Cal Thomas Named USHL Defenseman of the Week
Published on March 29, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Chicago Steel defenseman Cal Thomas has been named United States Hockey League Defenseman of the Week for the first time in his USHL career, the league announced Tuesday.
Thomas, selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the sixth round (#171 Overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, put together a pair of multi-point performances in helping the Steel become the first Eastern Conference team to clinch a berth in the 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs and, later in the weekend, knock off a conference rival.
The blueliner picked up two helpers against the Youngstown Phantoms on March 24 in the playoff-clinching 5-1 win before posting another two-assist game during a thrilling 6-5 road victory against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on March 26.
"Cal's skill set and high-level IQ have made him a huge asset to the Steel since coming in mid-season," said Steel Associate Head Coach Matt Deschamps. "He's extremely poised within the chaos of the game and makes intelligent reads in every situation. Cal's elite level play certainly makes this recognition by the League well-deserved."
Acquired via trade by the Steel on Feb. 4, the 6-foot-tall, 185-pound defenseman has totaled eight helpers over 17 games played as a member of the Chicago Steel. Thomas is committed to the University of Minnesota.
Thomas is the third Steel player to take home Player of the Week honors this season, joining forward Adam Fantilli on Nov. 16 and fellow defenseman Jake Livanavage on Dec. 14.
The Clark Cup Playoffs-bound Steel begin the final month of the regular season with back-to-back contests against the Madison Capitols, starting on Friday, April 1 at Fox Valley Ice Arena. The 7:05 pm CT puck drop is Crazy Hat Night with Special Helmet Auction presented by Waubonsee Community College as Steel players will each wear uniquely designed helmets made by Waubonsee Community College art students. The helmets will be auctioned off online with proceeds benefitting the Waubonsee Foundation.
Chicago and Madison rematch on Saturday, April 2 at Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena in Wisconsin with a 7:05 pm CT start time.
Steel single-game tickets start at just $10 and are available in person at the Steel Box Office at Fox Valley Ice Arena, by phone at 855-51-STEEL and online at chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. The Steel offer single-game ticket discounts for kids 12 and under and military.
Steel games may be heard on Mixlr at http://mixlr.com/chicago-steel/ (AUDIO) and video may be streamed on available devices through HockeyTV at www.hockeytv.com.
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Chicago Steel Upcoming Home Games presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Friday, April 1 vs. Madison (7:05 pm CT) Crazy Hat Night with Special Helmet Auction presented by Waubonsee Community College
Friday, April 8 vs. Green Bay Gamblers (7:05 pm CT) Pucks and Pups - Bring Your Dog to the Game! presented by PetSuites
Saturday, April 9 vs. Green Bay Gamblers (7:05 pm CT) Board Game Night presented by TopShelf Sports Cards | GIVEAWAY - Rusty Chess Piece courtesy of 95.9 The River
United States Hockey League Stories from March 29, 2022
- Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Weekend Preview - April 1-2 - Green Bay Gamblers
- Wahlin Named USHL Forward of the Week - Lincoln Stars
- Brisson & Moyle Propel Michgan to Frozen Four - Green Bay Gamblers
- Nelson Shines, Takes Runner-Up in State Final - Green Bay Gamblers
- Lucas Wahlin, Cal Thomas and Trey Augustine Earn Weekly Honors - USHL
- Cal Thomas Named USHL Defenseman of the Week - Chicago Steel
- Black Hawks Futures Camps Open July 21st - Waterloo Black Hawks
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