Men's Ice Hockey 1/21/2023 10:16:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL EARN HARD-FOUGHT WIN, TOP DES MOINES 3-2 SATURDAY

Roberts registers first USHL victory; Celebrini scores game winner

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—A night after their toughest loss of the season, the Chicago Steel (22-10-1-1; 46 pts) rebounded with a 3-2 victory against the Des Moines Buccaneers (12-16-4-2; 30 pts) Saturday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

Steel goaltender Miles Roberts recorded a career high 31 saves in the contest to earn his first USHL win.

Macklin Celebrini scored the game-winning goal to break a 2-2 tie early in the third period, and defenseman Anthony Dowd had a pair of assists in the victory.

The Steel's league-leading power play struck twice in the contest, including the opening goal.

On a five-on-three opportunity, the Steel cycled in the offensive zone. Macklin Celebrini carried the puck along the blue line before connecting with Nick Moldenhauer at the top of the right circle. Moldenhauer stickhandled and released a sharp wrister to score a bar-down power play goal. It was Moldenhauer's first goal since Dec. 28, 2022.

Steel goaltender Miles Roberts stopped all 14 shots faced in the first period including a dangerous scoring opportunity just twenty seconds into the game.

Following an unsuccessful Steel power play, Des Moines got on the scoresheet halfway through the second period to tie the game 1-1.

Joey Muldowney intercepted the puck in the Steel offensive zone and made a push in the opposite direction. After some cycling in the offensive zone, the puck made its way to Owen West on the far side of the blue line. West connected with Alex Pineau on the other end of the point for a shot soared below Roberts' blocker for Pineau's first USHL goal.

Four minutes later, Des Moines took the lead. Henry Bartle picked Leo Eperjesi's pocket in the Buccaneers defensive zone and rushed the other way. Bartle dangled right and shot left for an unassisted goal.

Late in the period, Jayden Perron tied the game at 2-2 just as a power play opportunity expired. Zam Plante carried the puck behind the Buccaneers net before attempting to make a cross-crease pass to Perron in the left circle. Plante's pass bounced off a defender's skate to Michael Hagens between the dots. Hagens connected with Perron in the left circle, who blasted a one-timer for the equalizer.

Although all three Steel power play opportunities were unsuccessful in the second period, including a brief 5-on-3 chance, Chicago would start the third period on a high note while on the man advantage.

Quinn Finley collected the puck along the boards before passing to Anthony Dowd at the point. Dowd connected with Celebrini in the right circle, who calmed the puck before attempting to pass to Moldenhauer on the doorstep. Celebrini's pass never found Moldenhauer, but instead was deflected by a Des Moines defender into the net for Celebrini's 20^th goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.

Roberts stopped all nine Des Moines shots in the third period, and Chicago clamped down defensively a night after giving up a three-goal advantage in the final frame.

With less than a minute left, Des Moines pulled its goaltender, but the Steel were up to the task, celebrating with Roberts as time expired.

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:
Friday, January 27 at Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 p.m. CT)
Saturday, January 28 at Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 p.m. CT)
Sunday, January 29 at Team USA (3:05 p.m. CT)

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Players Mentioned

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

#22 Anthony Dowd: D; 5' 7"; Uncommitted

#30 Miles Roberts: G; 6' 1"; Uncommitted

Players Mentioned

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

#22 Anthony Dowd
: 5' 7"; Uncommitted
: D

#30 Miles Roberts
: 6' 1"; Uncommitted
: G

Players Mentioned

#17 Macklin Celebrini

#22 Anthony Dowd

#30 Miles Roberts

Players Mentioned

#17 Macklin Celebrini

#22 Anthony Dowd

#30 Miles Roberts