Men's Ice Hockey 1/20/2023 10:36:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL FALL 5-4 TO WATERLOO FOLLOWING FURIOUS COMEBACK FRIDAY

Finley registers goal and assist; Moldenhauer records two assists; Manz makes 43 saves

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—The Waterloo Black Hawks (21-11-0-0; 42 pts) scored three goals in the last 1:40 of play, completing a furious comeback to defeat the Chicago Steel (21-10-1-1; 44 pts) 5-4 Friday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

Waterloo extended its winning streak to seven games, overcoming a 4-1 deficit with under eight minutes to play and scoring with 31.8 seconds left in the third period to tie the game, and with 12.2 seconds remaining to win it.

Despite the final result, Steel goaltender Christian Manz stood strong throughout the contest saving a career high of 43 shots faced. Waterloo outshot Chicago 48-15 and held the Steel without a shot on goal in the third period.

Chicago forwards Macklin Celebrini, Michael Emerson, Charlie Major and Quinn Finley netted goals, and Nick Moldenhauer had two assists in the game.

In the only meeting of the season between the two teams, Chicago played with the lead most of the night, starting with a pair of first period goals.

Although Waterloo controlled most of the play for the first ten minutes, the Steel found themselves on the board first. Chicago's league-leading power play finally got on the scoresheet after being shut down in two consecutive games.

Quinn Finley found Nick Moldenhauer against the boards just above the goal line. Moldenhauer connected with Macklin Celebrini across the ice in the right circle. Celebrini patiently carried the puck between the dots while waiting for an opening, dancing around Waterloo defenders before firing for the power play goal.

Less than two minutes later, the Steel struck again to double their lead to 2-0. Following a faceoff win in the defensive zone, Michael Hagens passed to Moldenhauer at the top of the zone. Moldenhauer connected with Jack Harvey with a no-look between the legs pass, creating a two-on-one opportunity. Harvey outskated his defender before making a cross ice pass to Emerson crashing the net. Emerson tipped the puck above Waterloo goaltender Jack Spicer's left pad for his 20^th goal of the season.

Steel goaltender Christian Manz stopped all 12 shots faced throughout the period.

Waterloo came out for the second with fire and continued to apply pressure. Just over halfway through the middle frame, Waterloo got on the scoresheet to cut the Steel lead in half to 2-1. Griffin Erdman collected a loose puck along the near boards before spinning around and connecting with Caden Brown in the slot. Brown calmed the puck and fired, sending the puck above Manz' right shoulder. With the goal, Brown has at least one point in all eight games he's appeared in this season.

Less than two minutes later, the Steel increased their lead to 3-1. Anthony Dowd circled in the offensive zone before dropping the puck for Chris Delaney at the blue line. Delaney rushed to the net, drawing Spicer's full attention. Delaney passed to Charlie Major on the other side of the net, who took advantage of the open net for his fifth goal of the season and second in the last three games.

Just under three minutes later, the Steel scored their fourth goal of the night. In an impressive display of skill and skating ability, Jayden Perron powered into the offensive zone, shaking off several Waterloo defenders. Perron found Finley at the edge of the left circle, who dangled and scored on a backhand shot. It was Finley's first goal since being traded to Chicago a week ago, and his first in a Steel sweater since Feb. 5, 2021.

Waterloo began it's comeback with just under eight minutes remaining, cutting the Steel lead in half to 4-2.
Aaron Pionk collected the puck along the boards behind the goal line and skated up to the top of the left circle. Pionk found Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Sam Rinzel at the bottom edge of the left circle, who shook off his defender with a quick move before releasing a shot that went bar-down for the goal.

Trailing 4-2, Waterloo pulled Spicer with just under four minutes remaining in regulation. With less than two minutes left, the Black Hawks cut the lead to one. In his debut in a Waterloo sweater after being traded from Madison earlier in the week, Miko Matikka fought off a Steel defender along the near boards. Matikka connected with Gavin Lindberg behind Manz. Lindberg wrapped around the net with a pass to Garrett Schifsky on the doorstep who beat Manz on his blocker side with 1:40 left.

With 31.8 seconds left in the third, the Black Hawks tied the game at 4-4. A faceoff win in the offensive zone put the puck on the stick of Ben Robertson at the blue line. Robertson passed to Rinzel on the opposite end of the point. Rinzel fired a shot, which was deflected on the doorstep by Lindberg to tie the game.

Less than 20 seconds later, the Black Hawks scored the game winner. Owen Baker charged into the offensive zone to wave off a potential icing call. Baker flung the puck on net which bounced off Manz to Erdman on the doorstep. Erdman's immediate shot rebounded off Manz onto the stick of Myles Hilman who scored as Waterloo completed its improbable comeback.

Tomorrow night the Steel face off against the Des Moines Buccaneers for Star Wars Night, presented by Meyer Signs and Graphics. The night will feature members of 501^st Garrison appearing in character for photo opportunities as well as Star Wars themed promotions the whole family can enjoy. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

Next weekend the Steel hit the road for a full weekend of games. Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 the Steel matchup against the Youngstown Phantoms at Covelli Centre. The Steel then travel to Michigan to battle USA Hockey NTDP (U17) on Sunday, Jan. 29 at USA Hockey Arena.

Tickets for all Steel home games start at just $10 and are available by calling 855-51-STEEL, purchasing at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com or visiting the Steel box office at Fox Valley Ice Arena during business hours.

All Chicago Steel tickets are digital and available on mobile devices. Fans should create their profile online by clicking here. For more information on digital tickets for the Chicago Steel, click here. Fans attending Steel home games this season are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to arriving at the arena to avoid any delays on game night.

Season ticket plans starting at 5 games for just $50 and group tickets and experiences are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL or emailing info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Saturday, January 21 vs. Des Moines Buccaneers (7:05 p.m. CT) – Star Wars Night presented by Meyer Signs and Graphics
Friday, January 27 at Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 p.m. CT)
Saturday, January 28 at Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 p.m. CT)

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Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer: F; 5' 11"; Freshman; University of Michigan

#17 Macklin Celebrini: F; 6' 0"; Boston University

#20 Charlie Major: F; 5' 10"; Cornell University

#35 Christian Manz: G; 6' 0"; Augustana University

Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer
: 5' 11"; Freshman; University of Michigan
: F

#17 Macklin Celebrini
: 6' 0"; Boston University
: F

#20 Charlie Major
: 5' 10"; Cornell University
: F

#35 Christian Manz
: 6' 0"; Augustana University
: G