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USHL Chicago Steel

Robbins Blanks Flying Aces in 2-0 Friday Win

January 18, 2019 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Chicago Steel goaltender Justin Robbins stopped all 30 shots he faced Friday night, backstopping his team to a 2-0 victory over the Central Illinois Flying Aces at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Robbins' second career shutout pushed the Steel (20-12-1-0, 41 pts.) to nine-straight wins in front of the home crowd as they beat the Flying Aces (15-16-2-1, 33 pts.) for the fourth time in six meetings this season.

Steel left wing Gunnarwolfe Fontaine opened Friday night's scoring with a snipe from the top of the near faceoff dot that he sent sailing past Flying Aces goaltender Ryan Snowden 5:49 into the game. Fontaine collected the puck at center ice after Central Illinois broke up an attempted Chicago breakout pass and skated the puck in himself to set up his ninth goal of the season.

Chicago nearly doubled the lead later in the opening frame when center Nick Abruzzese sent a one-time powerplay shot off the pipe on a feed from left wing Robert Mastrosimone.

After a scoreless first half of the second period, the Steel penalty killers came up big as they killed a five-minute powerplay for the Flying Aces to maintain the 1-0 Chicago lead. Later in the frame, Snowden stoned Mastrosimone on a Steel powerplay opportunity as he made a sliding save with 25 seconds to play in the period.

The Steel jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 62 seconds into the final frame as center Adam Robbins scored his team-leading sixth powerplay goal of the season. Robbins corralled a pass from right wing Travis Treloar in the slot where his wrist shot deflecting off a Flying Aces skater and fluttered over the blocker of an unsuspecting Snowden.

Older brother Justin Robbins was tasked with defending the 2-0 lead as he made a sliding save on Flying Aces forward Chad Hillebrand with eight minutes to play in the game. The Steel penalty killers came up big again late, killing off a late Central Illinois powerplay to help maintain the shutout.

Robbins made 30 saves while registering his 14th victory of the season. His first shutout came on February 25, 2018, also against Central Illinois. Robbins is now the 12th goaltender in team history with multiple career shutouts.

The Steel are back in action Saturday at 7:05 p.m. as the fan-favorite promotion Teddy Bear Toss presented by Geneva Family Dental returns to the Fox Valley Ice Arena. Fans are encouraged to bring as many new, unwrapped teddy bears as they desire and toss them onto the ice when the Steel score their first goal of the game. Friday's contest will be against the Central Illinois Flying Aces while Saturday will be the only time the Sioux City Musketeers visit the Fox Valley Ice Arena during the regular season.

Tickets for all Steel home games are on sale now starting at just $10 and stadium seating on the glass is available for just $20. Parking is always free. The Steel offer discounted tickets for groups and are offering a special Holiday Pack, which includes three games and four gifts for just $40.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2019


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