regular season game of his NHL career. The milestone was achieved on Oct. 3 against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Moore, a Winnetka, Ill. native, joined the Chicago Steel for the 2007-08 season. Moore saw action in 56 games for the Steel that year and totaled 15 points (4G, 11A). Chicago also made the playoffs and Moore picked up an additional two assists in those seven playoff games. Moore stayed with the Steel for the following season and greatly increased his offensive output. In 57 games for the Steel during the 2008-09 campaign, Moore found the back of the net 14 times to go along with 25 assists.
Moore, a Winnetka, Ill. native, joined the Chicago Steel for the 2007-08 season. Moore saw action in 56 games for the Steel that year and totaled 15 points (4G, 11A). Chicago also made the playoffs and Moore picked up an additional two assists in those seven playoff games. Moore stayed with the Steel for the following season and greatly increased his offensive output. In 57 games for the Steel during the 2008-09 campaign, Moore found the back of the net 14 times to go along with 25 assists.
At the 2009 NHL Draft, Moore was selected 21stoverall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He made his NHL debut with the Jackets on Feb. 5, 2011 in a victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Moore was moved to New York at the trade deadline during last season in a multi-player deal and appeared in 13 regular season games for New York along with 12 playoff games.
Congratulations again, John Moore.
Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
STEEL PROUD TO DRAFT JACK JABLONSKI
Bensenville, IL (May 7th, 2013) — With their final pick in the 2013-2014 USHL draft, The Chicago Steel are extremely proud to announce that they have drafted forward Jack Jablonski from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
On December 30th, 2011 Jack was a sophomore at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park, MN when he got hit during a high school hockey game on and sustained an injury to his spinal cord (High Tetraplegia to the C4 vertebrae). Although Jack has been told he will not be able to walk nor skate again, he has pushed through many trying times as he strives for success in his lengthy rehabilitation.
Jack was the winner of the 2012 Courage in Sports Award and has been considered an inspiration for his work ethic and passion.
You can follow along with Jack’s rehabilitation and progress on his CaringBridge page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackjablonski
You can learn more about Jack Jablonski’s BEL13VE in Miracles Foundation and treatment at http://www.jabby13.com
Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
DODERO CHOOSES COLORADO COLLEGE
Bensenville, IL (May 2nd, 2013) – Chicago Steel forward Christopher Dodero has committed to play his college hockey at Colorado College after the conclusion of his United States Hockey League career.
Dodero, who is a 1996 birth year, competed in 52 games last season with the Steel and registered 12 points (5g, 7a); including two goals in a 5-2 loss to Youngstown back on April 10. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound resident of Bloomingdale, Ill., scored his first USHL goal on Nov. 2, 2012 to help the Steel to a 7-4 road victory over the Sioux Falls Stampede.
“We are very excited that Chris will continue his playing career at Colorado College following his playing days in the USHL,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “He will continue to develop as a player and as a person, and will be ready to step in at CC in a few years and make an immediate impact. The coaching staff at Colorado College is one of the best in the nation, and combined with CC’s academic reputation and its hockey facilities, I can’t think of a better place for Chris to play collegiately."
Dodero is the third member of the 2012-13 squad to make their commitment to Colorado College. He joins Alex Roos and Jaccob Slavin who will also wear the black and gold for the Tigers.
Monday, April 15th, 2013
SAKELLAROPOULOS AND DAVISON EARN USHL HONORS
SAKELLAROPOULOS AND DAVISON EARN USHL HONORS
Bensenville, IL (April 15th, 2013) – Chicago Steel netminder Alex
Sakellaropoulos and defenseman Tim Davison were honored by the United States
Hockey League on Monday. Sakellaropoulos has been named a co-recipient of the
Reebok Goaltender of the Week, while Davison was awarded the CCM Defenseman of
the Week.
Sakellaropoulos went 2-0 last weekend, including a 3-0 shutout victory over the Youngstown Phantoms on Saturday, April 13. The Tinley Park, Ill. native is now the Steel’s all-time single season wins leader and second all-time for career victories. Sakellaropoulos is committed to Union College beginning next season.
Davison, a University of Wisconsin recruit, tallied a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-2 victory over the Phantoms. His second period goal with four minutes, 42 seconds left in the frame, proved to be the game-winner. The 5-foot-10, 168-pound native of DePere, Wis. native, scored five goals and added eight assists in 2012-13 for the Steel.
Sakellaropoulos went 2-0 last weekend, including a 3-0 shutout victory over the Youngstown Phantoms on Saturday, April 13. The Tinley Park, Ill. native is now the Steel’s all-time single season wins leader and second all-time for career victories. Sakellaropoulos is committed to Union College beginning next season.
Davison, a University of Wisconsin recruit, tallied a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-2 victory over the Phantoms. His second period goal with four minutes, 42 seconds left in the frame, proved to be the game-winner. The 5-foot-10, 168-pound native of DePere, Wis. native, scored five goals and added eight assists in 2012-13 for the Steel.
Monday,
April 15th, 2013
CHICAGO STEEL ALUMNI HAVE SUCCESSFUL FROZEN FOUR
Bensenville,
IL (April 15th, 2013) — It was a memorable weekend for the Chicago
Steel. Not only did the team win back-to-back games in Youngstown to
cap off the 2012-13 season, but Steel alumnus and St. Cloud State University
forward Drew LeBlanc was the recipient of the 2013 Hobey Baker Award, while
three other Steel alumni –Andrew Miller, Connor Wilson, Mitch Witek and Josh
Balch–guided Yale University to its first ever NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey National
Championship.
LeBlanc
(Steel 2006-2008) becomes the second member in Steel history to win college
hockey’s highest honor. In 2011, Miami University forward Andy Miele (Steel
2006-2008) took home the award after a spectacular season where he tallied 24
goals and 47 assists in 39 games.
