USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Drop 4-3 Overtime Heartbreaker To Omaha

February 6, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


OMAHA, NEBRASKA - Austin Alger's last-second goal in regulation forced overtime, and Lancers forward Brannon McManus won it in the extra session as the Lancers (20-16-2-1, 43 points) edged the Chicago Steel (17-18-4-3, 41 points) 4-3 Saturday in front of 3,301 fans at Ralston Arena. It was the first matchup of the season between the two teams, and one neither team will forget any time soon.

With the Steel leading 3-2 and Omaha having pulled its goalie for an extra attacker, Omaha has the puck in its end with just four seconds remaining in regulation. Omaha forward JC MacLean sent a long pass to Austin Alger at the Steel blue line, freeing Alger for breakaway. Alger's initial shot was stopped by Steel goaltender John Lethemon, but Alger put home the second chance opportunity with just 0.1 second remaining in regulation.

After trading chances in overtime, the Lancers put the game away during the three-on-three portion of the extra frame. Omaha's Josh French led a 2-on-1 opportunity into the Steel zone with McManus. French fed a pass to McManus, who was standing all alone at the right post to put the puck past a sprawled Lethemon and win the game for the Lancers.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Steel and marked the team's 12th loss in 15 one-goal games this season and eighth loss in nine games that have gone past regulation.

For a few minutes, it appeared that forward Harolds Egle would have the game-winner for the Steel. With the game tied at two, Chicago's Mitch Lewandowski forced a turnover in the offensive zone, and fed the puck to Egle, who was all alone at the left side of the net. Egle's initial shot hit the post, but he put home his own rebound to give the Steel a 3-2 lead with just over two minutes to play in the game. The goal put Chicago back in front, and set the stage for the dramatic ending.

Early on, it was evident this game would be back and forth. The first period featured both goaltenders playing over the first 20 minutes, but Chicago was able to break through on the power play. After the Lancers' Michael Bigelbach was whistled for holding, Chicago went to the power play early in the game, and they struck. Lewandowski tucked a shot from the left post past Omaha goaltender Zackarias Skog to give the Steel a 1-0 just 4:45 into the game.

Omaha evened the score early in the second period with a power play goal of its own. Lancers forward Nick Rivera moved the puck from the side of the Chicago net into the slot, where Nathan Krusko buried a shot over the blocker of Lethemon to even the score.

Chicago would respond quickly, though, and take the lead once again. Alex Frye entered offensive territory after fighting through a couple of Lancers. Frye moved to the left faceoff circle, and sent a pass across the slot to Jake Nielsen. Nielsen was all alone in the right faceoff circle and fired a wrist shot into the back of the net to give the Steel a 2-1 advantage.

Omaha tied the score once again later in the frame. Defenseman Jake Gingell put a wrist shot toward the net from the right point. The shot bounced off forward Brian Williams and past Lethemon to knot the score at two goals apiece. The teams would remain tied until Egle's goal late in the third.

Lethemon stopped 26 of 29 shots in the loss. Despite falling to Omaha, the Steel earned a point in the standings and Chicago has now taken points in 11 of its last 13 games.

Chicago returns home against Sioux City on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena. It's Steel Your Heart Night with a special Valentine's ticket package that includes two tickets, two popcorns, two Steel winter caps and a photo with mascot Rusty for just $40. Plus, it's College Night. Students with a valid ID receive a special $12 ticket that includes a $5 beverage voucher. Tickets are available at the box office inside Fox Valley Ice Arena, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

Check out the Chicago Steel Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2016


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.

OurSports Central