Men's Ice Hockey 3/25/2023 10:22:00 PM Chicago Steel

STEEL CLINCH SEVENTH STRAIGHT PLAYOFF BERTH SATURDAY

Chicago scores late to force OT, tops Green Bay in shootout

GENEVA, ILLINOIS— The Chicago Steel (34-16-3-1; 72 pts) became the first Eastern Conference to clinch a Clark Cup Playoff spot following a 5-4 shootout win against the Green Bay Gamblers (28-20-2-3; 61 points) Saturday at Resch Center.

It marks the seventh consecutive season the Steel have qualified for the Clark Cup Playoffs.

Nick Moldenhauer scored with 13 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime before Grayden Slipec scored the lone shootout goal and goaltender Jack Stark stopped all three Green Bay attempts to seal the win.

Chris Delaney scored twice and recorded an assist in his 100^th USHL game, his first three-point night of the season.

The game began with both Steel goaltender Jack Stark and Gamblers goaltender Kristoffer Eberly stopping all 14 shots faced in a scoreless first period.

Less than four minutes into the middle frame, the Steel opened the scoring. Nick Moldenhauer carried the puck through the slot, weaving through his defenders before connecting with Chris Delaney on the doorstep. Delaney drew Eberly out of the net before finding Moldenhauer with a cross-crease pass. Moldenhauer scooped the puck into the open net for a 1-0 lead.

Halfway through the period, Green Bay struck back to tie the game. Jimmy Clark carried the puck into the offensive zone along the far side, dashing across the ice to the left circle. Clark fired a wrister to beat Stark high glove-side.

Less than two minutes later, the Steel regained the lead. Jake Livanavage carried the puck through the neutral zone before connecting with Delaney at the top of the offensive zone. Delaney fired a wrister from the top of the left circle to beat Eberly glove-side for his second point of the night.

The lead was short-lived. Jason Shaugabay beat Stark blocker-side on a backhand shot to tie the game at 2-2 just two minutes after Delaney's goal.

Green Bay earned a 3-2 lead just 13 seconds into the third period with Clark scoring his second of the night. Barrett Hall fought for the puck along the boards behind Stark before making a centering pass to Clark in the slot. Clark fired a one-timer that soared above Stark's shoulder and into the net. In ten regular season games against the Steel, Clark registered 11 points (5G, 6A).

At the midway point of the third period, the Steel tied the game 3-3. Jayden Perron spun in the left circle to shake off his defenders before finding a streaking Delaney in the slot. Delaney turned and lifted the puck on his backhand past Eberly's blocker for the equalizer.

With just over four minutes left in the period, the Gamblers were awarded a power play on the just the second penalty of the game. Barrett Hall stickhandled in the right circle before connecting with Matthew DiMarsico in the slot. DiMarsico lifted a backhand to beat Stark high glove-side to give Green Bay a 4-3 lead.

With over one minute left in regulation, the Steel pulled Stark and sent out six forwards in the hopes of a comeback.

As time wound down, Jack Harvey fired from the point, but his shot was saved by Eberly. Moldenhauer poked the rebound through Eberly's legs for his second goal of the night and the equalizer with just 13 seconds remaining.
Each team hit iron in overtime, including Harvey who struck the post just before time expired in the extra session.
To begin the shootout, Grayden Slipec carried the puck down the slot before faking a shot on his forehand and lifting the puck above Eberly in what proved to be the lone shootout goal.

Jack Stark, who had stopped a season-high 43 shots in the game, denied all three Gamblers shooters to secure Chicago's ticket to the Clark Cup Playoffs.

Next weekend, the Steel are home for a pair of games against USA Hockey NTDP (U18). Saturday, April 1 the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Blacksmith Rusty Bobblehead presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

Sunday, April 2 fans are invited to bring their dogs for Pucks and Pups presented by PetSuites. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.

Sunday, April 2 is a Slumberland Family Pack game. The Slumberland Family Pack is a deal which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas/waters, four chips and four chuck-a-pucks for just $50. The package may be purchased in quantities of four to eight and may be purchased online by clicking here and selecting from the column on the right side of the ticketing page.

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 for the 2023-2024 season are now on sale starting at just 5 games for just $50. As part of the team's "Ticket Plan Madness" campaign, for a limited time, fans that secure a new season ticket plan for next season will receive complimentary tickets for regular season and playoff games this season. Fans can call 855-51-STEEL or email info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com to learn more.

The Steel are offering fans the opportunity to secure the best seats and lock in the lowest ticket price for?all potential Clark Cup Playoff home games through the team's Pay As We Play program available now through April 21.

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Saturday, April 1 vs. USA Hockey NTPD (U18) (7:05 p.m. CT) Blacksmith Rusty Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (first 500 fans)
Sunday, April 2 vs. USA Hockey NTDP (U18) (3:05 p.m. CT) Pucks and Pups presented by PetSuites
Friday, April 7 at Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 p.m. CT)

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Players Mentioned

#1 Jack Stark: G; 5' 9"; Yale University

#8 Grayden Slipec: F; 5' 10"; University of North Dakota

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

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

Players Mentioned

#1 Jack Stark
: 5' 9"; Yale University
: G

#8 Grayden Slipec
: 5' 10"; University of North Dakota
: F

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

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