LeBlanc
concluded his collegiate hockey career with 42 goals and 105
assists. A few hours after standing at the podium, posing for photos
with the 40-pound bronze sculpture and etching his name into college hockey
history, the 23-year-old native of Hermantown, Minn., signed a one-year
contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He will wear No. 14 with the
Blackhawks and possibly compete in his first NHL game on Monday, April 15 when
Chicago hosts the Dallas Stars.
The
evening before LeBlanc received his prestigious honor, Yale University saw its
2-0 first period advantage over UMass-Lowell evaporate quickly in the first
national semifinal at the Console Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Two
second period goals by Lowell forced the contest into overtime, where Miller
(Steel 2007-2009) rose to the occasion. Miller slid the puck past River Hawks
goalie Connor Hellebuyck on the break away at the 6:59 mark to send the
Bulldogs to the national championship game against Quinnipiac University.
The
5-foot-10, 180-pound native of Broomfield Hills, Mich., continued to provide a
scoring punch in Saturday’s national final against the Bobcats, where he
registered a goal and an assist to lead the Bulldogs to the 4-0
victory. Miller ended his career with Yale as the university’s
all-time assist leader.
Balch,
a member of the Steel organization during the 2008-09 campaign, also finished
his collegiate playing career as a national champion. Witek, who
scored his first collegiate goal in Thursday’s win against UMass-Lowell, played
for Chicago during the 2009-10 season and will be a sophomore when he arrives
back in New Haven, Conn., next fall. Wilson (Steel 2009-2011) is a
junior next season and will compete for the starting goaltender position with
the departure of Jeff Malcom due to graduation.
Friday,
April 12th, 2013
DREW LEBLANC TAKES HOME THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD AND SIGNS WITH THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Bensenville,
IL (April 12th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel are extremely excited to congratulate
Steel Alumni, Drew LeBlanc, on his recent honor of winning the 2013 Hobey Baker
Award and signing a one year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
LeBlanc
joined the Steel in 2006-2007 where he put up five assists in 14 games as a
rookie. Drew became one of the League’s top scorers in 2007-08 as he
tallied 54 points (19g, 35a) in 58 regular season games. His shooting
percentage was the second-best mark in the USHL as he scored his 19 goals on 81
shots (.235). He closed out his second season putting up points in 10 of
the final 11 games. Over 12 career playoff games in the USHL, he chipped
in six points (3g, 3a).
LeBlanc,
a Senior at St. Cloud State, helped lead his team to the 2012-2013 Frozen Four.
Drew
joins Andy Miele as Steel Alumni who have won this prestigious award.
Miele won the award during the 2010-2011 season as he was a member of the
Miami Redhawks.
Thursday,
April 11th, 2013
STEEL ALUMNUS MILLER TAKES YALE TO NCAA FINALS
Bensenville,
IL (April 11th, 2013) — Steel alumnus Andrew Miller is taking his Yale Bulldogs
to the National Title game on Saturday in Pittsburgh, PA. Miller, the
captain of the Bulldogs, had the game winning goal in overtime in Thursdays
Semi-final game. Miller ended the game with 1 goal and 1 assist.
Miller,
who played for the Steel from 2007-2009, had 46 goals and 77 assists in
117 games. He was also named the 2008-09 USA Junior Hockey Player
of the Year, and the 2009 United States Hockey League Player of the Year and
Forward of the Year.
Mitch
Witek, Steel Defenseman during the 2009-2010 season, also scored his first
collegiate goal in Thursday’s game. He got the Yale Bulldogs on the board
in the first period.
Thursday,
April 11th, 2013
SAKELLAROPOULOS COMMITS TO UNION COLLEGE
Bensenville,
IL (April 11th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel would like to announce that goalie
Alex Sakellaropoulos has committed to play his college hockey at Union
College. Sakellaropoulos will suit up for the Dutchmen beginning next
season.
The
Tinley Park, Ill. native is in his second season with the Chicago Steel and has
compiled a 20-20-2 record in 2012-13.
“I
chose Union because of the education and they have an excellent reputation of
producing professional goalies,” Sakellaropoulos said. “The Union coaching
staff is great and they were there with me throughout the recruiting process.
“My
parents are very excited for me. It will be far from home, but they will make
their way out to New York to come see me play.”
Union
College is a member of the East Coast Athletic Conference and is under the
direction of head coach Rick Bennett. Bennett has led his squad to two
straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Frozen Four in 2012.
“Sak’s
transformation into the goalie that he has become today, has been exciting to
watch,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Alex has worked tirelessly the
last two seasons to put himself in a position to play at the next level.
Union’s track record of developing goaltenders and sending them on to
professional hockey over the last six seasons speaks for itself. There
couldn’t be a better place for Alex to go.”
Sakellaropoulos
is currently tied for third on the Steel’s all-time wins list and needs two
victories to move into the second spot behind Shane Connelly (2003-2005). He
has registered a 3.12 goals against average this season and a 0.911 save
percentage.
Monday,
April 8th, 2013
STEEL ALUMNI IN FROZEN FOUR
Bensenville,
IL (April 8th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel will have six former players suiting
up for their respective collegiate hockey programs when the NCAA Frozen Four
begins on April 11 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. UMass-Lowell
will take on Yale at 3:30 p.m., while Quinnipiac faces off against St. Cloud
State at 7 p.m.
Yale
features three former members of the Steel in Josh Balch (2008-09), Andrew
Miller (2007-2009) and Connor Wilson (2009-2011). Miller, who is in his final
season with the Bulldogs, was the 2008-09 USA Junior Hockey Player of the Year,
and the 2009 United States Hockey League Player of the Year and Forward of the
Year.
Michael
Fallon (2010-11) will don the red, white and blue of UMass-Lowell and Mike
Dalhuisen (2006-07) is set to take the ice for the Frozen Four’s No. 1 overall
seed Quinnipiac.
