Men's Ice Hockey 2/3/2023 10:16:00 PM Chicago Steel

FINLEY SCORES TWICE TO LEAD STEEL TO 6-2 VICTORY FRIDAY

Celebrini tallies goal and assist; Harvey, Emerson and Thompson add goals

GENEVA, ILLINOIS—The Chicago Steel (23-12-2-1; 49 pts) scored three goals in the game's first ten minutes and topped the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (17-13-3-2; 39 pts) 6-2 in a balanced and complete effort Friday night at ImOn Ice Arena.

Quinn Finley registered two goals within the first five minutes of the contest and Jack Harvey, Michael Emerson and Mick Thompson each added markers. Macklin Celebrini registered a goal and an assist in the contest to take over the league lead in points. Zam Plante and Nick Moldenhauer each had two assists for Chicago.

The Steel came out determined, looking to snap a three-game slide and earn their first victory over Cedar Rapids this season.

It took just 61 seconds for the Steel to jump on top. Zam Plante collected the puck behind the RoughRiders net off a feed from Chris Able. Plante carried the puck to the right circle, chased by defenders, before whipping around and connecting with Quinn Finley on the doorstep. Finley quickly released a one-timer for his first goal of the night.

Finley struck again under five minutes later to double the Steel lead to 2-0. The Steel's league-leading power play found its way back on the scoresheet after a three-game drought. Plante received the puck from Anthony Dowd below the left circle and waited for an opening before making a cross-ice pass to Quinn Finley. Finley fired a one-timer from the right circle for his 14^th goal of the season.

Less than three minutes later, the Steel power play struck again. Jayden Perron stopped a clearing attempt at the nearside of the blue line before making a short pass to Macklin Celebrini along the near boards. Celebrini patiently waited, carrying the puck to the center of the right circle before firing a pass to Michael Emerson on the doorstep for a tip-in and 3-0 lead.

Late in the period, the RoughRiders were awarded a power play. Tyson Gross found Jacob Kraft in front of Steel goaltender Christian Manz. Kraft drew Manz out of the net before spinning and connecting with Ryan Walsh on the doorstep for a goal to cut the Chicago lead to 3-1.

The Steel increased their lead to 4-1 early in the second period. Nick Moldenhauer started the play when he gloved down a clearing attempt along the near boards in the offensive zone. Moldenhauer carried the puck into the slot, faked a shot, and connected with Celebrini on the doorstep for his 24^th goal of the season. Celebrini now leads the league in points with 47 (24G, 23A).

About four minutes later, the RoughRiders cut the Steel lead in half to 4-2. Kraft made a stretch pass to JJ Wiebusch at the top of the offensive zone to start the play. Wiebusch momentarily held the puck along the near boards before connecting with a streaking Tyson Gross. Gross toe-dragged and fired a wrister for the goal.
Following the trend of the previous periods, the Steel scored early to start the third. Under two minutes into the period, Jack Harvey scored his first goal since Jan. 14.

Harvey worked hard to fight off his defender as he skated through the right circle. Showing incredible patience, Harvey dangled in front of RoughRiders goaltender Bruno Bruveris and tucked the puck behind his right skate for a 5-2 lead.

With less than four minutes left in the game, the Steel scored again to increase their lead to 6-2. Manz registered his first USHL point with a long pass to Finley at the red line. Finley connected with Mick Thompson in the slot from the right circle. Thompson went forehand-backhand for his first goal since Dec. 17.
Chicago finished the night 2-for-3 on the power play.

Christian Manz saved 28 of 30 shots faced to earn his 12th victory of the season. Manz leads the league in saves with 689.

Tomorrow night, the Steel are back home at Fox Valley Ice Arena for a velcro wallet giveaway. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Steel velcro wallet. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

Next weekend, the Steel are back on the road for a pair of games. Friday, Feb. 10 the Steel are set to battle the Omaha Lancers for the first and only time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. The following day, Chicago travels to Des Moines to faceoff against the Buccaneers for the second time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.

The Steel will 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 Dodge Jeep and 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 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)
Saturday, February 11 at Des Moines Buccaneers (6:00 p.m. CT)

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Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer: F; 5' 11"; Freshman; University of Michigan

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

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

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

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

#27 Zam Plante: F; 5' 10"; University of Minnesota-Duluth

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

Players Mentioned

#9 Nick Moldenhauer
: 5' 11"; Freshman; University of Michigan
: F

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

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

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

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

#27 Zam Plante
: 5' 10"; University of Minnesota-Duluth
: F

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