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USHL Chicago Steel

Chicago Extends Win Streak to Four Games, Beats Cedar Rapids 3-1

November 23, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel won their fourth-straight game Friday, scoring three unanswered goals and shutting the door defensively to defeat the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders 3-1 Friday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Chicago (8-7-1-0, 17 pts.) found itself down a goal just 71 seconds into the game, but a suffocating defensive performance propelled them past Cedar Rapids (8-8-2-0, 18 pts.).

"We've had other nights where we've been just as strong on the defensive side of the puck, but tonight was definitely one of [the best]," said Steel Head Coach Greg Moore. "We killed some penalties and gained momentum. As the game went on we got stronger and stronger, we were a little sleepy at the start ... but we got out of the little funk and started playing better."

Cedar Rapids got out to the quick start thanks to forward Aidan McDonough's third goal of the year. RoughRiders forward Jordan Tonelli started the play when he raced down the near boards before finding McDonough in the slot for the one-time shot past Steel goaltender Justin Robbins who was sliding to his left. That was all Robins and the Steel would allow.

Chicago answered back with 4:20 to play in the opening period when left wing Christian Sarlo scored his third goal in as many games. After a shot from defenseman Uula Ruikka flew into the air, Sarlo caught it and dropped the puck to his stick where he immediately fired a shot towards traffic in front of the net, deflecting past RoughRiders goaltender Troy Kobryn.

The Steel took control of the game in the second period, adding a pair of goals to extend their lead to 3-1. Right wing Neil Shea scored 2:03 into the frame when he pounded his own rebound past Kobryn in a net-front scrum. The goal extended his point streak to three games (1-2-3).

"[The goal] felt good for sure, great play by [Steel center Nick Abruzzese] down low and he made it an easy tap-in for me," said Shea. "We've been playing great as a team lately, individually I've gotten some good bounces, but credit to the whole team, we've been gelling lately so hopefully we can keep it rolling."

Chicago right wing Travis Treloar scored his seventh goal of the season 4:02 later when he finished off a beautiful passing play with defenseman John Spetz and center Adam Robbins. The assist pushed Robbins' point streak to five games (4-4-8) and into the team lead with 15 points this season.

Justin Robbins kept the Steel ahead 3-1 when he made a breakaway save on RoughRiders forward Andrei Bakanov with 6:04 to play in the game. The Steel held off a late RoughRiders powerplay and a last-minute rush after they pulled Kobryn for the extra attacker.

The Steel close out the weekend Saturday night with the first of three-straight games against the Central Illinois Flying Aces. The Steel bring their 6-1-0-0 road record to Grossinger Motors Arena for a 7:07 p.m. puck drop.

Chicago returns home next Friday, Nov. 30, for Crazy Hat Night presented by School of Art with a special helmet auction to benefit the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. During the game, believed to be the first of its kind, the Steel will be wearing individually designed helmets from local students and artists. The helmets will be auctioned off through a silent auction during the game with all proceeds going to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.

Tickets for all Steel home games are on sale now starting at just $10 and stadium seating on the glass is available for just $20. Parking is always free. The Steel offer discounted tickets for groups and are offering a special Holiday Ticket Plan, which includes three games and four gifts for just $40.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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