Men's Ice Hockey 1/28/2023 9:06:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL LOSE SECOND STRAIGHT TO PHANTOMS SATURDAY

Roberts stops 35 shots; Celebrini and Moldenhauer each register goals for Steel

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—The Chicago Steel (22-12-1-1; 46 pts) fell 6-2 to the Youngstown Phantoms (19-12-3-1; 42 pts) at Covelli Centre Saturday, Jan. 28 in the second of two matchups against Youngstown this weekend. This was the first time this season the Steel lost back-to-back games in the same weekend. The last time the Steel lost back-to-back games in the same weekend was Feb. 19 and Feb. 20, 2022 against USA Hockey NTDP.

Steel goaltender Miles Roberts stopped a career high 35 shots. Macklin Celebrini and Nick Moldenhauer each registered goals in the contest.

Phantoms forward William Whitelaw recorded a hat trick in the victory and goaltender Owen Fowler won for the 10^th time in his last 11 starts.

The Steel came out flying to start the game following Friday's 4-1 loss to Youngstown. The spark paid off, with the Steel opening the scoring.

Macklin Celebrini danced in the left circle to shake off his defenders before connecting with Nick Moldenhauer. Moldenhauer carried the puck behind the net and passed to Celebrini on the doorstep who scored on a one-timer to beat Phantoms goaltender Jacob Fowler.

The Steel's 1-0 lead was short-lived, as Youngstown struck back less than a minute later to tie the game. Former Steel forward Andon Cerbone made a long pass to a streaking William Whitelaw. Whitelaw powered into the offensive zone, evaded his defender, and beat Steel goaltender Miles Roberts.

The first period was a complete effort by the Steel. Chicago was strong on the puck, finding high quality scoring chances. The push came from all fronts, including goaltending. Later in the period, Roberts shutdown a dangerous Phantoms scoring chance and a rebound opportunity to keep the score tied at 1-1.

Despite strong Steel scoring opportunities early in the second, including a shorthanded chance from Celebrini, the Phantoms scored twice on similar-looking stretch plays.

Youngstown took the lead halfway through the period. From the right circle of the Phantoms defensive zone, Andrew Strathmann made a long pass to Matthew Perkins at the top of the offensive zone. Perkins walked in and scored on a wrister to gain the 2-1 lead.

Four minutes later, the Phantoms extended their lead. Strathmann again made a long pass from the defensive zone to a streaking teammate. Kenta Isogai received the puck at the top of the offensive zone and carried it in undefended, beating for a goal and a 3-1 Youngstown lead.

Although the Steel successfully killed off a 5-on-3 Phantoms power play early in the third period, Youngstown scored its fourth goal less than two minutes into the third period. Cerbone made a cross-ice pass from the left circle to Perkins in the opposite circle. Perkins' initial shot was saved, but Whitelaw collected the rebound on the doorstep for his second goal of the night.

Less than one minute later, the Steel cut the Phantoms lead to 4-2. Quinn Finley successfully fought for the puck along the near boards in the offensive zone before spinning and connecting with Moldenhauer in the slot. Moldenhauer waited for an opening and fired a wrister to beat Fowler.

Just over two minutes later, the Phantoms increased their lead to 5-2. Following a turnover in the Steel defensive zone, the puck found its way to the stick of Shane Lachance. Lachance passed to Whitelaw on the doorstep who completed the hat trick with a one-timer goal.

With less than four minutes left in the period, the Steel pulled Roberts. With eight seconds left in the game, Jake Rozzi scored an empty net goal to cap the scoring.

The powerful Steel power play was once again kept off the scoresheet. The power play was 0-for-2 tonight. In the past four games, the Steel power play has been 3-for-16.

The Steel will travel to Michigan to battle USA Hockey NTDP (U17) Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3:05 p.m. CT.

Next weekend the Steel hit the road to visit Cedar Rapids on Friday, Feb. 3 before returning home on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a Velcro Wallet Giveaway against the RoughRiders. The first 500 fans to arrive at Fox Valley Ice Arena Saturday night will receive a free Steel velcro wallet. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT both nights.
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:
Sunday, January 29 at USA Hockey NTDP (U17) (3:05 p.m. CT)
Friday, February 3 at Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7:05 p.m. CT)
Saturday, February 4 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7:05 p.m. CT) Velcro Wallet Giveaway (first 500 fans)

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Players Mentioned

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer

#17 Macklin Celebrini

#30 Miles Roberts

Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer

#17 Macklin Celebrini

#30 Miles Roberts