Three Steel Players Named to All-USHL Teams
May 8, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Three Chicago Steel players earned United States Hockey League (USHL) team honors, the league announced Wednesday.
Forward Michael Hage was named to the All-USHL First Team, goaltender Louka Cloutier was named to the All-USHL Rookie First Team, and defenseman Michael Hagens was named to the All-USHL Third Team.
The league honors extended a league-best streak of now seven consecutive seasons with at least one Steel player selected to the All-USHL First Team and eight consecutive seasons with at least one player named as an All-USHL Rookie First Team selection.
Hage, who is regarded as a top prospect in the upcoming NHL Draft, ranked fourth in league scoring with 75 points in 54 games. He became the eighth player in franchise history to score 75 points. Hage potted 33 goals last season, sixth in the USHL, and added 42 assists which ranked tenth. His 33 goals are the sixth-most in a single season in franchise history, and his 42 helpers rank tied for ninth-most in a single season.
During the regular season, Hage recorded the second-longest home point streak in the league, a run that spanned 14 games from Dec. 30 to March 23. He posted 25 points during the streak, scoring 15 goals and 10 assists with a +12 rating.
Hage was ranked 19th among North American skaters on NHL.com's 2024 Draft Prospect Midterm Rankings and leaped nine spots into 10th in the Final Rankings released in early April.
Hage is the 14th player in franchise history to earn All-USHL First Team honors. He earned USHL Forward of the Week twice during the regular season to lead Steel forwards.
"Michael Hage's development this year was incredible," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "Obviously, he's a great player, but you could see him get better and better every week this year. He continued to add layers to his game with and without the puck and was dominant down the stretch. We're thrilled for Michael and can't wait to watch his continued success at Michigan and beyond."
Cloutier was selected by the Steel with the 107th overall pick in Round 7 during the 2023 USHL Phase II Draft.
The Canadian netminder finished the season ranked third among goaltenders in save percentage (.904) and saves (1,141) while facing the fourth-most shots in the league (1,262). He played the ninth-most minutes among goalies (1,973) and his 14-14-2-3 record ranked 14th in the league.
At the halfway point of the season, Cloutier helped Chicago turn its season around, assisting the Steel in recording a standings point in eight consecutive games and 14 of 16 outings from Jan. 6 to March 3. During that span, Cloutier recorded one shutout and allowed three goals or less in nine games while facing an average of over 37 shots per game.
Cloutier appeared in two playoff games for the Steel, allowing just five goals on 77 shots for a .935 save percentage.
Cloutier appeared on NHL.com's Central Scouting Midterm Rankings as the 20th-ranked goaltender among North American goalies. In the Final Rankings, Cloutier moved up to 15th. He was named USHL Goaltender of the Week once this season and is the 9th player in franchise history to be named to the All-USHL Rookie First Team.
"Louka Cloutier had an unbelievable season," said Garman. "He's a very talented goalie but his mindset and approach are what separate him. He handled adversity like a pro and was always focused on improving his game. The success he enjoyed as a young goalie is a credit to his character and we're thrilled to have him return and continue developing in our organization."
Hagens completed his second and final season with the Steel as the top defenseman on the team in points (32), goals (7), and assists (25). He also led the defensive corps in power play assists with eight and posted two game-winning goals during the season. His 32 points ranked tied for 12th among league defensemen and was fifth overall for the Steel.
Earlier in the season, Hagens flipped his commitment from Harvard to Boston College to reunite with his younger brother James Hagens, who also committed to Boston College and was one of the most dynamic skaters in the league last season.
In one less game played, Hagens surpassed his point total of 26 from the 2022-23 season while potting eight more assists. He was named USHL Defenseman of the Week twice. He is the fifth player in franchise history to be named to the All-USHL Third Team.
"Michael Hagens was a rock for us all season," said Garman. "He's dynamic offensively and so good at breaking pucks out of our zone. He has so much pride in his defending and does a great job separating opponents from the puck. He started with us as a young depth defenseman and developed into an elite player in the league. We'll miss his leadership and work ethic and are so grateful for his contributions to our program."
Season ticket plans are now available for the 2024-2025 season starting at just 5 games for $50. For a limited time, fans can place a deposit and receive VIP access at the team's upcoming Tryout/Development Camp June 6-10. For more information, call 855-51-STEEL.
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