(CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI)- The Steel travel to Janesville to battle in-state rival the Janesville Jets in a weekend series. Friday will be the third time the two teams have matched up this season. Chippewa swept the opening series back on September 13th and 14th. Heading into Friday night’s tilt Chippewa carries a 6-game winning streak and 8-2 overall record in the Midwest Division. Janesville sits with a 5-8 record, 6 points behind the Steel in the standings.
What to Watch For
Chippewa will be playing in their first game in 13 days. They last played against Springfield back on October 12th in a game that they took a 7-2 win. The Steel offense has been off to a hot start, scoring on average 4 plus goals per game. Chippewa also holds the largest goal differential in the North American Hockey League with 22.
The Jets are led by Nick Nardella, Isaac Novak, and Rookie Grant Hindman. The group has combined for twenty-five percent of their points. Rookie Goaltender Grant Riley is expected to start in net for the Jets.
Road Warriors
Friday marks the beginning of a long road stretch for the Steel. A total of 8 of the next 10 games will be played away from Chippewa Area Ice Arena. This weekend will be the first set of consecutive road games they’ve faced all year. Following a 2 game set at home next weekend, Chippewa will then make the trek to Alaska for a 12-day trip that includes 2 games with Kenai and 2 games with Fairbanks. After returning stateside, the Steel will head west again to Aberdeen to face the defending Robertson Cup Champions.
Up Next
Steel will wrap up their series with Janesville on Saturday at 7:05. Chippewa returns to Chippewa Area Ice Arena next weekend for Toycen Ford Hat Giveaway and $2 Beer Night on Friday, November 1st. Saturday, November 2nd is Youth Hockey Night presented by Play it Again Sports and Military Appreciation Night. All youth hockey players will receive free admission with a paid adult tickets. All military members will also receive free admission on Saturday evening. For tickets call 715-861-2131 or visit 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.