CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI- The Chippewa Steel took the ice once more before Christmas to face the Fairbanks Ice Dogs on Friday night. An evenly played first period yielded no goals for both the Steel and the Ice Dogs. Despite two power play chances for Fairbanks, goalie Grant Boldt held his own between the pipes.
Boldt continued his dominant performance in the second period making 11 saves and going 3-0 on the penalty kill. The back and forth play continued until late in the period when Killian Kiecker-Olson’s one-timer found the cage behind Mattias Sholl. Kiecker-Olson’s 8thgoal of the year put the Steel ahead 1-0.
Another added goal by Ryan Kerchoff in the third period gave the Steel a two-goal cushion. However, the Ice Dogs weren’t ready to quit. Fairbanks capitalized on their 5thpower play of the night. Another quick Ice Dog’s goal tied things up and sent the game into overtime with two goals apiece. The Ice Dogs won the first possession of the 5-minute overtime but Boldt was able to make a sliding save for the Steel. However, the Steel were able to turn it around quickly. Kiecker-Olson got another quick shot past Sholl for the game-winning goal with a final score of 3-2.
The Chippewa Steel’s next home series is against the Minnesota Magicians this upcoming Friday and Saturday, December 27th and 28th. Friday night’s promotion is the Pepsi Family Four Pack night and a postgame skate. Saturday night’s promotion is Fitness Night presented by 3-D Fitness.
###
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.