Steel Top Ice Dogs

(Chippewa Falls, WI)- The Steel took on the Fairbanks Ice Dogs tonight in a Midwest Division matchup and the beginning of a three game weekend series.

The Steel had a shaky start allowing a goal in the first two minutes of the game but quickly settled into their game. The Steel had four powerplays in the first period and Liam Hansson lit the lamp 10 seconds into the first powerplay to tie the game at one. The Steel were outshot 10-8 in the first but would take a powerplay into the second period.

The second period brought physical play and many penalties for both teams. Jack Brown kicked off the scoring for the Steel early into the second period to give the Steel a 2-1 lead, his goal was assisted by Ian Famulak. Following his goal was another by Braden Lindstrom, his second goal of the season put the Steel up by two early in the second period. Fairbanks would cut the lead by one at the end of the second, giving the Steel just a one goal lead heading into the third.

The third period continued to be physical as both teams fought for every inch of ice in a close game. The Steel controlled many stretches of the third and held onto their one goal lead until the last 32 seconds of the game. A great effort by Grisha Gotovets found Ryan Waltman in front of the net who sealed the deal with an empty netter. Steel goaltender Berk Berkeliev made his season debut and played solid between the pipes making 24 saves and recorded his first win of the season.

The Steel return to the Chippewa Area Ice Arena tomorrow night against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Friday night is $2 Beer Night presented by Miller Lite along with Camo Hat Giveaway presented by Toycen Ford. Saturday is Fandana Giveaway presented by Kwik Trip. Limited tickets are available at chippewasteelhockey.com.

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The Chippewa Steel are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non-pay-to-play model.  The NAHL is also one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. Notable Alumni of the NAHL include Ryan Suter (MIN), Patrick Kane (CHI) and Phil Kessel (ARI) All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.