USHL Chicago Steel

Two Steel Players Hear Names Called

Published on July 1, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


Two hundred and ten draft picks. Two hundred and ten dreams realized. Friday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft commenced. The two-day period saw a record 35 United States Hockey League players from the 2013-14 selected as well as 16 alums, including Chicago Steel winger Freddy Olofsson and defenseman Matt Berkovitz. Olofsson was taken in the fourth round, 98th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks while Berkovitz was drafted to the Anaheim Ducks in the fifth round, 123rd overall.

"The Steel organization's goal is to continue to develop players on daily basis," Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. "Freddy being drafted is as exciting for our organization as a college commitment, because it's a testament to his work ethic. With Matt being drafted, it shows our scouting staff is exceptional with evaluating talent."

It was an especially sweet moment for the Swedish-born Olofsson, whose brother Gustav was a second-round pick of the Minnesota Wild in last year's draft.

"We couldn't be happier for each other," Olofsson said. "Gustav and I were big rivals growing up, but as we got older we have become big supporters of one another."

The Blackhawks put a heavy focus on USHL prospects throughout the draft, with three of their first four selections coming directly out of the USHL.

Olofsson is entering his second season with the Steel and third in the USHL. He was acquired from the Green Bay Gamblers last January.

"We knew what the potential of Freddy could be, having watched his brother play in Green Bay, but we also knew Freddy was his own player," McConnell said. "It is pretty special for the Olofsson's to be able to have two NHL Draft picks in their family.

"When Freddy came to us, all he wanted was a chance. His ability to see the game, create plays and make others around him better, was evident from day one. Each day he has been with us he has become more confident and we are all excited to see where his development goes from here. We knew he was a gifted player, but what goes unnoticed is how great of a teammate he is."

Berkovitz, a fourth-round pick of the Steel in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft and a University of Wisconsin commit, is beginning his first year with the team after completing his senior season at Ashwaubenon High School in Wisconsin.

"We are excited to work with Matt," McConnell said. "He has the skill, the size and the hockey IQ to really make a difference in every level he plays. It will be fun to see where his development goes being on the ice everyday with elite players."

NHL Central Scouting's Greg Rajanen provided the following report on Berkovitz:

"He's got skill, can skate, has nice hands and a good feel for the game. He played for Team Wisconsin [in the Upper Midwest elite league], so I've seen him against good teams at the AAA midget level, and he competed hard and has a lot of ability in his game."

Berkovitz will look to help bolster an aging Anaheim blue line in the future. The Ducks currently hold five defenseman of at least 30 years of age.

"Getting selected by the Anaheim Ducks is an honor and really cool," Berkovitz said. "I spoke with the Ducks before the draft, so I thought there was a chance they would pick me. I really like their staff, the organization and am excited to get out there tomorrow [July 1] for prospect camp. Being drafted is great, but right now I'm focusing on developing and becoming a better hockey player."

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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.

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