USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Fall 5-4 in Overtime to Dubuque

Published on March 1, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS- The Chicago Steel (29-14-3-1; 62 pts) secured one of two possible points in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Dubuque Fighting Saints (23-17-3-1; 50 pts) at Tuesday at Dubuque Ice Arena.

The Steel turned a 3-1 first period deficit into a 4-3 lead in the third period before Dubuque tied the game and William Staring scored his second goal of the night with 19 seconds remaining in overtime to end it.

Nick Moldenhauer scored twice for the Steel, and has now registered 50 points this season.

Quinn Finley recorded a goal and an assist in the matchup. Finley now has 16 multi-point games in 40 games played.

Playing without its leading scorer, Macklin Celebrini, and dressing only 11 forwards, the Steel knew they were facing an uphill climb Tuesday night, one that became steeper following a slow start.

Early in the first period, the Fighting Saints quickly opened the scoring. Jayden Jubenville collected a loose puck at the top of the left circle and skated it towards the net. Jubenville lost the puck, regained possession, and shot a wrister to beat Steel goaltender Jack Stark high on the goaltender's glove side.

A minute later, the Steel struck back to tie the game. Nick Moldenhauer battled for the puck in the offensive zone before it was picked up by Quinn Finley at the blue line. Finley shot a wrister from the center of the right circle that was saved by Dubuque goaltender Marcus Brannman, sending out a rebound to Moldenhauer crashing the net. Moldenhauer banked the puck in the wide-open net.

At the midway point of the period, following a Fighting Saints power play that sent Stark diving to make back-to-back stops, Dubuque regained the lead. Ryan St. Louis received a pass along the boards behind the net before connecting with William Staring in the slot. Staring shot a wrister to beat Stark for a 2-1 Dubuque lead.

On their next power play, Dubuque increased its lead 3-1. The Fighting Saints played catch to the right of Stark before the puck was placed on the stick of Max Burkholder at the bottom of the left circle who fired to score his 15th marker of the season.

After a first period that was controlled by Dubuque, the Steel settled into the game and played a strong second period, scoring the only two goals of the frame.

Chicago's league-leading power play applied pressure on a man advantage halfway through the frame. While in the offensive zone, Michael Emerson scooped the puck away from a board battle before connecting with Jack Harvey in the slot. Harvey released a wrister that was saved by Brannman but came available for Emerson in the crease to bank in the rebound.

Just 39 seconds later, the Steel struck again to tie the game 3-3. Moldenhauer collected the puck along the boards behind the goal line before connecting with Jayden Perron in the slot. Perron made a short pass to Finley in the left circle who snapped a wrister to beat Brannman blocker side.

Over five minutes into the third period, the Steel earned their first lead of the game. Perron made a drop pass to Finley who stickhandled and shot a wrister from the right circle. Finley's shot was blocked but trickled to Moldenhauer's tape in the left circle. Moldenhauer lifted the puck to beat Branmann blocker side for his second goal of the night.

Less than four minutes later, Dubuque's power play erased Chicago's lead and tied the game. William Staring faked a shot in the slot before connecting with Ryan St. Louis at the bottom of the right circle. St. Louis fired a one-timer to tie the game 4-4.

Chicago killed off a Dubuque power play with under five minutes remaining the keep the rest of the period scoreless, sending the game to overtime.

Despite the Steel getting the better of the overtime chances, including a dangerous scoring opportunity by Jake Livanavage that was denied by Branmann, Dubuque scored with less than 20 seconds left in the extra frame. Jake Sondreal skated the puck into the offensive zone, around the boards and to the left circle before making a short pass to William Staring fresh off the bench. Staring stickhandled around his defender and quickly lifted the puck on his backhand over the left shoulder of Stark for the game winning goal.

The Steel are now 6-3-1 in ten overtime games this season. Stark stopped 30 shots including making several key first period saves to keep the Steel within striking distance to eventually earn the standings point.

The Steel return to Fox Valley Ice Arena this weekend 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.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2023


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