General 2/9/2024 10:59:00 PM

Steel Drop Capitols for Second Straight Home Win

Arneson scores in first game back in lineup as Steel draw within a standings point of Madison

GENEVA, IL — A pair of goals to open the contest gave Chicago a lead they would not surrender, and a strong defensive effort bolstered the Steel (17-18-3-2, 39 pts.) to a 4-1 victory over the Madison Capitols (17-15-4-2, 40 pts.) Friday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

Forward Michael Hage scored his team-leading 20^th and 21^st goals, extending his point streak to seven games. Michael Emerson added a goal and Brady Arneson scored his first goal of the season while skating in his first game back in the lineup.

Goaltender Christian Manz started in his first game since Jan. 5 and made 22 saves on 23 shots to earn his eighth win of the season.

The Steel were quick to start the scoring, getting on the board just 48 seconds into the contest.

Some familiar names found the scoresheet to get the party started for the Steel, as Charlie Major skated into the attacking end and found Hage, who effortlessly wristed home his 20^th goal of the season.

Not long after the lightning strike from Hage, Emerson got on the board to extend Chicago's lead early.

After the Capitols found possession in their own end, the Steel created a turnover. With Ben Yurchuk below the icing line, he found a streaking Emerson who tucked it past Capitols goaltender Carsen Musser to make it a 2-0 Steel lead.

The Capitols' offense wouldn't stay silenced for long, as just two minutes later, Ronan O'Donnell scored his second goal of the season to bring Madison to within a goal.

Early in the second period, Arneson, who was skating in his first game this season after missing the first 39 games due to injury, was rewarded after the long wait.

Following a clean zone entry, the Steel worked the puck deep into the attacking zone. Grayden Slipec worked around the left corner and behind the net. With Capitols' defenders anticipating a potential wraparound, Slipec instead dropped a pristine pass to Arneson, who sat open in the slot and delivered his first goal of the season.

The Capitols tilted the ice back towards middle ground and saw a fair share of opportunities to draw closer to Chicago, but Manz was dominant between the pipes, stopping ten shots in the final 20 minutes.

Madison pulled its goaltender with 2:30 remaining, but a solid defensive effort by Chicago limited quality chances for the Capitols.

Hage added an empty net goal with one second left on the clock to solidify the 4-1 win.

The Steel will finish the weekend with a road matchup against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:05 pm CT.

Next weekend features three of the biggest events of the season.

Friday, February 16 is Chicago Blackhawks Night, featuring an appearance from Tommy Hawk.

The Steel will then host Chicago Steel: The Eras Night presented by McCormick FONA at 7:05 pm CT, and wear special Taylor Swift-themed jerseys that will be auctioned online from Feb. 15 to Feb. 22. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Geneva Academic Foundation.

The weekend will conclude with Part 1 of the Steel Trading Card Giveaway on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3:05 pm when the Steel host Madison. Fans can stick around for full team post-game autographs after the game.

Sunday, Feb. 18 is a Steel Family Pack game where fans can get four tickets, hot dogs, chips, sodas/waters and chuck-a-pucks for just $60.

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:
Saturday, February 10 at Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7:05 pm CT)
Friday, February 16 vs. Tri-City Storm (7:05 pm CT) | Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring Tommy Hawk
Saturday, February 17 vs. Tri-City Storm (7:05 pm CT) | Chicago Steel: The Eras Night presented by McCormick FONA | Special Jersey Auction to benefit the Geneva Academic Foundation

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Players Mentioned

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

#15 Brady Arneson: F; 5' 10"; Freshman; Maine University

#19 Michael Hage: F; 6' 0"; Uncommitted

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

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

#15 Brady Arneson
: 5' 10"; Freshman; Maine University
: F

#19 Michael Hage
: 6' 0"; Uncommitted
: F

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

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

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

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