Jack Stark and Adam Fantilli Selected to USHL All-Rookie Teams
June 25, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Clark Cup Champion Chicago Steel were honored with two USHL All-Rookie selections for the 2020-2021 season, the league announced Friday, adding to the club's post-season individual awards.
Netminder Jack Stark represents the Steel on the First Team while forward Adam Fantilli earned Second Team honors.
The Steel share a league-best two selections to the All-Rookie Teams with the Sioux Falls Stampede and Dubuque Fighting Saints.
The Steel have had at least one player selected to the USHL All-Rookie Teams in every season since 2016-2017, tied for the longest active streak in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm.
"Jack's performance this year was remarkable," said Steel associate head coach Mike Garman. "It's not often a 17-year-old goalie has success in the USHL. He's one of the hardest workers we've ever had, he's incredibly competitive and he's a selfless teammate. We're incredibly fortunate to have Jack in our organization and the exciting part is, the best is ahead for him."
Stark, a Yale University commit, started 14 games in net for the Steel in his first USHL campaign, earning a record of 11-3-0-0 including victories in his first six consecutive starts. The 5-foot-9, 148-pound goaltender posted a 2.64 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage, both the top marks among rookie netminders during the 2020-2021 campaign. Stark registered six games with two or fewer goals against including his first career shutout on March 12, 2021 in a 3-0 win against the Green Bay Gamblers.
The Chaska, Minn., native joins eight other Steel alumni as USHL All-Rookie First Team selections (Brendan Brisson - 2020, Owen Power 2019, Oskar Autio - 2018, Robert Mastrosimone - 2018, Dennis Gilbert - 2015, Robby Jackson - 2014, Brett Kostonlansky - 2009, Brian O'Neill - 2008).
"As a coaching staff we are so proud of the steps Adam took this season and we are so happy to see the league recognize what a special player he is," said Steel head coach Brock Sheahan. "Adam got better and better on both sides of the puck, and that is a credit to him and his approach. He is a special player and person, and we are so lucky to have Adam as a part of our organization. His performance in the playoffs showed the growth and development that he had throughout the year, and I am excited for him to continue that growth this upcoming season."
Fantilli was awarded the MVP of the 2021 Clark Cup Playoffs after registering nine points (8G, 1A) in nine postseason contests, including two markers in the 3-1 win in Game 4 of the Clark Cup Final against the Fargo Force, the series-clinching game. The Nobleton, Ontario, native shared the sixth-most points among USHL rookies with 36 (18G, 18A) in 49 games played as a 16-year-old. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound skater enters the 2021-2022 season as the highest-scoring returner on the Steel roster.
Fantilli becomes the fourth player in Steel franchise history to be named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team (Matt Coronato - 2020, Tyler Gratton - 2017, Tanner Laczynski - 2015).
Season Ticket Plans for the Clark Cup Champion Chicago Steel are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL or emailing info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com. For a limited time, the Steel are offering a Clark Cup Champions ticket package for just $60. The pack includes a white zone ticket to four games including the Opening Night championship celebration and an official Clark Cup Champions t-shirt. One randomly selected purchaser will win a 'Day with the Clark Cup' this summer.
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
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United States Hockey League Stories from June 25, 2021
- Ryan Hardy Hired by Toronto Maple Leafs - Chicago Steel
- Peart Named to USHL All-Rookie Second Team - Fargo Force
- Savoie, Kurth Earn USHL All-Rookie Distinction - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Jack Stark and Adam Fantilli Selected to USHL All-Rookie Teams - Chicago Steel
- Croteau Earns Rookie Honor - Waterloo Black Hawks
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