Drew
LeBlanc (2006-2008), the 2013 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Player of
the Year and Student-Athlete of the Year for St. Cloud State, is looking to add
a national championship to his award-winning resume this season. The
Hermantown, Minn. native is also one of ten finalists for the 2013 Hobey Baker
Award, given annually to college hockey’s best player.
Monday,
April 1st, 2013
HEINONEN EARNS USHL/CCM FORWARD OF THE WEEK HONORS
Bensenville, IL (April
1st, 2013) – Chicago Steel forward Tyler Heinonen has been named the
USHL’s CCM Forward of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Heinonen notched eight
points last weekend, including two goals and an assist in a 4-3 win at Muskegon
on Friday, and two goals and a pair of assists in Chicago’s 5-4 come from
behind victory over Team USA U-17 on Saturday. The Delano, Minn. native
also tallied an assist for his squad in a 6-3 triumph over Indiana earlier in
the week on Wednesday.
Heinonen, who was
acquired in a trade with the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Feb. 6, has put up 12
points (7g, 5a) in 20 games with the Steel. He is committed to Michigan
Tech University for the 2013-14 season.
Monday,
April 1st, 2013
HEINONEN NAMED AVIATION UNIVERSE PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
Bensenville, IL (April
1st, 2013) — The Chicago Steel would like to announce that Tyler Heinonen has
been named the Aviation Universe Player of the Month for March.
A 6-foot, 182-pound
forward, Heinonen registered six goals and four assists last month, including
two goals, with one being shorthanded, and an assist against Muskegon on Mar.
29, and two goals, one once again being shorthanded, and two assists against
Team USA on Mar. 30. Heinonen has registered twelve points since being acquired
from the Muskegon Lumberjacks in a trade on Feb. 6.
Tyler Heinonen is a hard
working, highly skilled, and motivated individual who has been a positive asset
to the organization both on and off the ice. Heinonen will play collegiately at
Michigan Tech University beginning in the fall of 2013.
Aviation Universe is
Chicago’s Aviation Emporium, and your local shop for all things aviation,
including kid’s toys, collectible models, unique gifts and pilot supplies.
Aviation Universe is conveniently located across from the Metra station in
downtown Bensenville. Stop by and try our free flight simulator! For
more information and hours of operation, please visit www.aviationuniverse.us/shop/ or
call 630-350-7913.
Monday,
March 4th, 2013
SMOLCYNSKI NAMED AVIATION UNIVERSE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Bensenville, IL (March
4th, 2013) – The Chicago Steel would like to announce that Drew Smolcynski
has been named the Aviation Universe Player of the Month for February.
A 5-foot 11, 170-pound
forward, Smolcynski registered three goals and four assists last month,
including the game-winning goal to drive the Steel to a 6-4 victory over the
Des Moines Buccaneers on Feb. 23. Smolcynski has registered seven points in
eight games with the Steel after being acquired from the Indiana Ice in a trade
on Feb. 6.
Throughout his time at
the Steel, Smolcynski has shown heart, determination, and passion, both on and
off the ice. Smolcynski will play collegiately at St. Lawrence University
beginning in the fall of 2013.
Friday,
February 22nd, 2013
DEFENSEMAN CHRISTIAN NEUMANN MAKES COLLEGE HOCKEY CHOICE
BENSENVILLE, IL
(February 22nd, 2013) – Chicago Steel defenseman Christian Neumann has
committed to play for the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of
2013. He is in his second season with the Steel and has scored one
goal and added 11 assists in 36 games in 2012-13.
Neumann verbally
committed to the Air Force Academy last May, but reopened the recruiting
process earlier this season. After making visits to other NCAA
Division I Ice Hockey programs, the 6-foot, 185-pound Naperville, Ill.,
resident decided on Tuesday to play collegiately for the Huskies.
“We are excited that
Christian will continue his hockey career at UConn,” Chicago Steel head coach
Scott McConnell said. “Christian has worked hard at every stop along
his hockey career and will continue develop under the tutelage of Connecticut’s
coaching staff. Christian is an excellent leader within our
organization and it is nice to see his hard work pay off.”
UConn is located in
Storrs, Conn., and is a member of the Atlantic Hockey
Association. The Huskies, however, will join Hockey East as the
conference’s 12thmember starting in the 2014-15 season.
Monday,
February 11th, 2013
EBBING COMMITS TO MICHIGAN STATE
Bensenville, IL
(February 11th, 2013) — Chicago Steel forward Thomas Ebbing announced that he
will play for Michigan State University after the conclusion of his United
States Hockey League career. Ebbing has 20 points (11g, 9a) in his first season
with the Steel.
Ebbing will join Steel
teammate and former Brother Rice High School linemate Mackenzie MacEachern at
MSU. The longtime friends grew up a few blocks away from each other in Troy,
Mich. and have skated on the same team since their youth hockey days.
A third-round draft
pick, 34th overall, in the 2012 USHL Entry Draft by Chicago, Ebbing was
selected to the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects game and suited up for the Team USA
at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge. He is currently ranked No. 100 on NHL Central
Scouting’s midterm rankings.
“We are thrilled that
Thomas chose a school that has been close to his heart,” Chicago Steel head
coach Scott McConnell said. “It’s a proud day in the Ebbing household and
exciting when a kid chooses his dream school to play hockey at. Thomas will
make the Spartans a much better team when he arrives on campus.”
Thursday,
February 7th, 2013
STEEL PUSH FOR PLAYOFFS WITH FLURRY OF MOVES
Bensenville, IL
(February 7th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel acquired Tyler Heinonen and Chase
Phelps from the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Drew Smolcynski from the Indiana Ice
on Wednesday. In exchange, Chicago traded forwards Jeff Kubiak and
Christian Heil to Muskegon, along with affiliate list players Roman Gaudet and
Jacob McNamara to Indiana. Draft picks were also swapped between the
Steel and the Ice.
