Chicago Steel win 3-2 over Team USA U-17 in a shootout.

Before this game, the Chicago Steel finalized their roster, which you can see here. The most significant development from this was the return of goaltender Adam Miller, who was traded back to the Steel from the Tri-City Storm for future considerations.

Now, onto the game, which was held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

» Continue reading “Steel Monday: U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S — Oh, Wait.”

Via USHL.com

Before I get into the recap of the Fall Classic, I would like to point everyone to this article about defenseman Christian Neumann balancing his high school studies with his play. And now I feel old again.

Onto the Fall Classic!

» Continue reading “Steel Monday: USHL Fall Classic Recap”

Before we get into the Steel’s weekend against the Dubuque Fighting Saints, some news:

First off, you may have noticed that the number-one overall USHL draft pick, Brian Christie (whom I mentioned in my first article about the Steel), was not listed on the roster for the preseason. Christie informed the Steel a few weeks ago that he would not be playing for the team. It is a touchy subject for the Steel, and details are sketchy, so I think it’s best to leave the matter where it is and move forward. (That is, unless Brian Christie would like to come out of the woodwork and explain his actions. The mailbox is always open.)

In current player news, here’s an article about forward Jeff Kubiak, who had to rearrange his senior year of high school to play for the Steel.

“I put in six to seven hours a day practicing with the Steel,” he said. “It can be really hard to balance school and hockey, but my guidance counselors were very accommodating.

“They set up my schedule so I only have four classes. I’m done with school around noon, and as soon as I finish, I drive an hour to Bensenville to practice with the team.”

With junior teams, it’s easy to forget sometimes that some of these players are still technically kids. Then you read an article like this and feel really old (or maybe that’s just me).

And now, for last weekend’s recap.

» Continue reading “Steel Monday: You Win One, You Lose One”