Steel Announce 2018-2019 Leadership Group
September 25, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel announced Tuesday the team's leadership group for the upcoming 2018-2019 season with defenseman Matteo Pietroniro named captain and forwards Nick Abruzzese and Tim Clifton each assuming the role of alternate captain as voted by their teammates.
Pietroniro returns to the Steel this season as captain after serving as co-captain for Chicago last season for the final five regular season games as well as the team's playoff run. The Boise, Idaho native skated in 53 games last season and finished second in defensive scoring with 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists), and provides veteran leadership for the Steel.
"Matteo exemplifies all of the qualities that we want in a Chicago Steel hockey player," said Head Coach Greg Moore. "He has the respect of his peers and the coaching staff."
Abruzzese, from Slate Hill, N.Y., played in 56 games last season in his first with the Steel. The center finished eighth on the team with 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) and added 10 points on the power play (six goals, four assists).
Clifton, a Farmingdale, N.J. native, played in 31 games for the Steel last season and scored the game-winning goal in the shootout during the final game of the 2017-2018 season to send the Steel to the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs for the second-straight season.
"Nick and Time have done a great job helping Matteo build a culture that we are proud of," said Moore. "We are excited to work with the quality of people we have in the locker room and our three captains are examples of that."
The Steel open the 2018-2019 regular season this Thursday at the Dick's Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Penn. Chicago plays the Lincoln Stars on Thursday, Sept. 27 and the Des Moines Buccaneers on Friday, Sept. 28.
Opening Weekend at Fox Valley Ice Arena is October 5 and 6. The home opener is Friday, Oct. 5 presented by McCue Chevy and the first 500 fans will receive Touch Screen Gloves when the Steel host Cedar Rapids. On Saturday, Oct. 6, the Steel host Green Bay and the first 500 fans will receive a Magnet Schedule courtesy of 95.9 The River. It's the first Steel Family Pack Game of the season with a special deal for four tickets, hot dogs, sodas and chuck-a-pucks starting at just $48.
Tickets for all Steel home games are on sale now, starting at just $10. Season ticket plans, starting at just 5 games for $45 are on sale now and fans are encouraged to participate in Mini Plan Mania with great weekly prizes through September 28.
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2018
- Steel Announce 2018-2019 Leadership Group - Chicago Steel
- Phantoms Announce 2018-19 Roster - Youngstown Phantoms
- Gamblers Finalize Roster - Green Bay Gamblers
- Stars Weekly - Lincoln Stars
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.
