The Chicago Steel are set to face off with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 2019 USHL Clark Cup Final. Sioux Falls will open with home-ice advantage after accumulating more regular season points in the best-of-five series, starting Friday, May 10, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Steel advanced to the Final with a 3–1 series win over the Eastern Conference regular season champions Muskegon Lumberjacks, as forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine scored the overtime winner in Game 4.
“It felt amazing just to be able to go to the Clark Cup,” Fontaine said. “Scoring the game-winning goal was amazing.”
Sioux Falls swept the Tri-City Storm in the Western Conference Final to advance to the Clark Cup Final, having no problem with the Western Conference top seed.
Chicago has taken the time off to prepare and regroup again for the upcoming series. The team has a good game plan in place that has worked already in the playoffs.
“Our goalie coach, Mike Garman, does a great job of getting us ready for the opposing goaltender,” Fontaine said. “This week, we had a nice day off on Sunday, have worked hard on the ice and weight room and have taken some free time to regroup for the Clark Cup.”
A key to the Chicago’s playoff success has been their great defensive pressure in their own end and goaltending.
Of note, Steel goaltender Justin Robbins has been outstanding.
“Robbins has been unreal,” Fontaine said. “He’s awesome right now!”
However, the forward knows that an overall game will be important against the Stampede.
Fontaine noted the Steel need to continue their consistent play in order to be successful in the Final.
“Carrying over our offense and strong defensive effort will be key,” Fontaine said. “We need to be solid on defense and keep outworking our opponent.”
Chicago looks to avenge their two regular season losses to Sioux Falls. With the team’s defensive commitment and ability to score against any team, Chicago has a great opportunity the next few weeks.
Chicago Steel players to watch:
Nick Abruzzese — The team regular season leading scorer has not slowed down in the playoffs. The Harvard commit has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in eight games played. The seven goals lead the team. The top-line center will be thrust into all high pressure situations and will play a major role in the outcome of the series.
Robert Mastrosimone — The Boston University commit is tied with Abruzzese for the team lead in points with 13 (six goals, seven assists) and has kept up with his offensive chances while leading the team with 26 shots in the playoffs. Mastrosimone play a nice 200-foot game with solid back check and chases the puck well with an active stick.
Matteo Pietroniro — Pietroniro leads all Steel defenseman in points (nine) and assists (eight). The Boise, Idaho, native also leads the Steel with three assists on the power play. The team captain will look to continue to play big minutes on the backend. Pietroniro is the backbone of the defensive unit. Look for the captain to once again play a major role in the series outcome.
Justin Robbins — Robbins has been spectacular in the playoffs with a 2.31 goals against average, while supporting a .918 save percentage. The Quinnipiac commit has been started every game for the Steel this playoff, culminating in six victories. The experience gained over from the past seasons has really shown in Robbins’ game.
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine — After scoring the game-winning overtime goal against the Muskegon Lumberjacks, the left-handed shooting forward looks to continue his solid start in the playoffs. The Northeastern University commit has scored eight points (five goals, three assists) in the Steel’s six games. If there ever was a quiet assassin in this series, Fontaine could be the one.
Sioux Falls players to watch:
Max Crozier — The defenseman leads all Sioux Falls players with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) this playoff. The Providence College commit has registered five power play points (two goals, three assists) and is the only Stampede player averaging at least a point per game (1.11).
Andre Lee — The forward leads the Stampede in goals in the playoffs with seven. Lee also leads Sioux Falls in power play goals with three. The University of Massachusetts-Lowell commit is also lead the team with a 23 percent shooting percentage.
Jaxson Stauber — Stauber has been outstanding this playoffs for the Stampede. The Minnesota State commit has posted a 1.49 goals against average and a .943 percent save percentage. The Steel will look to solve the hot goaltender this series.