The USHL Chicago Steel is quietly developing young players who are now dominating NCAA hockey and the NHL Draft floor.
The Chicago Steel of the USHL has made advanced strides in the club's player development program. The franchise has existed since 1996 and plays out of Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois. The loaded program’s current roster has 23 college-committed skaters.
Steel alumni Adam Fantilli spoke about it on “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast Episode 451, noting the advancements the club has made, “They hammer you in the gym..hammer you with skills work three times a week after practice, there's free ice all the time with heart rate monitors and load management. The way they structure it down there is phenomenal."
Fantilli discusses the Steel at 47:42, and 51:34 of the show (embedded below).
In 2021, the Chicago Steel won the Clark Cup. Suiting up for the team that season were Harvard defenseman Ian Moore and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Sean Farell, ASU forward Josh Doan (son of former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan), Michigan weapon and Florida Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich, 2023 National Champion Sam Lipkin, and the 2023 NHL Draft Entry Level Draft’s second overall pick, Adam Fantilli.
Sam Lipkin improved from a 30-game season posting 3-8-11 points, to the following season where he posted 36 goals, 35 assists, and 71 points in 59 games. A 60-point increase in one season of development.
In three years Adam Fantilli won the Clark Cup, dominated the Big 10, won the Hobey Baker award, and was drafted by the Blue Jackets third overall.
Lipkin skated on the same Steel team. He went on to assist the National Championship-winning goal for the Quinnipiac Bobcats and decided to remain in the NCAA rather than play for the Arizona Coyotes.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Chicago Steel.
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