USHL Chicago Steel

Three-Game Road Weekend Ahead for Steel

Published on December 12, 2018 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel wrap up the pre-Christmas schedule this weekend, hitting the road for a three-game series against the Youngstown Phantoms at Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio.

Chicago (13-8-1-0, 27 pts.) comes into the weekend as the hottest team in the USHL having won nine of its last 10 games. Youngstown (8-9-0-3, 19 pts.) has also played well of late, collecting points in seven of the last 10 games, picking up 13 of a possible 20 points. Chicago is currently second in the Eastern Conference while Youngstown sits in seventh place, but is just five points behind third place.

The Steel and Phantoms have yet to meet this season and this weekend's games will be the only matchups in Youngstown during the regular season. Youngstown visits Fox Valley Ice Arena on January 11, February 2, and March 15. Chicago is looking to improve upon a 1-4-1-1 record last season against the 2017-2018 Eastern Conference Champion Phantoms and a 13-15-2-2 record all-time at Covelli Centre.

Center Nick Abruzzese leads the Steel this season with 24 points (5-19-24) and is currently on an eight-game point streak (3-9-12) with at least one assist in all of those contests. The Harvard commit has been held off the scoresheet only three times since October 12. Abruzzese scored three points (1-2-3) in five games last season against Youngstown.

The Steel will again be without left wing Robert Mastrosimone as he represents Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge. This is the Boston University commit's fourth time representing his country this season. Mastrosimone has missed the last three Steel games and five this season but is still tied for third on the team with 17 points (11-6-17) in 17 games. Mastrosimone scored four points in six games against the Phantoms last season.

Defenseman Matteo Pietroniro has enjoyed seeing Youngstown on the schedule as the captain recorded four points (3-1-4) in five games against the Phantoms last season. His 0.60 goals per game against Youngstown is the best of any team he has seen in his USHL career and the second-most goals he has scored against a single team.

Forward Matheiu De St. Phalle registered three assists in two games against the Phantoms last season while with the Sioux City Musketeers. Defensemen John Spetz and Casey Staum have each registered a point in their careers against Youngstown.

Youngstown forward Brett Murray leads the Phantoms this season with 21 points (9-12-21) in 21 games. Gianfranco Cassaro is the leading defensive scorer as he is tied for third on the team with 16 points (4-12-16) this season.

The Phantoms have seen goaltenders Vinnie Purpura, who was acquired in a mid-season trade, and Jon Mor split time this season. Purpura is 4-5-0-1 this season with a 3.17 goals against average and .879 save percentage in 11 games this season. Mor holds the same record with a 3.42 goals against average and .882 save percentage in 12 contests.

After the Christmas break, the Steel will play at Central Illinois on Friday, Dec. 28 before returning home to Fox Valley Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 29 for a Jurassic Rusty Bobblehead Doll Giveaway (first 500 fans) and post-game Skate with the Steel. Tickets for all Steel games are on sale now starting at just $10 with stadium seating on the glass still available for just $20. Parking is always free.

STEEL NOTES:

* Abruzzese is currently on an eight-game point streak (3-9-12). He has recorded an assist in all eight of those games and the streak is the longest current assist streak in the league and second longest of the season. * Pietroniro leads Steel defensemen, and is third in the USHL, in scoring this season and has recorded a point in 10 of his last 14 games. * Forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine is currently on a three-game goal streak (4-0-0) and five-game point streak (4-2-6). The RPI commit has points in seven of the last nine games (4-4-8). * De St. Phalle has scored in six of the last nine Steel games (2-6-8) including four of the last five (1-4-5). * Defenseman Owen Power has recorded four of his five points this season over the last six games (0-4-4).

MEET THE OPPONENT:

* The Steel travel to Youngstown for a three-game series at Covelli Centre this season. * Youngstown (8-9-0-3, 19 pts.) is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference. * Forward Brett Murray (9-12-21) leads the team with 21 points in 21 games this season. * Goaltenders Vinnie Purpura and Jon Mor have split time in net this season. Purpura was acquired from the Omaha Lancers earlier this season and has a 2-1-0-0 record with a 1.97 goals against average and .912 save percentage since joining the Phantoms.

LAST GAMES:

Tuesday, Dec. 4 vs. Cedar Rapids, W, 3-2 RECAP / STATS

Friday, Dec. 7 at Des Moines, L, 1-3 RECAP / STATS

Saturday, Dec. 8 vs. Omaha, W, 2-1 RECAP / STATS

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

Check out the Chicago Steel Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central