Stezka shutout leads Steel to USHL series clinching win against Phantoms
A 40-save shutout effort from goaltender Ales Stezka helped the Chicago Steel to a 2-0 United States Hockey League East Conference Semi Final series clinching win against the Youngstown Phantoms on home ice at the Fox Valley Ice Arena on Tuesday (April 25).
After capturing wins in the opening two games, the Steel were forced to five game distance by a persistent Youngstown team that won both of its own home games on the weekend.
After a scoreless opening period, Jack Badini, 19, from Connecticut scored the game winner just past the halfway mark of the middle period. That stood up as the lone goal until Derek Daschke, 19, from Troy MI sank an empty netter
Ivan Kulbakov stopped 25 of 26 before dashing to the bench late in the contest.
The Steel now moves on to the Eastern Conference championship series against the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Steel will have home ice advantage for that series as well.
Muse moves from Steel to Nashville Predators — Abalan steps in to lead Steel
Spirit’s Kisil moves to NHL Scouting position
Fighting Saints add Kirtland to Coaching Staff
About Author
jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.