Men's Ice Hockey | 9/18/2026 9:56:30 PM

The Chicago Steel played its first game in its new home, USG Arena, as the Fall Classic continued with the third day of action at Blackhawks Ice Center Presented by Fifth Third Bank.

By the Numbers

2 - Wins to start the season for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, after they defeated the Tri-City Storm 4-3 on Friday. David Thomasson had one goal and one assist as the only multi-point scorer. Joseph Covelluzzi scored the game-winning goal with 7:59 left in regulation.  

4 - Of the last five goals in the matchup between the Waterloo Black Hawks and Youngstown Phantoms went to the Black Hawks as Waterloo recorded its first victory under alum and new Head Coach Brett Olson. The Black Hawks went 2/5 on the man advantage in the win. Miles Jinman had two assists, while Sebastian Charvat turned aside 20 of 22 shots for a win in his USHL debut.

35 - Shots for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, an offensive output that reflected on the scoresheet where they won 6-3 in their first game of the season. The Fighting Saints scored twice in each period. Kane Johnson had two goals, while Travis Lefere had a goal and two helpers.

3 - Third-period goals fueled the Steel in its 4-3 come-from-behind victory. Easton Pace scored twice in the win.

5 - Games remain in the USHL Fall Classic with the Sioux Falls Stampede, NTDP, Madison Capitols, and Omaha Lancers set to play their first games of the season on Saturday.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 315 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).