General 12/15/2023 9:10:00 PM

Muskegon Scores Three Unanswered to Sink Steel

DelGreco scores sixth power play goal for Steel as Lumberjacks stay perfect against Chicago

MUSKEGON, MI — Joey DelGreco scored his league-tying sixth power play goal of the year to keep Chicago close, but three straight Lumberjacks goals in the second period were the difference as the Muskegon Lumberjacks (14-9-1-1, 28 pts.) cruised to a 6-2 win over the Steel (8-15-1-1, 18 pts.) Friday night at Trinity Health Arena.

DelGreco and Jordan Brisson were the two goal scorers for the Steel. Thor Byfuglien and Hans-Martin Ulvebne had solo assists on each of the respective goals.

In their first game after a six-goal outing in Sioux Falls last Saturday, the Lumberjacks' offense stayed hot in the opening period with a breakaway chance just over three minutes in.

Following a Steel turnover just outside their blue line, Patrick Raftery carried in by himself on a breakaway and attempted to fire five-hole on Steel goaltender Louka Cloutier, but the rookie netminder closed it down for his first big stop of the night.

Muskegon didn't stray away from the blueprint and got on the board three minutes after the great chance as Cody Croal snapped a shot from the left circle that deflected off of Cloutier's glove and in.

Five minutes later, the Lumberjacks were on the receiving end of some home puck luck after a clearing attempt from behind Chicago's net bounced off of a body and somehow leaked through Cloutier who was hugging his right post. David Klee was credited with the goal.

The first penalty of the night was called later in the first, giving Chicago a power play.

With space at the top of the zone, Joey DelGreco walked in just above the faceoff circles and ripped a wrist shot through a screen to get the Steel on the board and make it 2-1.

DelGreco's goal was his ninth of the year and his team-leading sixth power play goal.

The one-goal deficit was short-lived, as Matvei Gridin continued his recent assault on the scoresheet with his team-leading 14^th goal of the year. The goal was a back-breaker, coming with just 13 seconds left in the opening period.

The Steel went to the penalty kill consecutively to start the second period and were successful with both, following up their second kill with a score.

After the Lumberjacks had trouble leaving their zone, the Steel sprung to action and set shop in the attacking end. From the side of the net, Hans-Martin Ulvebne found Jordan Brisson alone in the slot who fired his fourth goal of the year into the back of the net, making it 3-2.

Chicago's hard-fought efforts to draw within one were again cut down quickly as
Muskegon scored three straight goals, two from Ty Henricks and one from Ethan Whitcomb to round out the second period and make it a 6-2 lead.

Muskegon owned the second period with its three consecutive goals and more than doubled Chicago's shots in the frame, 16-7.

Chicago went to the power place twice in the final frame but could not cash in, falling 6-2.

The two teams will finish out the weekend in Muskegon on Saturday, December 16 at 6:10 pm CT before heading to the USHL holiday break.

After a game in Madison on Friday, Dec. 29 Chicago returns to home ice on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 6:05 pm for a Steel Bucket Hat Giveaway (first 500 fans) presented by Meyer Signs and Graphics.

Dec. 30 features a post-game Skate with the Steel, where fans can bring their own skates or rent a pair and hit the ice with the team after the game.

Single game tickets are on sale now starting at just $10. All Steel tickets are digital and fans are encouraged to purchase online in advance at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

For a limited time, the Steel are offering the Holiday Hat Trick ticket pack which includes one ticket to the team's December 30 game, plus an additional ticket to two games of your choice, plus a Steel foam puck hat.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Saturday, December 15 at Muskegon Lumberjacks (6:10 pm CT)
Friday, December 29 at Madison Capitols (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, December 30 vs. Madison Capitols (6:05 pm CT) | Steel Bucket Hat Giveaway (first 500 fans) presented by Meyer Signs & Graphics | Post-Game Skate with Steel

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Players Mentioned

#12 Jordan Brisson: F; 6' 1"; Colorado College

#25 Thor Byfuglien: D; 6' 0"; St. Cloud State University

#10 Joey DelGreco: Forward; 5' 10"; Freshman; Augustana University

#26 Hans-Martin Ulvebne: Forward; 6' 0"; Freshman; Bemidji State University

#1 Louka Cloutier: Goaltender; 6' 1"; Freshman; University of Nebraska-Omaha

Players Mentioned

#12 Jordan Brisson
: 6' 1"; Colorado College
: F

#25 Thor Byfuglien
: 6' 0"; St. Cloud State University
: D

#10 Joey DelGreco
: 5' 10"; Freshman; Augustana University
: Forward

#26 Hans-Martin Ulvebne
: 6' 0"; Freshman; Bemidji State University
: Forward

#1 Louka Cloutier
: 6' 1"; Freshman; University of Nebraska-Omaha
: Goaltender