Heinonen is a 6-foot,
190-pound forward, and is committed to Michigan Tech University. He
was a second-round selection by the Lumberjacks in the 2011 United States
Hockey League Entry Draft and put up 21 goals and 12 assists last
season. The Delano, Minn., native, has registered 31 points (15g, 16a) in
41 games in 2012-13.
Phelps, a 6-foot,
170-pound forward, was a 2012 second-round USHL Futures Draft pick of Muskegon
and is currently playing for hockey powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s in
Fairbault, Minn. A forward from Eagan, Minn., Phelps is a 1996 birth
year, who has racked up 21 goals and 31 assists in 46 games for Shattuck’s Prep
team this season.
Smolcynski, a 5-foot-9,
167-pound forward, netted 15 goals and added 13 assists in 44 games for the Ice
this year. The St. Lawrence University recruit, hails from Hatfield,
Pa. and is his second year of USHL play. Smolcynski competed in 45
games for Indiana in 2011-12 and registered 19 points (9g, 10a).
Chicago on Wednesday
also placed defenseman Sam Piazza on its affiliate list. Piazza will play
for the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the North American Hockey League for the
remainder of 2012-13.
Tuesday,
February 5th, 2013
NELL COMMITS TO BOWLING GREEN
Bensenville, IL
(February 5th, 2013) — Chicago Steel goalie Chris Nell has committed to play
his collegiate hockey at Bowling Green State University. Nell has
made 322 saves in just over 609 minutes of work in his first season with the
Steel.
The 6-foot-1, 162-pound
netminder, was drafted by Chicago with the sixth overall pick in the 2012
United States Hockey League Entry Draft. A native of Green Bay,
Wis., Nell was a 2012 First Team All-State selecction in Wisconsin after
leading Green Bay Notre Dame to a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic
Association State Championship.
“We are extremely proud
that Chris will continue his playing career at Bowling Green,” Steel head coach
Scott McConnell said. “Coming from high school hockey, we knew that there was
going to be some adjustment, but with Chris’ work ethic, persistence and
positive attitude, we knew it would pay off. We are excited on the
school he chose, because he will continue to develop and make a great Falcon.”
Nell has compiled a
2-7-1 record during the 2012-13 campaign, with a 4.03 goals-against-average and
0.887 save percentage.
Monday,
February 4th, 2013
VALLEAU NAMED CCM DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
Bensenville, IL
(February 4th, 2013) — Chicago Steel Defenseman Nolan Valleau was named the CCM
Defenseman of the week, the United States Hockey League announced on Monday.
Valleau scored the
game-winning goal Saturday evening in Chicago’s 4-3 win against the Muskegon
Lumberjacks. It was Valleau’s second goal of the weekend and his
third goal in four games as a member of the Steel after being acquired in a
trade with Des Moines on Jan. 19.
The Ohio State recruit,
hails from Novi, Mich. and is in his first season in the USHL.
Saturday,
January 26th, 2013
STEEL WELL REPRESENTED AT TOP PROSPECTS GAME
STEEL WELL REPRESENTED AT TOP PROSPECTS GAME
Bensenville, IL (January
26th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel were well represented at Wednesday’s USHL/NHL
Top Prospects Game in Muskegon, Mich. Steel netminder Alex Sakellaropoulos,
and forwards Christian Heil and Thomas Ebbing suited up for Team East at the
annual mid-season event presented by CCM.
Sakellaropoulos stopped
all nine shots he faced in Team East’s 2-1 loss. He logged just over
29 minutes in net Wednesday evening and made an indelible impression on NHL
scouts in attendance at L.C. Walker Arena.
“Alex performed well in
the game, he played with confidence, moved well and was comfortable in net,”
Chicago Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Everyone was very
happy with the way he competed. There were a lot of NHL scouts at
the game who got to see Sak in goal and they were impressed with what they
saw.”
Heil provided an
assist on Team East’s only goal of the game at the 15:08 mark in the third
period. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Colorado College recruit, fired off
five shots and recorded a minus-one on-ice rating in the
loss. Ebbing registered two shots for Team East and had an even
on-ice rating.
“Heil and Ebbing played
very hard,” McConnell said. “It’s tough to jump into a situation where you
haven’t played with any of the players before, but Christian and Thomas had
some opportunities and they created some offense. It was really
exciting to see both of them play at such a high level.”
Sunday,
January 20th, 2013
SAKELLAROPOULOS ADDED TO THE USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECT GAME
Bensenville, IL (January
20th, 2013) — Chicago Steel goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos has been added to
the Team East roster for the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, the United States
Hockey League announced on Monday.
The Tinley Park, Ill.
resident is in his second season with the Steel and has compiled a 3.27
goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage in 30 games in 2012-13.
He has been a pivotal member in 13 of Chicago’s 14 victories this season.
Sakellaropoulos will
replace Dubuque goalie Arthur Brey who will miss the Jan. 23 contest in
Muskegon, Mich. due to injury.
Saturday,
January 19th, 2013
STEEL ACQUIRE NOLAN VALLEAU
Bensenville, IL (January
19th, 2012) — The Chicago Steel acquired defenseman Nolan Valleau from the Des
Moines Buccaneers on Saturday.
Valleau, a 1992 birth
year, suited up for the Steel in Sunday’s contest against Team USA where he
scored a goal in the 4-2 loss. The 6-foot, 160-pound native of
Novi, Mich., is committed to Ohio State. He scored five goals, added 13
assists and accumulated 24 penalty minutes in 37 games for the Buccaneers
before coming over to Chicago.
Valleau is in his
first season of competition in the United States Hockey League after playing in
the North American Hockey League in 2011-12 for the New Mexico Mustangs and
Port Huron Fighting Falcons.
Chicago on Saturday also
traded defenseman Dan McNamara to the NAHL’s Amarillo Bulls. McNamara saw
action in 30 games for the Steel, where he tallied six points (2g, 4a) and
22 penalty minutes.
