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USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Fall in Shootout in Wild Finish

January 6, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, IL - After allowing the Stampede to take their only lead in the third period, Mick Thompson scored the game-tying goal for Chicago with 1.6 seconds remaining in regulation as the Chicago Steel (10-17-1-2, 23 pts.) earned a standings point in a thrilling 5-4 shootout loss to Sioux Falls (16-13-2-1, 35 pts.) at Fox Valley Ice Arena Saturday night.

After a scoreless overtime, Sioux Falls converted its first two shootout attempts and celebrated a road victory after the Steel came up empty in their two tries.

Michael Hage scored his fourth goal in three games before Jordan Brisson scored to start a goal-filled third period. Michael Hagens sniped a blocker-side shot for his third score this season, and Thompson tied it late with his sixth goal in five games.

Louka Cloutier received the start and made 24 saves on 28 shots in the loss.

The opening period of Saturday night's game was scoreless before the offense kicked into gear.

Stampede forward Chris Pelosi found the back of the net after a broken play resulted in the puck finding his stick in the slot. Pelosi's goal came just 54 seconds into the second period, his 14th of the year.

Chicago responded as Michael Hage continued his incredible start to 2024 as he deked around a defenseman and fired over the glove of Stampede goaltender Michael Chambre. It was the 14th goal for Hage this season. Charlie Major had the lone assist on the goal.

The Steel stayed on the gas in the third, as Jordan Brisson deflected a point shot from Michael Hagens past Chambre for a power play goal that gave the Steel a 2-1 lead. Major added a secondary assist, marking his fifth assist in two games.

The Stampede went to a power play shortly after Brisson's goal and Beckett Hendrickson scored off a feed from Pelosi to tie the game at two.

Just a minute and a half later, Hagens got another great look and this time, got the goal himself, firing a beautiful snipe into the blocker-side corner of the net.

Sioux Falls hopped to it on another power play, and John McNelis converted on a great passing play by the Stampede to tie the game with under seven minutes remaining.

Only 1:02 later, the Stampede delivered a haymaker to the Steel with a goal from Tyler Borgula that gave the away team its first lead of the night, 4-3.

It had the appearance that Sioux Falls would escape with a regulation win as they pinned Chicago it its end until a half-minute remained, but the Steel managed to earn an offensive zone faceoff with under 15 seconds left.

After controlling the draw, the puck came to Hagens with five seconds left in regulation. The veteran defenseman fanned on a point shot, but calmly corralled the puck, and got a shot through traffic that plopped down in the crease. Thompson jumped on top of the loose rubber and scored to tie the game at four and force overtime.

The Steel owned possession for almost the entire 3-on-3 overtime period, coming inches away from pulling off the incredible comeback but could not convert.

The game reached a shootout, just the third this season for Chicago.

Micah Berger and Tyler Borgula both scored in the first two rounds of the shootout with the Steel failing to get on the board in either round, giving the Stampede a 5-4 win.

The Steel will take to the road for the next five games beginning with a Tuesday night game in Green Bay on January 9 at 7:05 pm against the Gamblers.

The next home matchups for Chicago are Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27 with both games at 7:05 pm.

Jan. 26 is Out of This World Night presented by Illinois Aviation Academy, where the Steel will wear special space-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Single game tickets are on sale now starting at just $10. All Steel tickets are digital and fans are encouraged to purchase online in advance at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2024


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