CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – The Steel enter the final month and a half of the season trailing five points of a playoff spot after losing all five games in Alaska. For many teams in the same boat as Chippewa, the playoffs have already started and the Steel have 11 games for a chance to make the postseason. The uphill climb begins with a home and home series this Friday and Saturday against the 2nd place team in the Midwest Division the Janesville Jets.
GAME/TICKET INFORMATION
Friday’s home game for the Steel is Youth Hockey Night Presented by Kiwanis Club of Chippewa Falls! All kids get in free Friday night, plus the first 125 fans receive a rally towel! You can purchase tickets to tomorrows game online HERE or at the door with cash only. If you plan to travel to Janesville for Saturdays game, you can purchase online HERE or at the door. Puck drop on Friday night at the Chippewa Area Ice Arena is scheduled for 7:00 and Saturday night at 7:05 at the Janesville Ice Arena.
AS IT STANDS
As mentioned above the Chippewa Steel sit in 5th place in the division and trail the Minnesota Wilderness by five points for the final playoff spot. The Anchorage Wolverines have won six straight games and have a comfortable hold on 3rd place behind Janesville and Wisconsin who looks to claim the title in the Midwest. The Steel may need some help from other teams to make their road to the postseason easier, but winning as many games in the final 11 of the season will keep them in the mix. Four of the remaining 11 come against the seven seed Springfield Jr. Blues, the Wilderness also play them four times to end their season, the outcomes of those four games could ultimately decide the Steel’s fate.
SCOTT MINER
The second year defensemen had a big year since coming over from Springfield in the offseason. Miner has played in all 48 games this season, matching his total from last year while tripling his point total. He leads all Steel defensemen this season with six goals, 19 assists and 25 points. Not only is he reaching new heights offensively, he has a plus-minus of +11 compared to -17 last season. He will also skate in his 100th career game this Saturday in Janesville. Miner will become the 3rd player this season for the Steel to hit that mark.
Stay connected during the season by following the Steel @chippewasteel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at chippewasteelhockey.com.