Men's Ice Hockey 1/6/2023 10:35:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL SCORE LATE TO TOP MUSKEGON 4-3 FRIDAY

Emerson records game-winner; Hagens records two points

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—Steel forward Michael Emerson's power play goal with 2:30 to play gave the Chicago Steel (20-7-1-1; 42 pts) a 4-3 win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks (13-13-2-0; 28 pts) Friday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

The Steel trailed 2-0 early in the second period but rallied in a wild back-and-forth game. Chicago has captured all five meetings against Muskegon so far this season with another matchup on tap for Saturday night.
Steel defenseman Michael Hagens recorded a goal and assist in the contest and Jack Harvey and Chris Delaney each added goals.

The Steel tied a season high 43 shots on goal in the win.

Despite a strong first shift by the Steel, Muskegon opened the scoring less than a minute into the game.

George Fegaras made a long cross-ice pass to find Ethan Whitcomb at the top of the offensive zone. Whitcomb made a backwards pass to Owen Mehlenbacher who quickly returned the puck. Whitcomb shot, and the puck bounced off Steel defenseman Chris Able's skate and behind Steel goaltender Christian Manz for the goal.

Although the Lumberjacks controlled play for the majority of the first period, the Steel outshot Muskegon 12 to 11.

Muskegon carried the momentum into the second period and scored less than five minutes into the frame. Nathan McBreyer carried the puck into the offensive zone, hesitated above the left circle, and released a deadly shot past Manz' glove side to give the Lumberjacks a 2-0 lead.

The Steel struck back past the halfway point of the period. Thor Byfuglien carried the puck across the Muskegon blue line and circled along the far boards before finding Nolan Joyce at the point. Joyce took a few strides before releasing a shot which was deflected on the doorstep by Chris Delaney for his second goal of the year, cutting the lead to 2-1.

As time wound down in the period, the Steel found their fire and tied the game at 2-2. Michael Hagens made a pass to Macklin Celebrini on the doorstep that was intercepted, but Celebrini found the puck along the boards. Celebrini then connected with Nick Moldenhauer in the left circle. Moldenhauer waited for an opening before making a pass to Hagens for a one-timer goal to even the score heading to the third.
Early in the third, the Steel gained their first lead of the game.

Jack Harvey and Chris Able hooked up for a give-and-go which ended with Harvey streaking into the slot. Harvey dangled and released a wrister that made its way into the top left corner of the net above Robbins' right shoulder to give the Steel a 3-2 lead.

Muskegon quickly bounced back to even the score less than a minute later.

Luke Buss carried the puck into the zone before releasing a shot that went wide. The puck careened along the boards back to Matthew Morden at the point. Morden took a shot from the blue line which trickled under the pad of Manz for the equalizer.

With just over two minutes left in the third period, the Steel had their first successful power play of the night.
Emerson carried the puck into the offensive zone and attempted a cross-ice pass to Celebrini on the doorstep. The puck bounced off Robbins' stick to Hagens in the slot. Hagens shot bounced off the Muskegon goaltender to Emerson besides the net. Emerson collected the bouncing puck and delivered the game-winning power play goal.
Muskegon pulled Robbins with under a minute to play in the third, but Chicago controlled the puck as the clocked ticked down to earn its league-leading 20^th victory of the season.

Christian Manz stopped 30 shots to earn the victory in net, and Chicago's penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3 in the contest.

The Steel take on the Lumberjacks once again on Saturday night for a Celebration of Inclusion presented by the Rising Lights Project. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

The Celebration of Inclusion is presented by the Rising Lights Project and its sponsor, J&R Herra, a night devoted to providing an opportunity for all to enjoy the game.

This night will be sensory friendly for all fans meaning no goal horn, closed-caption videos, and a sensory break space for decompression. Fans can enjoy a performance by the Special Stars, a dance group that creates an inclusive environment.

Following Saturday's game, the Steel have a home-and-home against the Madison Capitols beginning with a trip to Madison on Friday, Jan. 13.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, fans can join the Steel at home for the annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Geneva Family Dental. Fans are encouraged to bring new or unused teddy bears to toss on the ice after the first Steel goal against the Madison Capitols. All teddy bears will be donated to local hospitals and charities.
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 this weekend's games and all 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 7 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks (7:05 p.m. CT) – A Celebration of Inclusion presented by Rising Lights Project
Friday, January 13 at Madison Capitols (7:05 p.m. CT)
Saturday, January 14 vs Madison Capitols (7:05 p.m.) – Teddy Bear Toss presented by Geneva Family Dental'

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Players Mentioned

#2 Chris Able: D; 6' 2"; Freshman; Ohio State University

#10 Chris Delaney: F; 5' 6"; Umass-Amherst

#11 Michael Hagens: D; 5' 11"; Harvard University

#13 Jack Harvey: F; 5' 10"; Boston University

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

Players Mentioned

#2 Chris Able
: 6' 2"; Freshman; Ohio State University
: D

#10 Chris Delaney
: 5' 6"; Umass-Amherst
: F

#11 Michael Hagens
: 5' 11"; Harvard University
: D

#13 Jack Harvey
: 5' 10"; Boston University
: F

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