Chicago Steel Partner with Illinois Aviation Academy to Raise $9,250 for Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association
December 21, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Chicago Steel fans raised a record $9,250 to benefit the Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association during the team's Winterfest presented by Illinois Aviation Academy on Saturday, December 11 at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Fans were able to bid online for game-worn jerseys donned in Chicago's 6-4 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The auction ran from Dec. 9 through Dec. 16 with each jersey receiving at least one bid at the minimum of $150 and five jerseys sold for $600 each - Andon Cerbone, Adam Fantilli and Luca Fantilli, Jake Livanavage and Jayden Perron.
Uniquely designed, the one-of-a-kind jerseys are primarily red with a STEEL wordmark across the chest, intertwined with a string of festive lights, duplicated on each arm below the player numbers. The wrist cuffs and waist have a white border that dissolves into a snowflake pattern as it rises upwards to the strings of lights. Against a white section on top of the shoulder pads, the Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association crest stands out on both shoulders. To the right of the USHL crest on the chest of the jersey is the logo for Illinois Aviation Academy, the sponsor of the specialty jersey auction.
Bob Werderich, President of Illinois Aviation Academy, is a Cyclones Hockey parent and sponsored the fundraiser for a second time in the last three seasons. The 2020 Winterfest special jersey auction was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Illinois Aviation Academy could not be prouder to see our community support the Chicago Steel and Cyclones organizations," said Werderich. "The money raised will help more youth obtain the opportunity to play the exciting game of hockey and helps IAA in our quest to fight obesity and apathy in our communities. Thank you to everyone who purchased a Jersey and go Steel!"
"The Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association is truly blessed to have so many wonderful partners," said Cyclones President Frank Binetti. "Once again, the Chicago Steel, the Werderich family and Illinois Aviation Academy has demonstrated their commitment to the Cyclones. Due to their efforts, we were able to raise a new record amount over this past weekend from their Winterfest Jersey auctions.
"The money raised from the event helps the Cyclones continue its efforts to develop young athletes within the community hockey model," said Binetti. "But even more important than the money raised is the ongoing support of the Steel coaches, players, and team leadership. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the USHL's premier organization."
In addition to the in-game, holiday-themed entertainment, the crowd enjoyed the victory over the Eastern Conference rival Muskegon Lumberjacks, led by first-career USHL goals from both Evan Hunter and Mick Thompson. Joe Miller, Sam Lipkin, Jake Livanavage and Luke Levandowski each added goals while Christian Manz made 31 saves to earn the victory between the Steel pipes.
Chicago Steel Team President Dan Lehv expressed the organization's appreciation for all who participated to make the special evening a resounding success.
"We're grateful to our many fans who placed in a bid to support youth hockey," said Lehv. "This event would not be possible without Illinois Aviation Academy and our friends at the Cyclones who provide that first touchpoint for aspiring girls and boys in our community."
The first-place Steel return to action following the USHL's holiday break for a special Thursday night game with an early puck drop at 6:05 pm CT against the Madison Capitols on Dec. 30. The first 500 fans will receive a Steel lunchbox cooler as the team closes out a historic calendar year.
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 now 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:
Thursday, December 30 vs. Madison Capitols (6:05 pm CT) GIVEAWAY - Steel Lunchbox Cooler Giveaway (first 500 fans)
Sunday, January 2 vs. Madison Capitols (3:05 pm CT) Family Pack Game
Friday, January 14 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (7:05 pm CT) Olympics Night
United States Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2021
- Jackson Hallum, Jarod Crespo and Kyle Chauvette Earn Weekly Honors - USHL
- Chicago Steel Partner with Illinois Aviation Academy to Raise $9,250 for Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association - Chicago Steel
- Lumberjacks Welcome Youngstown and Team USA U17 for New Year's Bash - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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