USHL Chicago Steel

Steel open fifth season at home

Published on September 23, 2004 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


Bensenville, IL—The Chicago Steel begin defense of their East Div ision Championship starting this weekend when they face the Omaha Lancers, Friday, Sept. 24 @ 7:35 and the Indiana Ice, Saturday, Sept. 25 @ 7:05 at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, IL. This season marks the Steel's Fifth Anniversary in the USHL and will be dedicated to the fans who have supported the team through the years. The game against the Ice will be the first game ever for the first year USHL franchise.

The Steel participated in the "Buc Bowl" September 16 – 18 in Des Moines, IA., taking two of three games. Prior to the "Buc Bowl", the Steel hosted two preseason games at the Edge. The Steel defeated the Ice, 5-2, on Saturday, September 11th. The next afternoon the Steel were on the short end of a 4-2 matinee against the Cedar Rapids RoughtRiders.

Head Coach/General Manager Wil Nichol had this to say about his team, the upcoming season and everything in between. "After the Buc Bowl, I noticed there is a lot of parity in the league. No one team stood head and shoulders above everyone else. This year anyone can win; every game is going to be a dog fight. I feel this preseason went well, the team learned a lot about themselves. We hope to stay healthy this season and get better everyday."

With a cast of new players on this years team, no one knows what to expect from the rookies. When asked to point out a rookie or two who stood out this preseason, Wil Nichol didn't even hesitate to point out goaltender Billy Sauer. "What people don't know is that he is one of two '88 birthdates in the league. For him to come out of the preseason the way he played, is astonis hing. He showed poise beyond his years." The other rookie to watch this season is 6-foot, 180-pound forward, Kevin Swallow. "Kevin isn't your typical rookie. He comes from the United States National Development Program in Ann Arbor, MI. The last time he played in game action, he was playing for a gold medal in the U-18 World Tournament. He has a blue collar mentality, endless skill and is a joy to coach," comments Nichol.

The Steel start the season with seven players already committed to Division One colleges: Nathaniel Brooks (Umass-Amherst), Dan Charleston (Nebraska-Omaha), Cody Lampl (Colorado College), Justin Lewandowski (Ferris State), Kevin Roeder (Miami-Ohio), David Sloane (Colgate) and Alan Thompson (New Hampshire).

For a complete schedule, visit www.chicagosteelhockey.com. All questions should be directed to RJ Dusak at (630) 594-1162.

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United States Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2004


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