Tuesday,
January 15th, 2013
EBBING AND HILL NAMED ON NHL MIDTERM RANKING LIST
Bensenville, IL (January
15th, 2013) — National Hockey League Central Scouting on Tuesday released its
mid-term rankings of all North American skaters eligible for the 2013 NHL
Draft, and Chicago Steel forwards Tyler Hill and Thomas Ebbing are ranked No.
85 and No. 100, respectively.
Hill, a Hagersville,
Ontario native, has played in two games this season for Chicago and tallied a
goal and an assist against the Indiana Ice on Nov. 24. Steel head coach Scott
McConnell describes Hill as big-framed forward (6-foot-6, 225-pound forward),
with the skills and tools to match his physical presence.
Ebbing, who will be
competing in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday, Jan. 23 in Muskegon,
Mich., has added nine goals and seven assist in 29 games for the Steel in
2012-13. According to McConnell, Ebbing is a strong all-around player,
who is as reliable defensively as he is on the offensive end.
“It is an honor for both
players to be named to NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term list,” McConnell
said. “But they know that just because their names were listed on the
mid-term rankings, it doesn’t mean they will hear their names called this June
in New Jersey. Tyler and Thomas are hard workers and will continue to
strive to make themselves better players.”
Sunday,
January 13th, 2013
STEEL ACQUIRE WOODY HUDSON
Bensenville, IL (January
13th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel have acquired forward Woody Hudson in a trade
with the Indiana Ice on Saturday.
Hudson is in his second
season in the United States Hockey League and put up 20 points (14g, 6a) in 35
games for Indiana this year. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound forward,
is committed to Cornell University and will be suited up for the Steel against
the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Sunday, Jan. 13.
Last season with the
Ice, Hudson tallied 11 goals, seven assists and 117 penalty minutes in 56
games.
Friday,
January 11th, 2013
STEEL WELCOME BACK MICHAEL HOLLAND
Bensenville, IL (January
11th, 2013) — The Chicago Steel acquired defenseman Michael Holland from
the Sioux City Musketeers on Thursday.
Holland played in 29
games for the Musketeers this season and tallied five assists along with 46
penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound blueliner from Atkinson,
N.H., has been in the United States Hockey League since the 2010-11 campaign,
where he began his Tier I Junior A career with the Chicago Steel.
Holland is a 1992 birth
year and is committed to play his collegiate hockey at Rochester Institute of
Technology.
Friday,
January 4th, 2013
BENSON HANGS UP SKATES
Bensenville, IL (January
4th, 2012) — The Chicago Steel would like to announce that defenseman Joel
Benson has decided to retire from hockey due to medical reasons.
As a captain of the
Chicago Steel for the past two seasons, Benson was an exemplary leader on the
ice, in the locker room and in the community. He competed in 116
career games for the Steel, where he tallied 12 goals, 14 assists and 225
penalty minutes.
“It is difficult for me
talk about, but we will truly miss Joel and we fully support his decision,”
Chicago Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “From a personal
aspect, Joel has been a driving force for our organization and his never quit
attitude is a testament to his character–he is going to be successful in
whatever career path he chooses. Joel is our captain and his
leadership will be carried on in our locker room for the rest of the season.”
The Marquette, Mich.
native, began his career with the Steel during the 2010-11 campaign after he
was selected fourth overall by the club in the 2010 United States Hockey League
Entry Draft. Before Chicago, Benson played the 2009-10 season in the North
American Hockey League with the Alpena IceDiggers.
Wednesday,
January 2nd, 2013
HEIL AND EBBING NOMINATED TO 2013 USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME
Bensenville, IL (January
2nd, 2013) — The Chicago Steel’s Christian Heil and Thomas Ebbing have been
selected to compete in the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, the league
announced on Wednesday.
Heil and Ebbing will
suit up for Team East in the contest, which is set for Wednesday, Jan. 23 at
L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Mich. The event will feature the top 40 USHL
players eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and will be heavily scouted by
all 30 NHL clubs.
Heil, a Westminster
Colorado native, is in his second season with the Steel and has 16 points in 20
games (14 g 2 a). Last season he had 19 points in 55 games (8 g 11 a).
Ebbing, a native of
Troy, Michigan, has recorded 15 points in 24 games this season (8 G 7 a).
Thomas was also a member of the 2012 World Junior A Challenge team that gold
the gold medal.
Last season, Team East
defeated Team West, in the inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects game.
Sunday,
December 30th, 2012
STEEL EARN 300TH FRANCHISE VICTORY
Bensenville IL (December
30th, 2012) — The Chicago Steel won their 300th win in franchise history
tonight as they faced off against the Indiana Ice at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
This was Chicago’s third
game in as many days and its second overtime victory in the last two.
The Steel opened up the
scoring with a goal coming from Jaccob Slavin, his second of the year, at the
14:00 minute mark of the first period. Jeff Kubiak and Patrick Polino were
credited with the assists.
The score would remain
1-0 through the remainder of the first and through the entire second period
until Indiana scored at the 6:43 mark of the third period on the powerplay.
Overtime would prove to
not be enough hockey and the Steel and the Ice would head to the shootout.
Chris Dodero was the first shooter for the Steel and he found the back of the
net, which would hold up to be the game winner.
Alex Sakellaropoulos
stopped all three shooters in the shootout and had 41 saves on the night
earning his 12th win of the year.
Thursday,
December 20th, 2012
STEEL ACQUIRE BILL EISERMAN
Bensenville, IL
(December 20th, 2012) - The Chicago Steel have added defenseman Billy Eiserman
to the roster, the team announced on Thursday.
Eiserman, a native of
Newburyport, Mass., appeared in 32 games for UMass-Lowell over the last two
seasons, before making the move back to the United States Hockey League. He
played for the Tri-City Storm in 2010-11 and tallied four assists in 54 games.
The addition of the
6-foot, 200-pound blueliner couldn’t have come at a better time as the Steel
look to regroup after injuries and suspensions have depleted their defensive
core.
