General 3/13/2024 10:22:00 PM

Steel Dominate Gamblers in 4-2 Win

Hage scores twice in four-point night, Major pots three points as Steel stay perfect in Green Bay

GENEVA, IL — An elite display of defense paired with three straight goals spanning the first two periods gave the Steel a lead they wouldn't surrender, as Charlie Major and Michael Hage combined for seven points to help give Chicago (22-23-3-4, 51 pts.) a rejuvenating 4-2 win over the Green Bay Gamblers (28-15-5-2, 63 pts.) at the Resch Center Wednesday night.

Michael Hage extended his point streak to six games with 13 points, scoring two goals (27, 28) and two assists, while Charlie Major chimed in with a goal of his own (28), the game-winner, plus two assists to move his point streak to four games with ten points during that span. Chris Able scored his fifth goal of the season.

Goaltender Quentin Sigurdson made his fourth start with the Steel and made 34 saves on 36 shots to record his second win.

Like previous matchups between the two clubs, the two teams took the first half of the opening period to send out their feelers before the Gamblers were assessed a penalty at 12:21.

Chicago's power play, which entered Wednesday ranked ninth in the league, saw opportunities, including an incredible play from Thompson who went all-out to hold the offensive zone.

After holding the line, he found Ben Yurchuk alone in front who tried to outwait Gamblers goaltender Adam Gajan, but the seasoned netminder made the stop.

The Steel trudged onward with chances and two minutes after their power play, found the opening goal thanks again to the top line.

From the high slot, Able skated left and dished a pass to Major at the left half wall. Displaying impeccable vision, Major seamed a pass through the Gamblers' defense to Mick Thompson who skated in before sending a backdoor pass to Hage for the game's opening goal.

The second period was one of the smoothest periods by the Steel this season.

The Steel's potent offense drew five penalties in the middle frame alone.

Chicago didn't need a power play for its first goal of the frame, as Major showed off his stickhandling abilities, working around a Gambler at the left circle and dropping a pass to a streaking Able in the slot who wired a one-timer past Gajan, making it 2-0.

Shortly after Able's goal, the Steel found themselves on an abbreviated 5-on-3 advantage.

With the first line buzzing and extra ice to work with, Major and Thompson played catch behind the Gamblers' net to set up. After a handful of passes, Thompson scurried out from below the goal line and passed to Hage at the right circle.

Hage sent a cross-ice pass to Major who settled the puck and ripped a shot home. The goal gave Major and Hage a hand in the first three Steel goals scored in the contest.

Chicago had only been only assessed one penalty in the first two periods. Two minutes into the final frame, it was handed its second infraction and the Gamblers advantage broke the shutout bid.

With just 40 seconds of power play time remaining, William Hughes stepped into a shot from the slot that Sigurdson got a large chunk of, but the puck squeaked through and narrowly crossed the goal line to make it 3-1.

The Steel were persistent on offense after Green Bay's goal and found another strike just before the halfway point of the period.

After stymying a Green Bay push, Hage worked up speed and started out of Chicago's end and along the left side. With an extra step, he maneuvered around a defenseman, went backhand to forehand, and sent a quick wrister on goal that leaked through Gajan for his second goal of the night.

The Gamblers added a goal late with an extra attacker on, but the Steel's complete effort was enough to secure the 4-2 win.

The Steel are a perfect 3-0-0-0 this season in Green Bay. Chicago will play two more games in Green Bay on March 29 and 30.

Chicago will stay on the road and travel to Lincoln for the first time since 2019 with matchups against the Lincoln Stars on Friday, March 15 at 7:05 pm CT and Saturday, March 16 at 6:05 pm CT.

The next home games for the Steel are Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24.

March 23 is Military Appreciation Night presented by Ozinga, where the Steel will wear specialty military jerseys that will be auctioned online with proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project.

March 24 is Superheroes Day presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush with a special Superhero Rusty Bobblehead Giveaway to the first 500 fans in attendance. After the game, fans can Skate with the Steel. Plus, it's a Steel Family Pack Game with a great deal for families – four tickets, hot dogs, chips, soda/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 a limited time, fans can take advantage of the team's Ticket Plan Madness promotion to receive free regular season and playoff games for this season plus other benefits when signing up for a new ticket plan for the 2024-2025 season. Ticket plans start at just 5 games for $50.

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

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Friday, March 15 at Lincoln Stars (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, March 16 at Lincoln Stars (6:05 pm CT)
Saturday, March 23 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (6:05 pm CT) | Military Appreciation Night presented by Ozinga | Special Jersey Auction with proceeds to benefit Wounded Warrior Project

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Players Mentioned

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

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

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

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

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

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

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