Steel Defense Makes a Mark at NHL Draft
Story By: Amanda Schmidt
Bensenville (June 29th, 2009) --  After this weekend’s NHL Draft, it seems that the defense were the ones scoring for the Chicago Steel. Four Steel defensemen, alumni John Moore, Philip Samuelsson, Barron Smith, and current player Mark Adams, were selected at the 2009 NHL Draft held this past June 26^th and 27^th in Montreal.

The first Steel name to appear at the 2009 Draft was former Chicago defenseman John Moore, selected 21^st overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Moore, who is committed to play at Colorado College next year, began to make a name for himself during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons he spent playing in the United States Hockey League with the Chicago Steel. At the end of his 2008-2009 season, he was ranked fourth overall in scoring by defensemen with 39 points (14-25-39) in 57 games, leading him to be named the USHL Defenseman of the Year. Prior to his years with the Steel, Moore played for the Chicago Young Americans, Chicago Mission, and won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2008 World Junior 'A' Challenge. 

Philip Samuelsson was the next Steel defenseman announced, being chosen in the second round, 61^st overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Samuelsson found success with the Steel during the 2008-2009 season, playing 54 games and recording 22 assists. Additionally, Samuelsson played for Team USA at the 2009 Under-18 World Championships. His recorded three points (0-3-3) helped Team USA win a gold medal in front of a home crowd in Fargo, North Dakota. In 2008, Samuelsson also played for Team Sweden at the Four Nations tournament in Lake Placid, New York. The 18 year will continue his hockey career at Boston College this fall.

In the 5^th round of the 2009 Draft, current Steel defenseman Mark Adams was selected 134^th overall by the Buffalo Sabers. The 18 year old was picked up by the Chicago Steel in the 3^rd round of the 2009 USHL Entry Draft from Malden Catholic High School. Adams has already committed to play at Providence College, but the 6’2 207lb. physical force will lend his great passing and play making ability in the upcoming 2009-2010 Chicago Steel season.

The final Steel name to be announced was Barron Smith, selected 188^th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before venturing to the OHL to play for Peterborough in 2008, Barron spent his 2007-2008 season with the Chicago Steel, where he recorded 5 points (1-4-5) during 41 games played.

Overall, it was not only a big weekend for the Chicago Steel, but also the USHL, as the four Steel defensemen were among 29 USHL players selected at the 2009 NHL Draft.