About the Steel
The Steel roster is comprised of the next generation of NCAA and NHL talent. Players are aged 16-20 and participate in the best amateur hockey league in the world, the United States Hockey League (USHL). Over 96% of USHL players receive NCAA Division 1 opportunities. Players live with host families, known as billets, during their time in Chicagoland. Since 2000, 70 players with Steel ties have been selected in the NHL Draft, including the #1 overall pick in 2021 (Owen Power) and 2024 (Macklin Celebrini). Nearly 500 Steel players have earned NCAA commitments since 2000, with four Steel alumni winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award given to the top college hockey player, including Adam Fantilli in 2023 and Macklin Celebrini in 2024.
Notable Steel Alumni
Macklin Celebrini (2022-2023)
Owen Power (2018-2020)
Adam Fantilli (2020-2022)
Josh Doan (2019-2021)
Jackson Blake (2020-2022)
Jaccob Slavin (2010-2013)
John Moore (2007-2009)
Daniel Vladar (2015-2016)
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About the USHL
The United States Hockey League, or USHL, is the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league. Players range from 16-20 years of age and are recruited from North America and all over the world to fill the rosters on 16 teams nationwide. The USHL had 44 players selected in the 2026 NHL Draft and more than 300 players on team rosters last season committed to NCAA Division I schools, further establishing the USHL as the world's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. The USHL consists of 16 teams, split into a Western Conference and Eastern Conference. The Steel are one of eight teams in the Eastern Conference.