USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Blanked by Green Bay in 2-0 Loss

Published on February 25, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS- The Chicago Steel (29-14-2-1; 61 pts) fell 2-0 to the Green Bay Gamblers (26-15-2-1; 55 pts) Saturday night at Resch Center, splitting a pair of games against Green Bay this weekend.

The Steel were shutout for the first time since their 5-0 loss Oct. 22 against the Youngstown Phantoms and just the second time this season.

Chicago's USHL-leading power play was kept off the scoresheet during the contest for the first time since Jan. 29, unable to capitalize on five opportunities against the league's leading penalty kill unit.

Jack Stark stopped 29 of 31 shots to keep the Steel within striking distance throughout, with a pair of first period goals the only blemishes on this night.

In the early going, the Steel were unable to capitalize on two power play opportunities in the game's first five minutes.

At the halfway point of the period, Green Bay opened the scoring to start a downpour of teddy bears for its annual Teddy Bear Toss. Matthew DiMarsico skated the puck into the offensive zone and around his defenders before releasing a wrister to beat Steel goaltender Jack Stark on his glove side.

When play resumed following the cleanup of the plethora of stuffed animals tossed onto the ice for Green Bay area hospitals, the Gamblers doubled their lead while on the power play. Barrett Hall and Eli Sebastian played catch beside Stark before Hall centered the puck in front of the net. Hall lost the puck, but it was collected by teammate Nicholas Vantassell who batted the puck into Stark's pads before tapping the puck between Stark's legs for a 2-0 Gamblers lead.

The Gamblers outshot the Steel 17 to 11 in the opening frame.

Tensions rose in a scoreless middle frame, with a total of 20 combined penalty minutes of which 18 were for roughing and the majority of the calls offsetting. The Steel registered just five shots on goal in the period while Green Bay pelted Stark with ten shots.

The third period was more of the same, with the Gamblers limiting Chicago chances in front of goaltender Kristoffer Eberly, and the Steel coming up empty on a pair of power play chances early in the frame.

The two teams managed just eight shots combined in the third period as Green Bay held on for its third victory in eight tries so far this season against the Steel.

Eberly finished with 20 saves in his second shutout of the season while capturing his 19th victory between the pipes.

The Steel will next travel to Dubuque on Tuesday, Feb. 28 to battle the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

The Steel are back at Fox Valley Ice Arena for a home-and-home battle against the Madison Capitols March 4 and 5.

Saturday, March 4 fans can enjoy Wiener Dog Races, presented by PetSuites, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Dachshunds will take the ice during intermission to try to claim the prize of Wiener Dog Champion. Sunday, March 5 is Daddy/Daughter Day featuring an appearance by Barbie.

March 5 marks the return of the Slumberland Family Pack, a deal which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas/waters, four chips and four chuck-a-pucks for just $50. The package may be purchased in quantities of four to eight and may be purchased online by clicking here and purchasing from the column on the right side of the ticketing page. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.

Tickets for all Steel home games start at just $10 and are available by calling 855-51-STEEL, purchasing at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com or visiting the Steel box office at Fox Valley Ice Arena during business hours.

All Chicago Steel tickets are digital and available on mobile devices. Fans should create their profile online by clicking here. For more information on digital tickets for the Chicago Steel, click here. Fans attending Steel home games this season are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to arriving at the arena to avoid any delays on game night.

Season ticket plans for the 2023-2024 season are now on sale starting at just 5 games for just $50. As part of the team's "Ticket Plan Madness" campaign, for a limited time, fans that secure a new season ticket plan for next season will receive complimentary tickets for up to 14 games this season, including playoffs. Fans can call 855-51-STEEL or email info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com to learn more.

Check out the Chicago Steel Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 25, 2023


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