CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI- The Steel took the ice on Friday night for the first game of a weekend series with the Minnesota Wilderness.
The Wilderness got on the board first with two quick goals in the first period. Steel captain Jacob Dirks answered with his 17th goal of the season on the power play having help from a Braden Lindstrom assist.
Penalties and power plays were the story of the second period for both teams. The Steel had two power-play chances and spent eight minutes on the penalty kill during the period. Despite a Wilderness power-play goal, Connor McGrath was able to put one between the pipes cutting the lead to one goal heading into the third period.
The third period continued to be physical for both teams. Connor McGrath’s second goal of the night cut the Wilderness lead down to two goals, his 8th goal in 11 games. Despite two more power play opportunities in the third, the Steel were unable to come from behind and fall to the Wilderness with a final score of 5-2.
The Steel will be back Saturday night for a rematch with the Wilderness at 7:10 p.m. Saturday night’s promotion is a Team Poster Giveaway presented by EO Johnson. For tickets call 715-861-2131 or visit chippewasteelhockey.com.
###
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.