Weekly Preview: Steel Begin Preseason on the Road this Weekend
October 21, 2020 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel begins a four-game exhibition slate with a pair of games in Green Bay, Wis., on Saturday against the USA National Team Development Program and Sunday versus the Green Bay Gamblers.
"As an entire group, staff and players included, it has been great to be back at the rink, working to get better every day as individuals and as a team," said Steel Head Coach Brock Sheahan. "We couldn't be more excited for the start of the season, and we are grateful to be able to come to the rink every day and do what we love. We have a great group of players and we are all fortunate to be a part of the Steel Family. I am excited to see this group grow throughout the season."
The Steel preseason roster includes 31 players with 19 forwards, nine defensemen and three netminders, a group that will have to be dwindled down to the league standard of 25 players by November 2. Ten Chicago Steel players return to the preseason roster from the 2019-2020 Anderson Cup-winning club, the first in franchise history to be awarded the USHL's regular-season title.
Chicago is coming off the heels of the most successful showing at the NHL Draft in the 20-year history of the franchise. In total, eight players with Chicago Steel ties were selected including three players that are expected to play big roles for the Steel in the 2020-2021 season.
Harvard-bound forwards Sean Farrell and Matt Coronato top the returning scorer's list for Chicago. Farrell, who was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 4th Round (124th Overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, shared the USHL lead in helpers while tallying 56 points (15G, 41A). Coronato added 40 points (18G, 22A) in 45 outings and was named to the USHL's second All-Rookie team.
Jack Babbage, Ryan Ufko and Colton Huard return to man the blueline for Chicago during the 2020-2021 season, a trio that has combined for 245 games of USHL experience.
Netminder Ian Shane posted a 16-3-1 record in 21 games played between the Steel pipes last season. The Manhattan Beach, Cali., native recorded a 3.25 goals-against average and a save percentage of .886 to go along with one shutout.
Defenseman and newcomer Ian Moore was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the 3rd Round (67th Overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft while forward Joe Miller was taken by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 6th Round (180th Overall).
Team USA U17 is led by forward Rutger McGroarty who notched eight points (2G, 6A) over two exhibition matchups against the Soo Eagles on Oct. 13 & 14.
Gambler defenseman Mason Lohrei ranked second on the team in points during the 2019-2020 season with eight goals and 29 helpers over 48 games played. The Verona, Wis., native was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2nd Round (58th Overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Both matchups will be played at Resch Center in Green Bay with start times scheduled for 3:00 pm CT.
Chicago Steel games may be heard on Mixlr at http://mixlr.com/chicago-steel/ (AUDIO) and video may be streamed on available devices through HockeyTV at www.hockeytv.com (VIDEO/AUDIO).
Chicago Steel Upcoming Home Games:
Saturday, October 31 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks 7:05 pm CT (Preseason)
Saturday, November 6 vs. Youngstown Phantoms 7:05 pm CT
Sunday, November 8 vs. Youngstown Phantoms 3:05 pm CT
For more information and to purchase Steel tickets, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2020
- Lancers Taken Down by Storm, 5-2 - Omaha Lancers
- Storm Defeat Rival Lancers 5-2 in Second Preseason Game - Tri-City Storm
- This Year, Thanksgiving Starts Wednesday - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Mike Leone Promoted to Assistant Coach, Greg Mauldin and Kevin Porter Named to NTDP Coaching Staff - U.S. National Team
- Weekly Preview: Steel Begin Preseason on the Road this Weekend - Chicago Steel
- Storm Set to Host Lancers in Game 2 of 2020 Preseason - Tri-City Storm
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