The Chicago Steel made nine selections in Monday’s 2019 USHL Phase I Draft, looking for key pieces for the future of Steel hockey. Chicago chose six forwards and three defensemen from the 2003 birth year over the course of the 10-round draft. This included local Sam Lipkin, who the Steel described as follows:

Lipkin, a native of Lafayette Hill, Penn., played 41 games for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers this season where he amassed 69 points (36-33-69). He also played Prep hockey for La Salle College High in Pennsylvania and recorded 60 points (24-36-60) in 25 games. Lipkin won the AYBHL Championship with the New Jersey Colonials Bantam Majors (21 games, 20-20-40) in the 2017-2018 season as well as an AYMBHL Championship with Team Comcast Bantam Minor AAA (23 games, 40-25-65) in 2016-2017.

What is the Chicago Steel? It is a team in the the United States Hockey League, the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league. The organization’s focus is providing affordable, family-friendly entertainment. 194 Steel players have earned NCAA Division I scholarships since 2000 and 42 have been NHL Draft picks since 2002.

Photo: Tier 1 Elite Hockey League