Steel Fall 3-1 to Cedar Rapids Friday
March 10, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS- In a game in which the Steel offense was held at bay by a smothering Cedar Rapids defense, the Steel (31-15-3-1; 66 pts) fell to the RoughRiders (23-17-4-3; 53 pts) 3-1 Friday at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
The Steel were limited to just 15 shots on goal including just four through the game's first two periods.
After Cedar Rapids scored two first period goals, Chris Delaney cut the lead to 2-1 in the third period but Chicago could not earn the equalizer and the RoughRiders added an empty net goal to earn the victory.
Christian Manz stopped 26 of 29 shots in net for the Steel. Steel forward Michael Hage made USHL debut after being activated from injured reserve.
Less than eight minutes into the contest, Cedar Rapids opened the scoring. Martins Lavins intercepted a pass and quickly connected with Jacob Kraft in the right circle. Kraft skated to the edge of the circle and ripped a wrister up top to beat Steel goalie Christian Manz above his blocker.
Four minutes later, the RoughRiders doubled their lead on the power play. Cedar Rapids relentlessly pummeled Manz with shots before one broke through. After two Steel defenders were knocked down on the doorstep, Tyson Gross' shot was stopped by Manz, but Dylan Hryckowian was quick on the doorstep to collect the rebound.
Hryckowian shot a wrister past the Steel netminder's right pad for a 2-0 Cedar Rapids lead.
Despite a five-on-three power play opportunity, the Steel ended the first period scoreless and were outshot 11-3 in the frame.
The middle frame was equally frustrating one for Chicago, managing just one shot on goal.
With 7:41 remaining in the third period, the Steel finally solved RoughRiders goaltender Bruno Bruveris. Anthony Dowd made a long pass from the top of the defensive zone to Chris Delaney at the offensive zone blue line.
Delaney skated in and fired from the left circle to cut the RoughRiders lead in half 2-1. It was Delaney's fourth goal of the season and first since Jan. 13.
With less than two minutes left in the final frame, the Steel pulled Manz. Eric Pohlkamp blasted the puck from his own goal line and into the empty net to put the game away.
Next weekend, the Steel are home Friday and Saturday night for a pair of Eastern Conference matchups. Saturday, March 18, the Steel will don special jerseys to take on the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Military Appreciation Night presented by Ozinga. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 the Steel battle the Madison Capitols and will celebrate mascot Rusty's birthday with a post-game Skate with the Steel. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Following the game, fans are invited to participate in a Post-Game Skate with the Steel.
March 19 is a Slumberland Family Pack game featuring 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 selecting from the column on the right side of the ticketing page.
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.
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