The Chicago Steel managed two victories this past weekend after defeating the Youngstown Phantoms 5–4, while splitting with Team USA, winning 4–3 and losing 5–4. With the pair of overtime victories, Chicago continues to lead the Eastern Conference in the USHL with a record of 23–8–2–0 for 48 points, five more points than the current second-place Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Mackie makes his return to the ice
Forwrad Mackie Samoskevich rejoined the lineup on Sunday for the first time since Jan. 8. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft prospect scored the game-winner in overtime in Plymouth, Michigan, against Team USA. The University of Michigan commit now has 22 points in 17 games this season. Check out Samoskevich’s scouting reports on FC Hockey for more analysis about his game here.
The Sean Farrell show has plenty of sidekicks
With his two assists on Sunday, Sean Farrell continues to lead the USHL in points. The pair of helpers gave the Montreal Canadiens prospect 41 assists on the season, 14 more than teammate Matt Coronato for the USHL lead in assists. Farrell’s 18 goals give him his league-leading 59 points.
Speaking of Coronato, the Harvard University commit is second in the league in points with 55. His 28 goals lead the USHL over teammate Erik Middendorf, who has netted 23 goals himself. Middendorf is currently third in the points standings with 48 points. Chicago rounds out the top four slots in scoring, as forward Josh Doan currently has 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.
For more on Coronato’s draft talents in the upcoming draft, click here.
Rookies continue to contribute
Forward Adam Fantilli, a potential top draft pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, continues to show he has the skills to play in the USHL at an early age. The Nobleton, Ontario, native has registered eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 28 games this season. Fantilli has registered 11 points in his last nine games as he continues to show and all-around game that will continue to impress NHL scouts.
Not to be outdone, fellow rookie forward Jackson Blake continues to impress in his first season in the USHL. The University of North Dakota commit currently ranks second on the team in rookie scoring with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 21 games. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft hopeful continues add to his 5-foot-10, 148-pound frame with the excellent development from the Chicago Steel staff.
Off to Iowa to finish February
The Steel play a pair of round games to finish of the month of February. On Friday, Chicago will travel to Buccaneer Arena for a 7 p.m. CST matchup with the Des Moines Buccaneers. The following night, Chicago faces off against the Waterloo Black Hawks at 6:05 p.m. at Young Arena.