“We are excited to add a
player like Billy to our team,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said.
“He is a veteran of the
USHL and his experience, not only in the USHL, but competing in Hockey East for
UMass-Lowell, is going to be a huge asset for our locker room. Billy knows what
it takes to show up every night and stay true to yourself and your game. His
stay at home, physical mentality will be contagious throughout our defense and
exactly what our team needs.”
Tuesday,
December 4th, 2012
STEVE POAPST INDUCTED INTO ECHL HALL OF FAME
Bensenville, IL
(December 4th, 2012) - The Chicago Steel Hockey Team would like to congratulate former head coach Steve Poapst on being named a 2013
inductee into the ECHL Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on
Jan. 23, 2013 in Loveland, Colo.
Poapst, who began his professional playing career in the ECHL with the Hampton Road Admirals, coached the Steel from 2007-2010, where he compiled an 87-79-14 and led the club to United States Hockey League Clark Cup Playoffs in 2008.
Poapst registered 73 points (18g, 55a) in 118 regular season games for the Road Admirals and helped guide Hampton to its second-straight ECHL Championship in 1992. A veteran of 307 career National Hockey League games and 498 career games in the American Hockey League, Poapst is currently in his third season as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Poapst, who began his professional playing career in the ECHL with the Hampton Road Admirals, coached the Steel from 2007-2010, where he compiled an 87-79-14 and led the club to United States Hockey League Clark Cup Playoffs in 2008.
Poapst registered 73 points (18g, 55a) in 118 regular season games for the Road Admirals and helped guide Hampton to its second-straight ECHL Championship in 1992. A veteran of 307 career National Hockey League games and 498 career games in the American Hockey League, Poapst is currently in his third season as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Sunday,
November 11th, 2012
EBBING, ENGA, AND SLAVIN BRING HOME GOLD
Bensenville, IL
(November 11th, 2012) - The Chicago Steel would like to congratulate assistant
coach R.J. Enga, forward Thomas Ebbing, defenseman Jaccob Slavin, and USA
Hockey on winning the 2012 World Junior A Challenge.
Team USA defeated Canada West on Sunday night, 6-3, to earn its fourth gold medal at the World Junior A Championship in five years. The U.S. went 2-0 in group play with wins over Canada East and Switzerland, before moving on to the semifinals where it defeated the Swiss team in a rematch from three nights before.
Slavin served as an assistant captain for Team USA, while Ebbing registered his only assist of the tournament on Team USA’s game-winning goal against Switzerland in the semifinals.
Enga, Slavin and Ebbing will be back with the Steel this week in preparation for Chicago’s games at the Edge Ice Arena this Friday and Saturday against Green Bay and Team USA 18, respectively.
Team USA defeated Canada West on Sunday night, 6-3, to earn its fourth gold medal at the World Junior A Championship in five years. The U.S. went 2-0 in group play with wins over Canada East and Switzerland, before moving on to the semifinals where it defeated the Swiss team in a rematch from three nights before.
Slavin served as an assistant captain for Team USA, while Ebbing registered his only assist of the tournament on Team USA’s game-winning goal against Switzerland in the semifinals.
Enga, Slavin and Ebbing will be back with the Steel this week in preparation for Chicago’s games at the Edge Ice Arena this Friday and Saturday against Green Bay and Team USA 18, respectively.
Thursday,
October 25th, 2012
STEEL ROSTER MOVES
STEEL ROSTER MOVES
BENSENVILLE, Ill.
(October 25th, 2012) – The Chicago Steel traded forward Ali Thomas to the Des
Moines Buccaneers on Wednesday. Thomas produced two points in seven games this
season with the Steel.
In exchange for Thomas, Chicago received Peter Tischke from Des Moines. Tischke is a 6-foot, 187-pound defenseman, who was selected 28th overall by the Buccaneers in the 2012 United States Hockey League Futures Draft. A 1996 birth year, he is currently competing for the Chicago Mission U18 and will play collegiately for head coach Mike Eaves at the University of Wisconsin beginning in the fall of 2014.
Chicago also picked up 2013 NHL Entry Draft prospect Tyler Hill on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward, is ranked as the 47th best player in the 2013 NHL Draft class according to CBSSports.com’s Chris Peters. Several 2013 NHL mock draft websites have Hill going in the top 50, with Draftsite.com projecting him as a top 10 overall pick. Hill is in his final season at the Hotchkiss School, a prestigious boarding school located in Lakeville, Conn.
In exchange for Thomas, Chicago received Peter Tischke from Des Moines. Tischke is a 6-foot, 187-pound defenseman, who was selected 28th overall by the Buccaneers in the 2012 United States Hockey League Futures Draft. A 1996 birth year, he is currently competing for the Chicago Mission U18 and will play collegiately for head coach Mike Eaves at the University of Wisconsin beginning in the fall of 2014.
Chicago also picked up 2013 NHL Entry Draft prospect Tyler Hill on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward, is ranked as the 47th best player in the 2013 NHL Draft class according to CBSSports.com’s Chris Peters. Several 2013 NHL mock draft websites have Hill going in the top 50, with Draftsite.com projecting him as a top 10 overall pick. Hill is in his final season at the Hotchkiss School, a prestigious boarding school located in Lakeville, Conn.
Thursday,
October 18th, 2012
SLAVIN AND EBBING EARN HONOR TO PLAY FOR USA
Bensenville, IL (October
18th, 2012) — Chicago Steel forward Thomas Ebbing and defenseman Jaccob Slavin
have been named to the United States Men’s Select Team for the 2012 World
Junior A Challenge, USA hockey announced Thursday.
Slavin and Ebbing will join Steel assistant coach R.J. Enga when Team USA takes to the ice, Nov. 5-11, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
“I think that the biggest thing that Jaccob and Thomas will bring to the team will be passion,” head coach Scott McConnell said. “The experience of playing against some of the best international players will be invaluable. We are extremely honored as an organization to send three representatives with the amount of character R.J., Jaccob and Thomas provide.”
