General 12/3/2023 6:51:00 PM

Major Scores Second Consecutive OT Winner for Steel

Chicago wins second consecutive overtime game to round out four-point weekend

GENEVA, IL — For the second consecutive game, Charlie Major scored in overtime to finalize a thrilling homestand as the Chicago Steel (7-12-1-1, 16 pts.) defeated the USA Hockey NTDP (8-9-1-1, 18 pts.) 4-3 in overtime at Fox Valley Ice Arena Sunday afternoon.

Major has an overtime game-winning goal in four of the Steel's seven victories this season.

Mick Thompson started Sunday's scoring with his seventh goal of the year in the opening period, followed by Kolin Sisson notching his second goal in as many games. Joey DelGreco scored the final Steel goal in regulation, his eighth of the year in the second period. Charlie Major ended the game with 1:04 left in overtime with his 12^th goal of the campaign.

Steel goaltender Christian Manz made 25 saves on 28 shots to notch his fifth victory of the season.

The NTDP had a great chance in the early going from Drew Schock IV, who had a great look with the left side of the net open, but Steel netminder Christian Manz quickly slid to his right and made a lunging right pad stop.

The majority of the period was evenly matched until Mick Thompson cashed in with a perfectly placed shot to the blocker side of USA goaltender Harrison Boettiger to open the scoring.

Thompson's seventh goal of the year had a primary assist from Ben Yurchuk, who dished a great pass to Thompson, and Jordan Brisson.

Two minutes after Thompson's goal, Kolin Sisson scored his second goal in as many games, this one a clean pick off a rebound after Chris Able attempted a wraparound.

Defenseman Chris Reiniger added a helper on Sisson's goal, his first point of his USHL career.

Chicago stayed hot on the trail and, just 27 seconds into the second period, received a score from Joey DelGreco that made it 3-0 after Sisson sent a nice feed to his right. Michael Hagens had a secondary assist on the goal.

The Steel took its second penalty of the game shortly after the midway point of the period. The NTDP converted when a Charlie Trethewey shot bounced off the chest of Manz and landed cleanly where LJ Mooney pounced on the rebound and tucked it five-hole to get USA on the board and make it 3-1.

USA continued to get solid looks, including a shorthanded chance later in the period, but Manz stayed collected in the crease and made a fantastic right-pad save with a heavy push to his right.

Chicago recorded 14 shots in the second period which tied a season-high for shots in a single frame.

A pair of early penalties gave USA a 5-on-3 power play three minutes into the third, and the NTDP took full advantage as Will Moore scored his fourth goal of the year to make it a 3-2 game.

The NTDP stayed on the gas following the power play goal, testing Manz with tough stops and putting shots off the posts while looking for the tying goal.

Looking to expand its lead, the Steel went on a tear in the attacking end with a near minute-long cycle, and nearly put the game out of reach.

Lukas Sawchyn carried in on the right wing and fed an open Thompson at the back door, but Thompson couldn't get good lumber on the puck.

Desperate to tie the game, the NTDP pulled its netminder with two minutes left in regulation.

USA was crisp with its passing as Jack Murtagh fired a pass to Cole McKinney who sent it to a wide-open Mooney at the left dot to tie the game at three.

The Steel had one final chance to win the game in regulation as Major had an open look in front of the net, but he was turned aside to send the game to overtime for the second consecutive game.

The NTDP had a handful of close calls, including a breakaway chance, but Manz withstood the attack from the U17s.

Just under four minutes into the 3-on-3 frame, Major picked up the puck in neutral ice and blew by a USA defenseman. Showcasing his exquisite stickhandling moves he'd displayed before, Major deked to the net and roofed a backhand beauty to give Chicago a riveting 4-3 win.

Chicago will head to Green Bay to take on the Gamblers on Friday, December 8 before returning to Fox Valley Ice Arena to close out the weekend against Green Bay on Saturday, December 9.

Dec. 9 is Winterfest presented by Rookies All-American Pub and Grill. The Steel will wear specialty Winterfest jerseys that will be auctioned online on DASH, with proceeds benefitting the Cyclones Youth Hockey Association.

Saturday's game also features a Post-Game Skate with the Steel, where fans can hit the ice and skate with the Chicago Steel. Fans can bring their own skates or rent a pair.

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

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Friday, December 8 at Green Bay Gamblers (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, December 9 vs. Green Bay Gamblers (6:05 pm CT) | Winterfest presented by Rookies All-American Pub and Grill with Jersey Auction | Post-Game Skate with Steel
Wednesday, December 13 vs. Team USA NTDP U18 (9:30 am CT)

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Players Mentioned

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

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

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

#14 Mick Thompson: F; 5' 8"; Harvard University

#20 Charlie Major: F; 5' 10"; Cornell University

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

#7 Kolin Sisson: Forward; 5' 9"; Freshman; Providence College

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

#17 Ben Yurchuk: Forward; 5' 9"; Freshman; Northeastern University

Players Mentioned

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

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

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

#14 Mick Thompson
: 5' 8"; Harvard University
: F

#20 Charlie Major
: 5' 10"; Cornell University
: F

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

#7 Kolin Sisson
: 5' 9"; Freshman; Providence College
: Forward

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

#17 Ben Yurchuk
: 5' 9"; Freshman; Northeastern University
: Forward