BLAINE, MN – The Chippewa Steel’s U16 & U18 teams came to play this past weekend going a combined 7-1 at the 2022 NAHL Prospects Challenge.
The Steel’s U16 team didn’t drop a game, going a perfect 4-0 over the course of the weekend. They earned a 3-2 shoutout victory over the Northeast Generals followed up by two consecutive shutout victories over the Austin Bruins and Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
Goaltenders Tate Kelsey and Chase Hennesey combined to allow just four goals in the tournament.
Blake Vandehoef and Connor Zagoda each lead the Steel U16 squad with five points each. At least 16 players recorded at least a point on the weekend.
In addition to the Steel’s U16 success, the U18 squad also had an impressive weekend with two shutouts of their own. They earned a 4-0 win over the Northeast Generals along with a 4-3 nail-biting shootout victory over the Austin Bruins. In the tournament’s last game they shutout the Springfield Jr. Blues. Their only loss was to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 7-3.
Ryan Wallin and Keaton Walock split time in net combining for a .911 SV% and 2.21 GAA. They each earned a shutout.
Sartell, MN native Tory Lund tallied five points in four games to lead the U18 squad. John Johannson’s three goals were atop the team lead as well.
Stay connected during the season by following the Steel @chippewasteel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online 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. All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.