Slavin is one of four 2012 NHL Entry Draft picks on this year’s U.S. Select Team. Slavin, who was selected in the fourth-round, 120th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes, has tallied three assists in six games for the Steel this season.
“Jaccob Slavin is a natural leader and that’s aside from his abilities on the ice,” Chicago Steel assistant coach Kelly Gee said. “His on ice presence will be an asset for the United States, while his calm and smooth demeanor will help bond a new group of players whom have never played together before.”
In his first season with Chicago, Ebbing ranks third on the team in points after six United States Hockey League contests. His three goals and four assists have given the Steel a boost on the ice, while propelling them to a 5-1-0 record.
“Thomas Ebbing is a buzz saw of energy and his skill set will make him a threat in this competition,” Gee said. “Thomas’ immediate impact with our squad and in our league, is a testament to the caliber of player he is becoming. This will be a great opportunity for Thomas to display his NHL-level talent.”
Coach Enga and the U.S. Select Team coaching staff will be looking to bring the gold medal back to the United States following a third place finish in the 2011 World Junior A Challenge. Gee believes that Enga’s own experience playing for Team USA in international competition and his enthusiasm to work with players of this age group will make him an invaluable member of the already elite U.S. coaching staff.
“It is really exciting to have Coach Enga represent the United States,” Gee said. “The U.S. has had a lot of success over the years in the World Junior A challenge, including winning three of the last four tournaments. Head coach [Brett] Larson, assistant coach [Derek] Lalonde and Enga will have their squad primed and ready to go by Nov. 5 when they open up against Canada East.”
Slavin and Ebbing will join Steel assistant coach R.J. Enga when Team USA takes to the ice, Nov. 5-11, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
“I think that the biggest thing that Jaccob and Thomas will bring to the team will be passion,” head coach Scott McConnell said. “The experience of playing against some of the best international players will be invaluable. We are extremely honored as an organization to send three representatives with the amount of character R.J., Jaccob and Thomas provide.”
Slavin is one of four 2012 NHL Entry Draft picks on this year’s U.S. Select Team. Slavin, who was selected in the fourth-round, 120th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes, has tallied three assists in six games for the Steel this season.
“Jaccob Slavin is a natural leader and that’s aside from his abilities on the ice,” Chicago Steel assistant coach Kelly Gee said. “His on ice presence will be an asset for the United States, while his calm and smooth demeanor will help bond a new group of players whom have never played together before.”
In his first season with Chicago, Ebbing ranks third on the team in points after six United States Hockey League contests. His three goals and four assists have given the Steel a boost on the ice, while propelling them to a 5-1-0 record.
“Thomas Ebbing is a buzz saw of energy and his skill set will make him a threat in this competition,” Gee said. “Thomas’ immediate impact with our squad and in our league, is a testament to the caliber of player he is becoming. This will be a great opportunity for Thomas to display his NHL-level talent.”
Coach Enga and the U.S. Select Team coaching staff will be looking to bring the gold medal back to the United States following a third place finish in the 2011 World Junior A Challenge. Gee believes that Enga’s own experience playing for Team USA in international competition and his enthusiasm to work with players of this age group will make him an invaluable member of the already elite U.S. coaching staff.
“It is really exciting to have Coach Enga represent the United States,” Gee said. “The U.S. has had a lot of success over the years in the World Junior A challenge, including winning three of the last four tournaments. Head coach [Brett] Larson, assistant coach [Derek] Lalonde and Enga will have their squad primed and ready to go by Nov. 5 when they open up against Canada East.”
Thursday,
October 18th, 2012
RJ ENGA NAMED ASSISTANT COACH FOR WORLD JR A CHALLENGE
Bensenville IL (October
18th, 2012) — Chicago Steel assistant coach and director of player development,
R.J. Enga, has been named an assistant coach for the United States Men’s Select
Team that will compete in the 2012 World Junior A Challenge, Nov. 5-11, in
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Enga is in his second season with the Steel after serving as an assistant coach in the North American Hockey League with the Topeka RoadRunners, where he helped the club capture the 2010 NAHL Presidents trophy and back-to-back NAHL South Division championships (2009,2010).
“It is a huge honor to be chosen by Coach Larson as an assistant for the 2012 World Junior A Challenge,” Enga said. “Anytime you get to represent your country in an event like this is very special. I am certainly looking forward to working with all the players and such a great staff.”
Enga said that preparation has already begun for the World Junior A Challenge, which will feature two squads from Canada, and teams from Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland and the U.S. The U.S. has won three of the last four World Junior A Challenge championships.
“We had a conference call earlier this month and Coach Larson has some great ideas for the 2012 squad,” Enga said. “We are going to try to get together here to finalize the roster and talk over team building exercises. I am excited to learn from two great coaches and help this team any way I can.”
As a player, Enga was a member of the 1989 U.S. Select-17 Team in Lake Placid, NY and the U.S. Men’s national team at Finland’s Tampere Cup in 1994. He played collegiately at Colorado College and spent 10 seasons competing professionally.
Enga is the second member of the Chicago Steel staff to coach the United States in international competition. Two seasons ago, Steel head coach Scott McConnell served as the video coach for Team USA at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, where they defeated Sweden in the bronze medal game.
“Anytime you get the opportunity to represent your country is an honor,” McConnell said. “I couldn’t be happier for him. No one has worked harder and no one will represent our country better than Coach Enga.”
Enga and the U.S. Select Team will begin competition on Nov. 5 against Canada East at the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth. For more information on the World Junior A Challenge, please visit: www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/170547/la_id/1.htm
Enga is in his second season with the Steel after serving as an assistant coach in the North American Hockey League with the Topeka RoadRunners, where he helped the club capture the 2010 NAHL Presidents trophy and back-to-back NAHL South Division championships (2009,2010).
