General Game Notes: USHL action on November 19th, 2023 between the Chicago Steel and Youngstown Phantoms. Despite being the home team, the Steel were unable to take advantage. Led by two goals from Adam Pietila #58 and 22 saves from Owen Bartoszkiewicz #73, the Phantoms took the game by a score of 5-2.
| Christian Manz | Chicago Steel | USHL | L | G | 6’0″ | 182 | Augustana | 2024 | Blaine, MN | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: A-
Comments: Manz kept his team in the game the entire night. Was a huge reason why the Steel were even within striking distance. Stopped 40+ shots in a losing effort and was the teams best player. As a smaller goalie, relies on his athleticism and quickness, especially in tight. Made lots of rebound saves where he stopped the first shot, stayed down (and low) to where he was able to recover, seal the low ice and make the second or third save. Was decisive in his decision making, reading plays accordingly and being square to shooters, especially on lateral plays.
Kolin Sisson | Chicago Steel | USHL | R | RW | 5’8″ | 165 | Providence | 2025 | Lincoln, RI | 2006 | 2024-2025: C |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Sisson brings the energy. Despite being a smaller player, he always has his feet moving and will do what it takes to boost his teammates. Plays responsibly in the defensive zone by shoulder checking often and not running around unnecessarily. Can make quick plays off the rush with small kick passes, with him eventually landing at the net.
| Charlie Major | Chicago Steel | USHL | R | C | 5’11” | 178 | Cornell | 2024 | Skaneateles, NY | 2004 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Major has a quick release with immense power behind his shot. One of those rare players that can beat a goaltender clean from afar, given time and space. Considering his release is so quick, he has the ability to catch goaltenders off guard. If the puck doesn’t go in, it creates rebounds and second chance opportunities. Puts himself into positions in the offensive zone where he can catch and release pucks. Effective off the rush too.
| Mick Thompson | Chicago Steel | USHL | L | LW | 5’8″ | 171 | Harvard | 2024 | Toronto, ON | 2004 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Mick Thompson was effective both 5 on 5 and on the PK for his team. Did a good job at disrupting plays as he’s got a good motor and pressures his opponents. In the second period, Thompson jumped the zone on the PK, knocked down an end-to-end pass, walked into the dot area and ripped a bullet of a shot over the goaltenders shoulder for a short-handed tally.
| Reid Conn | Chicago Steel | USHL | R | D | 6’4″ | 205 | New Hampshire | 2024 | Centennial, CO | 2004 | 2023-2024: C 2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Conn was great defensively in his own zone. Didn’t do anything flashy offensively, but displayed some skill plays within the defensive zone. For example, when poking pucks away, he was able to collect it, instead of simply throwing it away up the walls or the middle. By keeping it simple in the d-zone, he was able to break out his team and keep the puck away from the dangerous areas. His size allows him to play physical and get early box outs.
| Thor Byfuglien | Chicago Steel | USHL | L | D | 5’11” | 173 | St. Cloud | 2024 | Roseau, MN | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Byfuglien plays on the edge. A tough defenseman, who despite being a little undersized plays a physical game. Kills penalties as he plays gritty and will do what it takes to win puck battles and get them out of the zone. Not afraid to step up and hit guys, utilizing his timing and skating skills to create contact with his opponents.
| Owen Bartoszkiewicz | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | G | 6’0″ | 193 | Minnesota | 2021 | Northville, MI | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: A-
Comments: Bartoszkiewicz is an excellent play reader. He understands what he’s good at and he plays to his strengths. For example, at times, on rush plays he might cheat (or anticipate) plays to the backdoor where he can then slide and be available to make the save. Not overly big in the net, but fills space by challenging shooters accordingly, not being to aggressive or to far back in his net. Has active hands and good rebound control, limiting second chance opportunities. If there is second chances, he owns a good battle mentality where he is able to compete and make some harder saves.
| Charlie Cerrato | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | C | 5’11” | 186 | Penn State | 2024 | Fallston, MD | 2005 | 2023-2024: B- |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Cerrato is a cerebral player who uses his vision to find his teammates in dangerous areas (especially in the offensive zone). Can lag the puck with or without moving his feet, holding the puck out in front of him with ease and calmness. By doing so, he is able to survey the ice and look for his teammates in scoring areas. He also has the ability to slow the game down, utilize his vision and control the play.
| Michael Burchill | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | R | C | 5’9″ | 161 | Michigan | 2024 | Mundelein, IL | 2005 | 2023-2024: C |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Burchill was excellent on the PP, controlling pucks and not throwing them away blindly. Did a good job at keeping pucks, and waiting until his teammates were open to make plays. Once making plays, he would get to open ice to receive pucks and either get them on net quickly or utilize his vision for a quick pass. Showed good patience and hockey IQ by getting to the right areas that allowed him to have more time and space.
| Ryan Botterill | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | LW | 5’11” | 176 | Wisconsin | 2024 | Portage La Prairie, MB | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Botterill scored a beautiful goal vs the Steel in a solo, individual effort. He picked up a puck in the neutral zone beat the first defender wide, created a 2 on 1 situation, kept the puck and ripped a bullet of a shot, low blocker, beating the goaltender cleanly. Owns a quick release with some power behind the shot.
| Andrew Strathmann | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | D | 5’11” | 187 | North Dakota | 2024 | Beach Park, IL | 2005 | 2022-2023: B- |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Strathmann is a more active defender who plays well at both ends of the ice. His ability to skate with the puck and control it, makes him good in the defensive zone as he can break up plays and get it out of the defensive zone quickly. A north-south type player who has a smooth and efficient skating stride. Is not afraid to take the puck end to end in attempts to create offensive chances or zone time. A well rounded player who has plenty of upside in both ends of the rink due to his high skill set and skating ability.
| Adam Pietila | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | R | RW | 6’0″ | 190 | Northern Michigan | 2024 | Howell, MI | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Pietila is a complete, 2-way player. Commits to playing defense, which in turn, fuels his offensive game. Doesn’t fly by in the defensive zone, instead stops on loose pucks and/or pins the puck carrier if it’s his man. Will block shots by filling lanes, showing fearlessness and selflessness. Offensively, doesn’t over complicate the game, but is effective. Plays hard and goes to the hard areas, getting rewarded for it. For example, will drive the net with a purpose, have his stick on the ice and will be ready for anything that comes his way.
| Daniel Alexander Jencko | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | RW | 6’0″ | 170 | Humenne, SVK | 2005 | 2023-2024: B-2022-2023: C+ |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Jencko is a slippery player who can create offense by holding onto the puck, dragging defenders towards him and distributing the puck to open teammates. Owns good puck poise and doesn’t panic, despite being pressured. Was able to make some high end slip plays where he showed good vision and a nice set of hands.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images