(CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI)- The Steel begin a crucial three-game series with the Kenai River Brown Bears on Friday. Chippewa sits 9 points behind Kenai for the final playoff spot in the Midwest Division with 11 games remaining. The Steel comes off a series last week versus Janesville losing all three games. Chippewa was heartbroken in the final 30 seconds Saturday with a goal from Janesville. Chippewa is led by Ethan Benz who leads the team with 12 goals. Defenseman Spencer Cox leads the team in assists with 14.

What to Watch For

After a long travel day to the last frontier on Wednesday, the Steel will need to adjust quickly to get off to a strong start in a big series with Kenai. The away game on Friday begins a stretch of three straight versus Kenai before the team heads to Fairbanks next weekend for a pair of games with the Ice Dogs. The Brown Bears are led by Max Helgeson and Peter Morgan who have recorded 36 and 31 points respectively on the season. Luke Pavicich is expected to start in net for the Brown Bears. Pavicich has a 14-12 record with a 0.92 save percentage.

Up Next

The Steel will return home Thursday, May 6th  with a series beginning with the Janesville Jets. May 6th is $1 Beer Night presented by Leinenkugel’s. Fans can take advantage of this special until 10 minutes remaining in the third period of the contest.   Reserve your seat online at chippewasteelshockey.com. ***Limited tickets are available.***