Chicago Held to One Goal as NTDP Sweeps Weekend
March 10, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, IL - Chicago scored a late goal in an attempt to spark a comeback effort, but three NTDP goals in the first two periods were enough as the Steel (21-23-3-4, 49 pts.) fell to the USA Hockey NTDP U17 team (17-28-1-2, 37 pts.) 3-1 at Fox Valley Ice Arena Sunday afternoon. The consecutive regulation losses were the first by the Steel since Dec. 16.
Michael Hage scored the only goal for the Steel, his 26th of the season. Goaltender Louka Cloutier made 30 saves on 33 shots in defeat.
After giving up seven goals the previous day, Chicago was noticeably tighter on defense to start in the second matchup, and had an extensive amount of pressure in the early stages of the game, recording eight shots on goal in the first five minutes of action.
The U17 team withstood the Steel thrust and pushed back after stifling a lengthy Steel cycle. The NTDP exited its zone with Conrad Fondrk carrying on the right wing and numbers to his left. Fondrk elected to shoot and labeled it short side to put the NTDP ahead on its first shot of the game.
Just 20 seconds later, the NTDP added to its count on a soft wrist shot from Donny Bracco from the left faceoff circle that ended up over the left shoulder of Cloutier.
Chicago outshot the NTDP 11-7 in the first period.
The second period was mild for the first ten minutes before Chicago pushed the pace and had its best looks of the game.
The Steel went on a long cycle in the attacking end with a healthy dose of shots on NTDP goaltender Joey Slavick, but the U17s withstood the push.
Immediately after the Steel's attack, the NTDP echoed Chicago's chances with a three-on-one rush the other way which was canceled out thanks to a clutch stick breakup by Hudson Gorski to prevent a would-be goal.
The NTDP remained a thorn in Chicago's side and got the goal it was searching for as Cullen Potter pounced on a loose puck in the slot with three minutes left in the period to make it 3-0.
Early in the third period, the Steel nearly broke through on a great passing play when Tobias Ohman gave a pass to Owen Tylec on the right wing. Tylec then sauced a backdoor pass to Michael Emerson who ripped a shot on goal, but Slavick made a fantastic sliding stop to keep Chicago off the board.
Chicago persisted on offense and finally got on the board with under six minutes remaining in the contest.
On a rush with numbers, Charlie Major got behind the NTDP defense and dished a pass to Hage at the back door, who shot five-hole on Slavick for the tally.
The Steel brought on an extra attacker on with just over two minutes to play, but the NTDP bent without breaking to take the Sunday finale 3-1 and complete the weekend sweep.
The Steel will take to the road for three games, starting with a matchup against the Green Bay Gamblers on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:05 pm CT.
Chicago will then travel to Lincoln for the first time since 2019 with matchups on Friday, March 15 at 7:05 pm CT and Saturday, March 16 at 6:05 pm CT.
The next home games for the Steel are Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24.
March 23 is Military Appreciation Night presented by Ozinga, where the Steel will wear specialty military jerseys that will be auctioned online with proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project.
March 24 is Superheroes Day presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush with a special Rusty Superhero Bobblehead Giveaway to the first 500 fans in attendance. After the game, fans can Skate with the Steel. Plus, it's a Steel Family Pack Game with a great deal for families - four tickets, hot dogs, chips, soda/waters, and chuck-a-pucks for just $60.
Single game tickets are on sale now starting at just $10. All Steel tickets are digital and fans are encouraged to purchase online in advance at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
For a limited time, fans can take advantage of the team's Ticket Plan Madness promotion to receive free regular season and playoff games for this season plus other benefits when signing up for a new ticket plan for the 2024-2025 season. Ticket plans start at just 5 games for $50. For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush: Wednesday, March 13 at Green Bay Gamblers (7:05 pm CT)
Friday, March 15 at Lincoln Stars (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, March 16 at Lincoln Stars (6:05 pm CT)
United States Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2024
- Phantoms Win High Intensity Contest 7-4 Against Muskegon - Youngstown Phantoms
- Penalty Filled Affair Leads to Jacks 7-4 Loss; Still Take Series Win 2-1 - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Chicago Held to One Goal as NTDP Sweeps Weekend - Chicago Steel
- Rewind: Recapping Saturday's Eight Games in the USHL - USHL
- Fargo Force Sign Forward Cole Bumgarner to Tender - Fargo Force
- Fargo Signs Cole Bumgarner to USHL Tender Agreement - USHL
- Steel Fall Short in 7-5 Loss to NTDP - Chicago Steel
- Dubuque Comeback Falls Short Against Bucs - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Phantoms Drop Second Straight to Muskegon 3-2 - Youngstown Phantoms
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