In order to break this record Chicago Steel Forward Andy Miele had to score three goals in his last two games playing for the Steel.  Miele is off to Miami of Ohio to join the Redhawks for the second half of their season; the Redhawks are currently ranked 2nd in the country.

Going into the weekend Andy had 40 goals in 72 games, just three goals short of the record that was held by former Steel player Renee Gauthier.  During Gauthier’s three seasons (2000-2003) with the Steel he played in 135 games scoring 42 goals.  Friday night vs. the Des Moines Buccaneers Miele got the game-winning goal, which was also his 41^st goal as a Steel player.  The Steel won Friday night 2-1; Drew LeBlanc also scored for the Steel and Rob Madore got the win in net.   

Saturday night The Steel faced off against the Des Moines Buccaneers for the second time in as many nights. The Steel were not only looking to extend their winning streak to five games, but also to help the USHL’s leading scorer Andy Miele achieve a personal and team record of 43 goals as a Steel player.  The Steel got onto the board first with a goal from LeBlanc, followed by a goal by Miele later in the second.  Going into the lockeroom Miele had tied Gauthier’s record of 42.  With a 2-0 lead going into the third period, his teammates goal was to secure the win with another goal for Miele. 

Eleven minutes into the third The Buccaneers were able to get one past Steel goaltender Rob Madore, and the game was 2-1.  At the 18:45 mark in the third, Des Moines pulled their goalie and Steel coach Steve Poapst sent out Andy Miele and his line mates Brian O’Neill and Brian Dowd to try to help Miele capture the record.  After a few attempts and very unselfish passes from his teammates, Andy netted his second of the game, and record breaking 43^rd goal. 

When Steel Head Coach Steve Poapst was asked about coaching Andy, and him breaking the record he felt that “Andy was a big piece of the puzzle and we will miss him not only on the ice but in the locker room.  He is a leader that has grown since the beginning of the year, he is someone who we could count on a nightly basis to contribute to the team.  Andy is ready to make the next step and I think he will contribute at the next level just like he did here.  I am happy for him that he broke the record and it was great to see how hard the guys worked to help him do so.  As much as he helped them, he helped him self and he earned the opportunity to break the record.  We wish him the best of luck with everything.”

When asked about Andy, Assistant Coach of the Steel Jon Waibel said “Breaking the record couldn’t happen to a better kid.  Andy will be able to step right in and contribute at Miami, they are getting a great player and good kid.  The way Andy left the team, breaking the scoring record was very fitting for the way he has played since he joined the team.  It was a privilege and a honor to coach Andy.”

Andy Miele finishes his USHL career with 139 Games Played, 125 Points, 60 Goals, 65 Assists a plus minus -11 rating, 204 PIM, 17 PPG, 25 PPA, 52 PPP,  4 SHG, 1 SHA, 5 SHP, 350 SOG and a 17.1 Shooting percentage. 

On behalf of the Chicago Steel Organization and its fan’s, they would like all like to wish Andy the best of luck in his hockey future.