Steel Earn Weekend Sweep with 5-3 Win Over RoughRiders
February 4, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS-The Chicago Steel (23-12-2-1; 49 pts) erased a third period deficit, scoring three goals in the last eight minutes of regulation to defeat the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (17-13-3-2; 39 pts) 5-3 Saturday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Trailing 3-2 in the third period, Anthony Dowd tied the game for the Steel before Michael Emerson put Chicago in front and Jack Harvey sealed the win with an empty net goal.
Harvey and Jayden Perron each registered a goal and assist in the contest. Zam Plante, Emerson, and Dowd each added markers. Mick Thompson, Chris Able, Quinn Finley, Jake Livanavage, and Michael Hagens registered assists in the matchup.
Chicago swept the home-and-home weekend series.
The Steel got off to a hot start, similar to the night prior. For the second straight game, Chicago scored in the game's second minute.
Michael Hagens collected a loose puck at the blue line before connecting with Jack Harvey in the left circle. Harvey caught the attention of RoughRiders goaltender Sam Scopa, drawing him out of the net. Harvey made a cross-crease pass to Zam Plante for a goal on the vacated net. It was Plante's first goal since Dec. 17.
Tension carried over from Friday night's game several minutes later with a scrum that ended up with Cedar Rapids on a four minute power play. The Steel penalty kill was up to the task, limiting RoughRiders chances and killing off the double-minor.
In his first start since December 28, Steel goaltender Jack Stark stopped all nine shots faced in the first period. Less than halfway through the middle frame, the RoughRiders tied the game. Andy Moore carried the puck behind the Steel net before connecting with Eric Pohlkamp above the left circle. Pohlkamp calmed the puck and fired to beat Stark to even the score at 1-1.
The Steel retook the lead in the waning moments of the second period.
Quinn Finley collected a bouncing puck off the boards behind the RoughRiders net and found Jayden Perron in the slot. Perron caught the puck on his backhand and brought it to his forehand for a sharp wrister to beat Scopa on his glove side to give the Steel the lead with just 9.5 seconds remaining in the period.
Under a minute into the third period, the RoughRiders tied the game at 2-2. Off a faceoff in the Steel zone, the puck found its way to Tyson Gross at the point who fired to beat Stark for the equalizer.
Less than five minutes later, the RoughRiders struck again for their first lead of the night. Stark was unable to cover a loose puck, and it ended up on the stick of Zaccharya Wisdom who immediately took a shot for the 3-2 Cedar Rapids lead.
The Steel tied the game 3-3 with under eight minutes remaining. Mick Thompson pushed hard to the net and was taken down in front of Scopa. Anthony Dowd collected the loose puck and lifted it over Scopa while falling to the ice for his second goal of the season and his first since Oct. 21.
Two minutes later, the Steel's league-leading power play gave Chicago the lead. From the left circle, Jayden Perron made a short pass to Jake Livanavage at the blue line. Livanavage fired a shot, which was deflected by Michael Emerson on the doorstep for his second goal of the weekend series to put the Steel on top 4-3.
Cedar Rapids pulled Scopa with under two minutes remaining. After a strong effort in their own zone, the Steel found Jack Harvey near center ice who left nothing up to chance, carrying the puck to the crease before scoring the empty net goal.
With a goal and an assist, Harvey regained his league in points with 48 (27G, 21A).
Jack Stark stopped 29 shots to earn his 11th victory in 13 starts this season. Chicago's penalty kill was a perfect 4-for-4 in the game.
Next weekend, the Steel are back on the road for a pair of games. Friday, Feb. 10 the Steel are set to battle the Omaha Lancers for the first and only time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. The following day, Chicago travels to Des Moines to faceoff against the Buccaneers for the second time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.
The Steel will return home for a three-game holiday weekend Feb. 17 through Feb. 19. On Friday, Feb. 17, the Steel will host a Slumberland Slumber Party as they battle the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m. CT.
Saturday, Feb. 18 is Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring appearances from Stanley Cup Champion Brian Campbell and Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk. The Steel host USA Hockey NTDP (U17) at 7:05 p.m CT.
Chicago Steel hockey is presented by River Front Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram.
The Steel cap off the holiday weekend on Sunday, Feb. 19 with a 3:05 p.m CT. puck drop against USA for a Steel Card Set Giveaway (part 1 of 2) presented by Top Shelf Sports Cards. Feb. 19 also marks a Slumberland Family Pack Game with a special deal for families, and after the game, fans can participate in Full Team Post-Game Autographs.
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 starting at 5 games for just $50 and group tickets and experiences are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL or emailing info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush: Friday, February 10 at Omaha Lancers (7:05 p.m. CT) Saturday, February 11 at Des Moines Buccaneers (6:00 p.m. CT) Friday, February 17 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7:05 p.m. CT) Slumberland Slumber Party
United States Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2023
- Steel Earn Weekend Sweep with 5-3 Win Over RoughRiders - Chicago Steel
- Gavin O'Connell's Almost-Hat Trick - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Dogs Win in Front of Sold-Out Premier Center - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Gamblers Fall to the Fighting Saints in Tough Loss - Green Bay Gamblers
- Lumberjacks Fall to Youngstown 5-1 in a Penalty-Filled Contest - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Lancers Split the Weekend in 4-1 Loss - Omaha Lancers
- The Aftermath: Storm Defeats Lancers in Road Game - Tri-City Storm
- Storm Seeks Bounce-Back Win over Lancers - Tri-City Storm
- Gameday Preview - Lincoln Stars
- Stars Claw Back to Defeat Stampede in Shootout - Lincoln Stars
- The Aftermath: Storm Drops Road Game to Lancers - Tri-City Storm
- Lancers Calm the Storm in 4-1 Win - Omaha Lancers
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