Ryan Ufko Named USHL Defenseman of the Week
January 29, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Chicago Steel defenseman Ryan Ufko was named the United States Hockey League Player of the Week for his position, the league announced Friday. It is the second time this season that the UMass-Amherst commit has earned the weekly honor from the USHL.
Ufko, a native of Smithtown, N.Y., charted four points (2G, 2A) over a three game series against the Youngstown Phantoms on Jan. 22, 23 & 24 at Covelli Centre in Ohio, helping the Steel win two of the three matchups.
"Ryan has been great for us all season, providing consistent play on both sides of the puck and has done a great job leading our defensemen with his approach every day," said Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan. "It's always nice to see a player get recognized for the work that he puts in day to day. We are so proud of the growth that Ryan has shown since last season and expect his development to continue moving forward."
The 5-foot-10, 178-pound blueliner ranks second among USHL defensemen in points with 22 points (7G, 15A) through 22 games this season.
Ufko was elevated to a 'B'-level prospect on NHL Central Scouting's latest watch list released on Jan. 22, 2021 after being listed as a 'C'-level prospect on the preseason watch list.
With the honors, Ufko joins teammates Jack Babbage, Matt Coronato, Josh Doan, Erik Middendorf and Mackie Samoskevich as Steel players who have been named USHL Player of the Week.
The first place Steel (16-4-2-0; 34 pts.) are back in action January 29, 30 & 31 with three games against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Tonight's matchup is set for a 6:00 pm CT puck drop at Mercy Health Arena in Michigan. The clubs make the trip to Fox Valley Ice Arena for the final two games of the weekend, a 7:05 pm CT start time on Saturday and a 3:05 pm CT puck drop on Sunday.
Chicago Steel games can 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 (VIDEO/AUDIO).
Chicago Steel Upcoming Games:
Friday, January 29 at Muskegon Lumberjacks (6:00 pm CT)
Saturday, January 30 vs Muskegon Lumberjacks (7:05 pm CT) presented by Geneva Family Dental
Sunday, January 31 vs Muskegon Lumberjacks (3:05 pm CT) presented by Geneva Family Dental
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
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