Major and Hagens Earn USHL Player of the Week Honors
December 4, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Chicago Steel forward Charlie Major has been named USHL Forward of the Week, and defenseman Michael Hagens has been named USHL Defenseman of the Week, the league announced Monday.
Currently in his second year with the Steel, Major recorded a goal in all three games over the weekend including two game-winning overtime goals to earn the honor. Major scored the overtime winner while on the power play in Chicago's 4-3 win over the Madison Capitols on Saturday, Dec. 2 and followed it up with an even-strength tally on Sunday, Dec. 3 in a 4-3 victory over USA Hockey NTDP.
The Steel have seven victories this season including five overtime victories. Major has recorded the game-winner in four of them.
It's the first league award for Major in his USHL career. The Cornell University commit is the second Steel forward to earn Forward of the Week after Joey DelGreco took home the league honors on Nov. 13 following a five-point outing against the Madison Capitols on Nov. 10.
"Charlie is a relentless competitor and we're thrilled he's been named Forward of the Week," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "He's a highly intelligent player with a knack for scoring and making plays. In addition to his two overtime goals, he's constantly winning his battles and working to make his teammates better. We're looking forward to watching him continue to develop throughout the season."
In three games this past weekend, Major scored four goals and recorded 16 shots on goal. The second-year forward leads the Steel in goals (12) and shots (81) and ranks tied for second in points (17). Major has already scored twice as many goals as last season and surpassed his point total from the previous year on Saturday.
The last Steel player to record consecutive overtime game-winning goals was Erik Middendorf, who scored in Chicago's 5-4 overtime win over the Youngstown Phantoms on April 15, 2021 and again in a 3-2 overtime win against the Green Bay Gamblers on April 17, 2021.
Michael Hagens recorded three assists in the three-game weekend for the Steel and had the lone helper on each of Major's overtime goals.
"Michael has been a great leader on and off the ice," said Garman. "He plays in all situations and consistently improves the game. He has great stick detail and is very hard to play against. He's great at breaking the puck out and keeps adding layers to his offensive game, and we're excited to watch him continue to excel."
Hagens committed to Boston College earlier this season. Hagens currently leads the Steel in points among defensemen (12) and assists (10). He has recorded three power play assists, which is third on the team, and has the most shots among defensemen (41). Hagens has an assist on three of Chicago's five overtime wins this season.
It's the second league award for Hagens in his two years in the league, his first coming last year, his first year in the league, for All Rookie Second Team.
The last time the Steel had both Forward and Defenseman of the Week honors was on Dec. 15, 2020 when Middendorf was named FOTW and Ryan Ufko named DOTW.
Chicago will head to Green Bay to take on the Gamblers on Friday, December 8 before returning to Fox Valley Ice Arena to close out the weekend against Green Bay on Saturday, December 9.
Dec. 9 is Winterfest presented by Rookies All-American Pub and Grill. The Steel will wear specialty Winterfest jerseys that will be auctioned online on DASH, with proceeds benefitting the Cyclones Youth Hockey Association.
Saturday's game also features a Post-Game Skate with the Steel, where fans can hit the ice and skate with the Chicago Steel. Fans can bring their own skates or rent a pair.
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 more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Friday, December 8 at Green Bay Gamblers (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, December 9 vs. Green Bay Gamblers (6:05 pm CT) | Winterfest presented by Rookies All-American Pub and Grill with Jersey Auction | Post-Game Skate with Steel
Wednesday, December 13 vs. Team USA NTDP U18 (9:30 am CT)
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United States Hockey League Stories from December 4, 2023
- Ferkodic Named to Slovakia WJAC Roster - Lincoln Stars
- Major and Hagens Earn USHL Player of the Week Honors - Chicago Steel
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- Major, Hagens and Chambre Selected for League Honors - USHL
- Geary, Rinzel on Preliminary National Roster - Waterloo Black Hawks
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