CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – The Chippewa Steel (15-4-4) make their first trip to Springfield, Illinois this weekend for a crucial series against the Springfield Jr. Blues (12-18-3). This begins a busy stretch for the Steel where they’ll play a total of five games in eight days. Last Friday, the Steel erased a 2-0 lead in the 3rd period against the Janesville Jets, but lost in overtime against the top team in the Midwest Division. Leaving with a point has them in 5th place with 34 points, just two points out of playoff position currently occupied by Anchorage. Springfield is coming off two wins in a three game series against Fairbanks and a point out of last place in the division.
GAME/TICKET INFO
Friday and Saturday’s game will be at the Nelson Center in Springfield, Illinois. Puck drop on the 12th is scheduled for 7:05 and puck drop on the 13th will be at 6:05. Tickets for both games can be found by clicking HERE. For those staying back in Chippewa Falls, both games can be watched on NAHLtv along with the “Voice of the Steel” Joey Erickson.
BACK TO FULL STRENGTH
The return of Ajay White and Carter Wishart now has the Steel at full strength in between the pipes. Over the last few weeks the two have been a part for good reason, both net-minders had been called up to the USHL. Wishart was with the Fargo Force and White with Sioux City who got two games of action and picked up his first career win against Des Moines. Wishart played in Janesville for the Steel last weekend made 27 saves, in 17 games this season he has a 3.28 GAA and 0.896 SV%. White has produced a 2.65 GAA and 0.906 SV% in 17 games this season including three wins in his last five starts.
HELLO OLD FRIEND
It’s been over three months since these teams have last seen each other, the first series took place back in October at the Chippewa Area Ice Arena. In the midst of their longest winning streak of the season, the Steel took down the Jr. Blues by scores of 6-1 and 5-2. Talan Blanck and Peyton Platter combined for nine points in the series, Blanck had three goals on the weekend which is his highest output of the season. The Steel and Jr. Blues will meet a total of six times in the final three months of the season.
Stay connected during the season by following the Steel @chippewasteel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at chippewasteelhockey.com.