Steel Announce 2021-22 Captains
(Chippewa Falls, WI)- The Chippewa Steel have named Defensemen Tyler Ryder Team Captain for the 2021-22 season. Forwards Ethan Benz and Jack Brown will serve as the teams Alternate Captains. All three players are returning from last years squad.
“Coming to this decision was a difficult one because we feel we have a good group of leaders, but these three in particular have proven since day one to be the pulse of our team. All are proven players in the league, and we look for them to continue to take strides on and off the ice, as we continue develop the culture we want to have here in Chippewa”, says Steel head coach Casey Mignone.
Ryder, a 19-year-old hailing from Byron Center, Michigan, is entering his second season with the Steel. Suiting up for 40 games last season, Ryder has caught the eye of the coaching staff since the start of training camp. Mignone raved about his natural leadership, “Tyler is a natural leader, it seems to come easy to him. His hard-nosed play and constant commitment to get better, along with his vocal leadership made him an easy selection to be the Captain of the 2021-2022 Chippewa Steel.”
The Steel alternate captains also bring experience to the group having finished the 2020-21 season ranked first and second on the Steel in goals (Benz – 12, Brown – 11). Ethan is off to a hot start this season with eight points in the Steel’s first six games; Mignone highlighted this about the third year forward, “Ethan is a guy that everyone on the team looks to. He is a key contributor on and off the ice while epitomizing the values we have.” Jack also caught some high praise from Mignone, “Jack is your consummate professional, shows up to the rink every day and does his job. More of a lead by example type, we are never worried about the effort/performance we will receive from him.” The second year forward looks to build his three goal, two assist start to the campaign.
“Overall, we feel extremely grateful to have these three selected as the captains of the 2021-2022 Chippewa Steel. We feel that we have a very strong leadership group, that is made up of these three and are other veteran players. We encourage everyone to be a leader, regardless of wearing a letter or not”, Mignone stated.
The Steel will continue their season as they return to Chippewa Area Ice Arena on Thursday, September 30th for a three-game homestand against the Anchorage Wolverines. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. Individual Adult Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, under 4 is free. Tickets are available online at chippewasteelhockey.com, over the phone at 715.861.2131 or in person at Chippewa Area Ice Arena.
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