USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Fall 4-1 Saturday To First Place

January 16, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Cedar Rapids forward and Chicago native Hugh McGing scored a natural hat trick to lead the first-place RoughRiders (22-8-2-1, 47 points) to a 4-1 win Saturday over the Chicago Steel (14-17-3-2, 33 points) at Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. RoughRiders goaltender Ben Blacker stopped 23 of Chicago's 24 shots in the victory.

Just 50 seconds into the game, the RoughRiders opened up the scoring on the game's first shot on goal. Ross Colton point shot was redirected by Justin Cole under the right pad of Chicago goaltender Daniel Vladar. Cedar Rapids outshot Chicago 14-9 in the opening frame, carrying a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

In the second period, Chicago surrendered its first power play goal against in the past four games. Mitch Reinke sent a cross-ice feed to McGing for a one-time redirect past Vladar's stick at 0:59. McGing later tallied his second goal of the period, turning and finding some space alone in front of the crease. McGing's 16th goal of the season gave the RoughRiders a 3-0 lead at 18:08.

Under three minutes into the third period, McGing registered his third consecutive goal of the game, crashing the net at the right post for a tap in under Vladar's glove, completing the natural hat trick and giving Cedar Rapids a 4-0 lead. Chicago's Brandon Duhaime spoiled Blacker's shutout bid with a wrist shot from the left point through traffic at 12:07 to close the scoring.

Vladar made his second consecutive appearance in net for Chicago after returning from the World Junior Championship. The Czech netminder made 25 saves in Saturday's loss.

Saturday marked the final game of Chicago's season long 10-game road trip. The team finished with a record of 4-5-1-0.

The Steel return to Fox Valley Ice Arena Sunday for a 3:00 p.m. faceoff against Muskegon. This game, Chicago's first at home in over a month, will feature the unveiling of the team's new scoreboard during Mommy, Minions and Me Day. Plus, it's a Steel Family Pack game - fans can receive four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and four chuck-a-pucks starting at just $59. Tickets are available at the box office inside Fox Valley Ice Arena, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2016


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