Men's Ice Hockey 2/10/2023 10:24:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL EARN HARD FOUGHT 3-2 WIN OVER LANCERS FRIDAY

Perron records goal in 100th game played; Celebrini and Finley add markers

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—The Chicago Steel (25-12-2-1; 53 pts) struck twice within the first ten minutes of the game and led throughout, earning a 3-2 win over the Omaha Lancers (12-21-4-2; 30 pts) Friday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena.

The Steel have won three games in a row.

Macklin Celebrini registered a goal and an assist in the contest and now leads the league in points with 49 (25G, 24A). Jayden Perron recorded his 18^th goal of the season, a career-high in goals, in his 100^th USHL game.
The Steel got off to a great start for the third consecutive game. On this night, Chicago scored on its opening shift.

Thor Byfuglien started the play in Steel territory, dishing the puck to Celebrini at the top of the defensive zone. Celebrini carried the puck from the top of the Steel defensive zone into the offensive zone. Celebrini, in an incredible display of skill, carried the puck into the offensive zone, dancing around four defenders before dangled in front of Lancers goaltender Kevin Pasche. Celebrini drew Pasche out of the net and tucked the puck behind his right skate for his 25^th goal of the season.

The goal marked the third straight game the Steel have scored in the first two minutes of play.

Celebrini would continue to wreak havoc on the Lancers, getting multiple dangerous scoring opportunities in the early stages of the game.

The Steel struck again at the halfway point of the period. Off a faceoff, Charlie Major made a diving play to poke the puck off the stick of a Lancer to Jayden Perron. Perron, appearing in his 100^th USHL game, created a two-on-one with Quinn Finley trailing. Perron made a sharp cross-crease pass to Finley, who tipped the puck home to double the lead to 2-0.

Finley is now on a three-game point streak with five points (3G, 2A).

Chicago recorded a total of 18 shots on goal in the period, tying a season high for a Steel period, but some outstanding saves by Pasche kept the Steel lead at just two.

After outshooting Omaha 18-6 in the opening frame, the Lancers would outshoot Chicago 28-14 the rest of the way.

Halfway through the second period, Omaha got on the board, catching the Steel on a line change. Justin Stupka collected the puck along the far boards before making a centering pass to Aleksi Kivioja. Kivioja's initial shot was saved by Steel goaltender Jack Stark, but Kivioja pitchforked the rebound for a bar-down goal to cut the Steel lead 2-1.

With Omaha threatening to tie the game in the third, Pasche robbed Quinn Finley with a glove save, one of 29 stops he made in an outstanding effort in net.

Moments later, the Steel increased their lead to 3-1. Celebrini shook off his defenders and made a sideways pass to Perron in the bottom of the left circle. Perron roofed a one-timer for his 18^th goal of the season.

With just over five minutes left in the period, Omaha cut the Steel lead to 3-2. A bad bounce for the Steel in their own end put the puck onto the blade of Reese Laubach. Laubach attempted two shots that were both stopped by Stark, but the rebound was picked up by Griffin Jurecki who shoveled the puck past the Steel goaltender for a five-hole goal.

With 2:06 left in the third period, Omaha pulled Pasche, but the Steel controlled the final minutes, holding the Lancers without a shot on goal for the remainder of the game.

Stark stopped 32 of 34 shots faced to earn his 12^th win in 14 starts. Stark is second among USHL goaltenders in SV% with .921.

Tomorrow night the Steel travel to Des Moines for the final matchup of the regular season against the Buccaneers for a 6:00 p.m. CT puck drop to finish out the weekend.

Following the weekend, the Steel return home for a three-game holiday weekend Feb. 17 through Feb. 19.
On Friday, Feb. 17, the Steel will host a Slumberland Slumber Party as they battle the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m. CT.

Saturday, Feb. 18 is Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring appearances from Stanley Cup Champion Brian Campbell and Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk. The Steel host USA Hockey NTDP (U17) at 7:05 p.m CT.

Chicago Steel hockey is presented by River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

The Steel cap off the holiday weekend on Sunday, Feb. 19 with a 3:05 p.m CT. puck drop against USA for a Steel Card Set Giveaway (part 1 of 2) presented by Top Shelf Sports Cards. Feb. 19 also marks a Slumberland Family Pack Game with a special deal for families, and after the game, fans can participate in Full Team Post-Game Autographs.

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:
Saturday, February 11 at Des Moines Buccaneers (6:00 p.m. CT)
Friday, February 17 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7:05 p.m. CT) Slumberland Slumber Party
Saturday, February 18 vs. USA Hockey NTDP (U17) (7:05 p.m. CT) Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring Stanley Cup Champion Brian Campbell and Tommy Hawk

Chicago Steel hockey is presented by River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

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Players Mentioned

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

Players Mentioned

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

Players Mentioned

#18 Jayden Perron

Players Mentioned

#18 Jayden Perron