General 3/15/2024 10:31:00 PM

Thompson Scores 100th Point in Critical Steel Win

Four Steel skaters record multi-point games as Chicago keeps pace in playoff race

LINCOLN, NE — An early goal sparked an offensive outburst for Chicago, including a four-point showing from Mick Thompson that pushed him beyond the 100 point mark for his career as the Steel (22-23-3-4, 53 pts.) handled the Lincoln Stars (22-25-3-2, 49 pts.) 6-1 at the Ice Box Friday night.

The win keeps the Steel in a tie for sixth place in the Eastern Conference with Cedar Rapids.

Mick Thompson scored two goals and two assists in becoming the tenth player in franchise history to reach the 100 point mark. Michael Hage, Michael Hagens and Joey DelGreco each netted a goal and an assist, and Ben Yurchuk added a goal late in the game.

Goaltender Louka Cloutier made 44 saves on 45 shots to secure his 13^th win. The game was the sixth this season where Cloutier allowed just one goal.

Still riding high from a 4-2 win in Green Bay two nights earlier, the Steel kept the pace fast off the opening draw and scored the game's first goal.

Already on a lengthy stand in the attacking zone, Hagens fed the puck to Tobias Ohman who chipped back to Hagens in the slot. Hagens wristed a shot on goal that was initially stopped by Lincoln goaltender Lucas Massie, DelGreco poked the rebound five-hole to give the Steel a 1-0 lead.

Chicago continued to mount offensive chances and found the back of the net again at the halfway point of the period.

With time and space at the blue line, Hagens released a wrist shot that beat Massie blocker side to extend Chicago's lead to 2-0.

It appeared Chicago had taken a 3-0 lead shortly after when Hage scored on a one-timer, but the officials reviewed the play and waved off the goal, ruling incidental contact with Massie in front of the net.

The Steel were assessed a penalty later in the period, sending the Stars to their second man advantage, and the home team got on the board with a power play goal from Jared Mangan, making it 2-1.

After a strong start to the second period for Lincoln, the Steel responded, scoring the only two goals of the frame.

It began with a milestone tally, as Thompson snuck down the middle of the Lincoln defense and tucked a nifty shot five hole to secure his 100^th career USHL point, all with the Steel.

The top three Steel forwards continued to buzz and cashed in on a power play chance as Thompson carried into the offensive zone on the left side and sent a perfect pass to the stick of Hage who poked it past the pad of Massie to make it 4-1.

Lincoln tested Chicago early in the third, featuring several chances in a net mouth scramble but Cloutier stacked his pads to make a handful of impressive stops.

Thompson added another tally on a wicked goal, stopping in the slot, dragging around a defenseman and shooting between the legs of his defender and through Massie to put the game out of reach.

With just over a minute remaining, Cloutier made a remarkable diving stop that sprung the Steel on a break and gave Yurchuk an opening to tally his ninth goal of the season, capping off the 6-1 win.

Chicago will finish the weekend in Lincoln on 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:
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
Sunday, March 24 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints (3:05 pm CT) | Superheroes Day presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush with Superhero Rusty Bobblehead Giveaway (first 500 fans) | Post-Game Skate with the Steel | Steel Family Pack Game

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Players Mentioned

#11 Michael Hagens: D; 5' 11"; Harvard University

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

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

#10 Joey DelGreco: Forward; 5' 10"; Freshman; Augustana University

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

#23 Tobias Ohman: Forward; 5' 8"; Freshman

#1 Louka Cloutier: Goaltender; 6' 1"; Freshman; University of Nebraska-Omaha

Players Mentioned

#11 Michael Hagens
: 5' 11"; Harvard University
: D

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

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

#10 Joey DelGreco
: 5' 10"; Freshman; Augustana University
: Forward

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

#23 Tobias Ohman
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: Forward

#1 Louka Cloutier
: 6' 1"; Freshman; University of Nebraska-Omaha
: Goaltender