![]() ![]() "The Chicago Steel acquisition comes as a positive during a very difficult week for the Wirtz family due to the recent passing of Rocky Wirtz, but Rocky cared deeply about growing the game of hockey at all levels and was so excited about the opportunity to welcome this incredible junior program into the Wirtz Corporation portfolio. In 2022-2023, the Steel finished first in the Eastern Conference for the fourth consecutive season and were led by rookie Macklin Celebrini who became the first player in USHL history to win Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Fantilli won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 2023 given to the nation's top men's ice hockey player while Lipkin won an NCAA National Championship. The Steel had the most draft picks of any independent junior team in the world in back-to-back drafts (2020 & 2021).ġ60 Steel players since 2015 have earned NCAA Division I commitments, and three former Steel players earned 2023 Rookie of the Year honors in their respective conferences, Adam Fantilli (Big Ten), Sam Lipkin (ECAC) and Jackson Blake (NCHC). "I want to thank every player, their families and advisors, every coach, hockey professional, billet family and fan who contributed to our collective ascension and added to my own personal growth, development and understanding of the game I so adore."ģ9 players with Steel ties have been selected in the NHL Draft since 2015 including #1 overall pick Owen Power (2021, Buffalo) and #3 overall selection Adam Fantilli (2023, Columbus). "The success of the Steel is a testament to the power of positive culture, of team and family, of love and respect for the game of hockey and everyone who contributes to it and the value of bringing passion and purpose to all we do," said Robbins. "The results have been extraordinary, and his efforts have established a new standard for player development, professional advancement and team success." ![]() "Eight years ago, Larry Robbins acquired the Chicago Steel and established an audacious goal to become one of the top junior hockey clubs in the world," said Steel President and USHL Vice President/Chairman Dan Lehv. Robbins, an Arlington Heights native, purchased the Steel in May 2015 and the club relocated from Bensenville to Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva that summer. ![]() The sale culminates the eight-year ownership of Larry Robbins, during which the Steel became one of the most prominent junior hockey clubs in the world. Story Links GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel and the United States Hockey League announced Friday the sale of the Steel to Wirtz Corporation, owner of businesses across professional sports & entertainment, real estate, insurance, banking, and wholesale distribution throughout the United States. ![]()
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