Men's Ice Hockey 10/10/2026 6:51:00 PM Calvin Bush

Four-Goal Second Period Lifts Steel to Weekend Sweep

Chicago overcomes two-goal deficit to capture set against Muskegon

CHICAGO, IL — After falling into a 2-0 deficit, the Steel scored four consecutive goals in the second period to take the lead, and MJ Campbell tallied the game-winning goal in the third period as Chicago (4-1-1-0, 9 pts.) topped the Muskegon Lumberjacks (3-4-0-1, 7 pts.) 5-4 at USG Arena Saturday afternoon.

Combined with a 5-0 win Friday, the Steel swept the reigning Eastern Conference champions and have earned points in five of their six regular season games to start the season.

Matyas Svrcek scored his second goal to start the scoring in the middle frame. Patrick Tolan followed with his third score of the campaign. Nolan Shorter scored his first USHL goal, and Joe Erickson joined with his first USHL marker shortly after. With the game tied at 4-4 in the third, MJ Campbell scored his second of the year for his first game-winning goal.

The Steel sustained pressure for the majority of the first half of the opening period, including a near full-minute cycle in the attacking zone, but Muskegon fought it off.

Shortly after escaping unscathed, the Lumberjacks broke the scoreless tie when Anthony Thomas-Maroon deflected a Teddy Lechner shot that was stopped by the toe of Houdek, but the rebound was punched in to put Muskegon ahead 1-0.

Four minutes after the goal, Trevor Shorter dropped the gloves with Strider Carhart to try to get the momentum back.

Instead, it was the road team that built off its opening goal when a Steel penalty sent Muskegon to its first power play just after the midway mark of the period.

One minute into the power play, Drew Fox rifled a pass through the crease that deflected back to his stick for an open look that gave the Lumberjacks a 2-0 lead.

Muskegon doubled Chicago's shot output in the first frame, 15-7.

Zaac Charbonneau had a Grade-A chance to take a three-goal lead early in the second period but was stymied on a breakaway chance by the blocker of Houdek.

The Steel got the first of its four straight at 5:20 of the middle frame when Erickson deflected a Leland Dulac point shot on goal, and the rebound bounced to the stick of Svrcek to pull Chicago within one, 2-1.

Chicago evened the score four minutes later when Tolan neatly dangled through the Muskegon defense and tucked a shot past Lumberjacks goalie Samuel Doyon-Cataquiz for a highlight-reel score, making it 2-2.

The continued pressure from Chicago put Muskegon on its heels and allowed the Steel to take a 3-2 lead at 13:12 when Nolan Shorter ripped a one-timer from the left faceoff circle for his first USHL goal.

Just over one minute later, Erickson cashed in with his first tally in the USHL after pushing a rebound over the goal line to make it 4-2.

Needing a quick reply, Maxim Simko potted his second goal of the year for Muskegon to bring the Lumberjacks within one, 4-3.

Houdek left the game with an injury following the goal, and Wang came in to finish the contest.

Charbonneau had another breakaway look later in the period, this time against Wang, but the Steel netminder shut down the five-hole attempt to keep Chicago ahead.

Shots drew closer heading to the third period with Muskegon up 24-22.

The Lumberjacks opened the third period with the game-tying goal just 36 seconds in when Gustas Zemaitis scored to make it 4-4.

Campbell came through with the winning goal on a rebound at the side of the crease, lifting it over a sprawled Doyon-Cataquiz.

Muskegon had a chance to tie the game with a power play with seven minutes left, but Chicago's penalty kill canceled out the chance to keep the lead and solidify the win.

Chicago will travel to Madison next weekend to face the Capitols on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 6:05 pm.

The Steel will return home on Friday, Oct. 23 to host Friday Night Frights against Youngstown at 7:00 pm. The Steel will then host Hat Trick or Treat with a Pre-Game Trick or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6:00 pm. Fans can stay after the game for Full Team Post-Game Autographs.

Single-game, group, and premium seating tickets for the 2026-2027 season are on sale now. Season tickets are also available and start at just $15 per game.

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

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule:
Saturday, October 17 at Madison Capitols (6:05 pm CT)
Friday, October 23 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (7:00 pm CT) | Friday Night Frights
Saturday, October 24 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (6:00 pm CT) | Hat Trick or Treat | Pre-Game Trick or Treat | Full Team Post-Game Autographs

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