Steel Fall 3-1 Against Youngstown
September 16, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS – The Chicago Steel suffered the club’s first loss of the exhibition slate, a 3-1 defeat against the Youngstown Phantoms Friday night at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Youngstown never trailed, jumping out to a 3-0 cushion and then holding off the Steel for a 3-1 final score.
The Phantoms compiled a 31-21 advantage in shots on goal as Steel netminder Miles Roberts stopped 28 shots.
Michael Emerson netted the lone goal for Chicago, his first of the preseason.
The Steel were awarded the first power play of the game but just 12 seconds into the man advantage, Youngstown struck with a shorthanded goal from Shane LaChance.
The Edmonton Oilers prospect worked on the forecheck with Hunter Bischoff and, after a quick change of possession, Bischoff found a cutting LaChance on the doorstep.
Moments after the midway point of the first, Steel netminder Miles Roberts denied Bischoff on an opportunity to get his second point of the night. Bischoff let rip a wrister while gaining ground, but Roberts kicked away the chance with his right pad.
After the opening frame in which the Phantoms outshot the Steel by a 12-3 margin, Youngstown expanded the lead with a pair of markers in the second period.
On a similar play to the opening goal of the game, Jake Rozzi was on the receiving end of a short feed from Kenta Isogai. After gaining possession, Rozzi tucked the puck through the five-hole of Roberts, doubling the lead to 2-0.
Chicago returned to the power play just past the midway point of the third when LaChance was called for a roughing minor, but Youngstown successfully held the Steel at bay. Seconds after exiting the penalty box, LaChance slipped behind the Steel defense and went in on a partial breakaway, beating Roberts for his second of the night.
Chicago got on the board when forward Michael Emerson initiated and capitalized on a 3-on-1 rush. Gaining the zone alongside Macklin Celebrini and Jordan Brisson, the trio completed a perfect passing play that ended on the stick of Emerson and past Phantoms netminder Colin Winn.
Entering the final frame trailing 3-1, the Steel totaled seven shots in the third period including several strong chances but could not solve Winn.
The Steel and Phantoms finish the two-game exhibition set with a 7:05 puck drop on Saturday, Sep. 17 at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Chicago heads to the DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic to begin the regular season with a contest against the Fargo Force on Thursday, Sep. 22 at 4:30 pm CT and a Friday afternoon tilt at 1:30 pm CT against the defending Clark Cup champion Sioux City Musketeers.
Single game tickets are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL, purchasing at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com or visiting the Steel box office at Fox Valley Ice Arena during business hours. Starting this season, all Steel tickets are now digital. To learn more, visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Season ticket plans starting at 5 games for just $50 and group tickets and experiences are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL or emailing [email protected].
Chicago Steel Preseason Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Saturday, September 17 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (PRESEASON) (7:05 pm CT)
Thursday, September 22 vs. Fargo Force (DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic – Cranberry Township, PA) (4:30 pm CT)
Friday, September 23 vs. Sioux City Musketeers (DICK’s Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic – Cranberry Township, PA) 1:30 pm CT
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