CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – The playoff race is in full swing in the Midwest Division, and a new wrench is thrown into the mix after every weekend. The Chippewa Steel (26-23-5) took care of business in Springfield and have now won four straight and sit just one point outside of a playoff spot. The Steel head to Janesville this weekend to wrap up a four game road trip against the Janesville Jets (31-17-4). With six games remaining this season, half will be on the road and half will be in Chippewa Falls concluding with the regular season finale against the Jets on April 11.
GAME/TICKET INFORMATION
Friday and Saturday’s game will be hosted at the Janesville Ice Arena in Janesville, Wisconsin with a scheduled puck drop of 7:05 CT both nights. For those interested in traveling to the games to cheer on the Steel, you can purchase tickets by clicking HERE. Or the action can be watched from the comfort of your own home with NATV, where you can listen to the “Voice of the Steel” Joey Erickson.
SEIZING THE MOMENT
The Steel had a flare for the dramatic last year by winning seven of their final 10 games to nab the final spot in the Midwest Division and the first postseason in franchise history. They would love to recreate a similar run and are currently in a four game winning streak heading into the weekend. Plus, the teams ahead of the Steel have games in hand so they do not have room from era down the stretch. The last time the Steel were in Janesville, the came from behind to win in overtime thanks to Joe Kelly and ended a six game slide.
SPRINGER HAS SPRUNG
Cam Springer had a huge weekend in Springfield which included a hat trick on Friday night followed up by an assist on Saturday for a four point weekend. It was his first career hat trick in the NAHL and first career multi goal came at the junior level. Heading into the weekend, Springer had been without a point in six straight games, his success fueled the Steel to a much needed sweep versus the Jr. Blues. Springer has collected 16 points in 29 games this season and is committed to play Division 1 hockey at Bowling Green.
SPREAD THE WEALTH
A combined nine goals in two games last weekend was the highest total since early February for Chippewa. Out of the nine goals, six different players for the Steel scored and all of them were forwards. More than half the lineup tallied a point in the two games, 15 players registered at least a point against Springfield. Not only will the Steel have to score down the stretch to make the playoffs, but they need contributions up and down the lineup to make noise as well. The last six games should provide some fireworks down the stretch and it could very well come down to the last home game in April.
Stay connected during the season by following the Steel @chippewasteel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at chippewasteelhockey.com.