“It is a huge honor to be chosen by Coach Larson as an assistant for the 2012 World Junior A Challenge,” Enga said. “Anytime you get to represent your country in an event like this is very special. I am certainly looking forward to working with all the players and such a great staff.”
Enga said that preparation has already begun for the World Junior A Challenge, which will feature two squads from Canada, and teams from Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland and the U.S. The U.S. has won three of the last four World Junior A Challenge championships.
“We had a conference call earlier this month and Coach Larson has some great ideas for the 2012 squad,” Enga said. “We are going to try to get together here to finalize the roster and talk over team building exercises. I am excited to learn from two great coaches and help this team any way I can.”
As a player, Enga was a member of the 1989 U.S. Select-17 Team in Lake Placid, NY and the U.S. Men’s national team at Finland’s Tampere Cup in 1994. He played collegiately at Colorado College and spent 10 seasons competing professionally.
Enga is the second member of the Chicago Steel staff to coach the United States in international competition. Two seasons ago, Steel head coach Scott McConnell served as the video coach for Team USA at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, where they defeated Sweden in the bronze medal game.
“Anytime you get the opportunity to represent your country is an honor,” McConnell said. “I couldn’t be happier for him. No one has worked harder and no one will represent our country better than Coach Enga.”
Enga and the U.S. Select Team will begin competition on Nov. 5 against Canada East at the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth. For more information on the World Junior A Challenge, please visit: www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/170547/la_id/1.htm
Wednesday,
September 5th, 2012
STEEL WILL PLAY INTRASQAUD GAME AT DARIEN
Bensenville, IL
(September 4th, 2012) – On Sunday, Sept. 16 the Chicago Steel will be holding
an intrasquad battle hosted by the Chicago Hawks Youth Hockey Club at the
Darien Sportsplex in Darien, Ill. The event is free to the public and will be
an opportunity for hockey fans of all ages and levels to come out and watch the
Steel work hard and compete before the start of the United States Hockey League
Fall Classic in Sioux City, Iowa.
The preseason clash is sponsored by Tom and Eddie’s and the festivities will begin with a intrasquad battle at 4:00 p.m. Two halves of hockey will be played with the proceeds from the intermission “Chuck-A-Puck” contest going to the Hawks hockey program. After the conclusion of the scrimmage, fans can stick around and skate with their favorite Steel players.
Steel head coach Scott McConnell along with his coaching staff will be in attendance, while 2012 NHL Entry Draft Picks Mackenzie MacEachern (third-round; St. Louis) and Jaccob Slavin (fourth-round; Carolina) are ready to put their talent on display.
Chicago is looking to build on a strong finish from last season in preparation for its home opener on Friday, Sept. 28 against the Indiana Ice. The Steel are excited to be back at the Darien Sportsplex and look forward to an outstanding year.
For more information, please visit us at www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or call the Chicago Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
The preseason clash is sponsored by Tom and Eddie’s and the festivities will begin with a intrasquad battle at 4:00 p.m. Two halves of hockey will be played with the proceeds from the intermission “Chuck-A-Puck” contest going to the Hawks hockey program. After the conclusion of the scrimmage, fans can stick around and skate with their favorite Steel players.
Steel head coach Scott McConnell along with his coaching staff will be in attendance, while 2012 NHL Entry Draft Picks Mackenzie MacEachern (third-round; St. Louis) and Jaccob Slavin (fourth-round; Carolina) are ready to put their talent on display.
Chicago is looking to build on a strong finish from last season in preparation for its home opener on Friday, Sept. 28 against the Indiana Ice. The Steel are excited to be back at the Darien Sportsplex and look forward to an outstanding year.
For more information, please visit us at www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com or call the Chicago Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161.
Monday,
August 13th, 2012
MAX GIESE HIRED AS SCOUT FOR WINNIPEG JETS
BENSENVILLE, Ill. – The
Chicago Steel would like to congratulate Max Giese on being hired as an Amateur
Scout with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Giese served as the
Director of Player Personnel with the Steel the past two seasons and will begin
his new position in September.
“It’s a dream come true
for me,” Giese said. “They verbally offered me last evening over the phone and
the official written offer arrived this morning.
“I really enjoyed
working with everyone at the Steel and I appreciate Scott’s [McConnell] help
these last two years; he trusted me and gave me a lot of responsibility with
the team. Scott and R.J. [Enga] are excellent coaches and will have a very
successful season in 2012-13.”
With Winnipeg, Giese’s
focus will be on scouting prospects from the United States Hockey League,
Minnesota State High School League, North American Hockey League and
Metropolitan Boston. Prior to the Steel, he worked as the Head Scout with the
Janesville Jets of the NAHL and spent two seasons with the Red Line
Report.
“We are definitely going
to miss Max,” Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “Over the past two years no
one has worked harder, been in more rinks or looked at more players than Max.
As a team, we can’t thank him enough for all that he has done and he will
always be a part of this organization.”
Thursday,
August 9th, 2012
O'CONNOR COMMITS TO BEMIDJI STATE
BENSENVILLE, Ill.—The
Chicago Steel have announced that forward Charlie O’Connor has committed to
play hockey for Bemidji State University beginning in the Fall of 2013.
O’Connor will be entering his second year in a Steel uniform following a
29-point season (10 g, 19a) in 2011-12.
A graduate of Lake
Forest Academy, O’Connor was a third-round draft pick of the Sioux Falls
Stampede in the 2009 United States Hockey League Futures Draft, before he was
acquired by Chicago in 2010. The Elk Grove Village, Ill. resident is the second
member of the Steel to commit to Bemidji for the 2013-14 season. In April,
O’Connor’s teammate, Phillip Marinaccio, announced that he will attend BSU
after the completion of his USHL career.
The Beavers compete in
the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and play their games at the
4,300-seat Sanford Center, which opened in October of 2010. Bemidji State has
appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times (2005,2006,2009,2010), including a
magical run to the school’s first ever Frozen Four in 2009.
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