Men's Ice Hockey 1/29/2023 5:58:00 PM Chicago Steel

FURIOUS COMEBACK EARNS STANDINGS POINT IN 5-4 OVERTIME LOSS SUNDAY

Celebrini scores twice, Emerson records goal and assist, Perron registers goal

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—The Chicago Steel (22-12-2-1; 47 pts) scored three times in the last nine minutes of regulation to force overtime before falling 5-4 to USA Hockey NTDP (U17) (20-11-1-2; 43 pts) Sunday at USA Hockey Arena.

The comeback earned the only point of the three game weekend for Chicago and marked the first three game losing streak this season.

The three Steel goals came within a span of 5:19 in the third period. USA's Cole Eiserman scored on his team's first shot of overtime, just 19 seconds into the extra session.

Macklin Celebrini scored twice in the contest, and Jayden Perron and Michael Emerson each added goals. Emerson also recorded an assist in the matchup. Celebrini is now on a six-game point streak with 9 points (6G, 3A) and is now tied for first in the USHL in points (45) with teammate Jack Harvey.

Carrying the play offensively in the early moments, USA opened the scoring under two minutes into the contest. Shane Vansaghi scored a top shelf goal from the doorstep off the rebound of Cole Eiserman's shot for his first USHL goal.

At the halfway point of the period, USA struck again. John Whipple received a pass at the point before connecting with Sam Laurila on the far end of the blue line. Steel goaltender Christian Manz got most of Laurila's shot, but the puck trickled past him to double USA's lead to 2-0.

With less than five minutes left in the period, USA scored its third consecutive goal. Kristian Epperson fired from the right circle and Cole Hutson crashed the net and scored on the rebound from the goal line.

After being outshot 14-5 in the first period, Chicago would outshoot USA 25-20 the rest of the way.

Halfway through the second period, USA added to its lead. Epperson charged into the offensive zone and found Brodie Ziemer in the slot for a one-timer goal to make it 4-0 USA.

Less than four minutes later, the Steel finally beat USA goaltender Jack Parsons to cut the lead to 4-1. Michael Emerson carried the puck into the offensive zone before connecting with Jayden Perron between the dots. Perron fired a one-timer shot for his 16^th goal of the season.

Trailing 4-1, the Steel began their third period comeback when Macklin Celebrini cut USA's lead to 4-2. Quinn Finley stole the puck along the near boards before connecting with Nick Moldenhauer near the right circle. Moldenhauer connected with Celebrini in the slot who beat Parsons with a wrister.

With less than four minutes left in regulation, the Steel struck again to cut score to 4-3. Cameron Johnson controlled the puck in the right circle before connecting with Hunter Hady in the slot. Hady's one-timer bounced off Parsons to Michael Emerson on the doorstep for his 21^st goal of the season.

Just 31 seconds later, the Steel tied the game. Macklin Celebrini scored his second of the game and 23^rd goal of the season. Moldenhauer, from the blue line of the Steel defensive zone, found Celebrini at the top of the offensive zone. Celebrini walked in and scored a bar-down goal to even things up.

After several USA chances near the end of regulation, the game went to overtime where, Cole Eiserman danced around several Steel defenders and unleashed a low wrister for the game-winner.

For the third game in a row, the Steel's league leading power play was kept off the scoresheet, unable to capitalize in four opportunities.

Steel goaltender Christian Manz stopped 29 shots in defeat.

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:
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)
Friday, February 10 at Omaha Lancers (7:05 p.m. CT)

###

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

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

#18 Jayden Perron: F; 5' 9"; University of North Dakota

#26 Michael Emerson: F; 6' 1"; Freshman

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

Players Mentioned

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

#18 Jayden Perron
: 5' 9"; University of North Dakota
: F

#26 Michael Emerson
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: F

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