Weekend recap
The Chicago Steel won both games over the weekend in Sioux City to keep a strangle hold on first place in the Eastern Conference of the USHL. On Saturday, Chicago found an offensive explosion in route to a 6–3 victory while defeating them on Sunday 3–2 in overtime.
In the opener, the five-goal second period by the Steel was too much for the Musketeers to overcome. Forward Brendan Brisson scored twice to pace the Steel. The University of Michigan commit also added an assist on the evening to finish off his three-point night.
Chicago also received multi-point games from forwards Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and defenseman Owen Power. Victor Ostman turned aside 30 shots for the victory in net.
During the matinee game on Sunday, Chicago fell behind twice early before tying the game in the middle of the third period and finishing off the home team in overtime.
Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle scored his 11th goal of the season in the second period, but the Musketeers would take back the lead before forward Tyler Carpenter tied the game midway through the third period.
In overtime, forward Sam Colangelo won it for the Steel with an unassisted goal, his 10th of the season. Goaltender Ian Shane stopped 25 shots for the victory in net.
Team USA
With the 2019 World Junior A Challenge approaching in December, four Chicago Steel players were selected to represent the United States. Brisson, Farrell, Fontaine and defenseman Luke Reid will represent the Steel in British Columbia, Canada.
“We’re excited to watch Brendan, Gunnar, Luke, Sean and the rest of their teammates, including (former Steel) Josh Groll, represent the USHL and the United States while competing for a gold medal,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy during a team interview. “Additionally, we’re thrilled that once again Jim Schroeder has been invited to serve Team USA as Head Athletic Trainer.”
The World Junior A Challenge is set to begin Dec. 7.
Forward of the Week
Adding to the great week for Brisson, the USHL rookie was named the USHL Forward of the Week for his four-point weekend in Sioux City. Brisson netted two goals and added two assists. He also leads all first-year league members with eight goals and 10 assists on the season.
“We are so happy to see Brendan garner this type of recognition and we’re privileged to help him continue to grow his game over the course of the season and reach his full potential,” Hardy said about his forward.
Brisson and his teammates will travel to Madison this Friday for a single game before returning home on Saturday for the back end of the back-to-back with the Capitols. Both games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. CST puck drop.