Dugan's Overtime Winner Lifts Steel over Waterloo
December 6, 2017 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Jack Dugan scored twice Saturday, including the game-winning overtime goal, as the Chicago Steel (10-4-1-2, 23 pts.) defeated the Waterloo Black Hawks (11-6-1-1, 24 pts.) 3-2 at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Graham Lillibridge recorded the primary assist on both of Dugan's tallies, while Blake McLaughlin also notched a two-point outing (1+1).
Goaltender Oskar Autio made 30 saves as the Steel snapped a four-game losing skid (0-2-1-1).
After being shutout in two straight games, the Steel found the back of the net just over three minutes into the contest. Samuel Bucek skated down the right wing and fed a pass to McLaughlin, who tallied his eighth goal of the season as his shot from the left side beat Waterloo netminder Matej Tomek on the stick side.
Waterloo tied the game later in the opening period when Garrett Klee tipped a beautiful Matej Blumel pass from below the goal line at 16:28.
The Black Hawks took their first lead of the game at 12:21 of the second period with a power play marker. A shot from Winnetka, Ill. native Jack Drury from the top of the right circle found a way into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
Dugan then knotted the game at two just over two minutes later. The Vegas Golden Knights prospect sent a backhanded shot from below the left circle past Tomek, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect.
Neither team found the net in the third period and the game went into overtime. It was the fourth straight home game for the Steel to require OT. At 1:08 of the extra frame, Dugan completed a give-and-go on a 2-on-1 rush with Lillibridge, who dished a pass from the left wing to the top of the crease, where Dugan redirected the feed with a forehand shot through Tomek's five-hole.
Dugan's second tally of the night was his team-leading 13th goal of the season. Lillibridge now has 15 assists this season, second-most in the USHL.
Chicago returns to action Friday, Dec. 8 with a road game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Cedar Rapids Ice Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Steel games are carried live on Mixlr (free audio) and HockeyTV (iPPV). For more information, visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com/broadcast.
The Steel return home on Saturday, Dec. 9 to host the Madison Capitols for the annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Geneva Family Dental, where fans are encouraged to throw new, unwrapped stuffed animals on the ice following the Steel's first goal of the game. All stuffed animals will be donated to Marklund. Fans can join the team on the ice for a post-game Skate with the Steel. For more information on the Chicago Steel, or to purchase tickets, call 855-51-STEEL, stop by the Box Office at Fox Valley Ice Arena or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2017
- RELEASE -- Stars Host Back the Badge Night this Thursday - Lincoln Stars
- Skate with the Steel following Saturday's game vs. Madison - Chicago Steel
- Perbix Named USHL Player of the Week - Omaha Lancers
- USHL Names Two Storm Players to Players of the Week List - Tri-City Storm
- Dugan's Overtime Winner Lifts Steel over Waterloo - Chicago Steel
- LANCERS WIN FOURTH IN A ROW - Omaha Lancers
- KRAWS MASTERFUL AS FIGHTING SAINTS BLANKED AT HOME - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Stars earn sixth win in eight games - Lincoln Stars
- Saints Stay Perfect on Military Appreciation Night. - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Hawks Score Second Weekend Win - Waterloo Black Hawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.