The Steelers organization recognized Brayden Bugaj, Trent Ivett and Izak Wojcinski in a pregame ceremony, honoring both the players and their families for their dedication to the program.

In addition to the senior ceremony, the annual “Steger Spirit Award” was also presented. The “Steger Spirit” award is named in memory of Mark Steger, a friend, coach and dedicated supporter of the NCCYHA, “For the dedication, love and spirit he brought to youth hockey.”

The award is given to the NCCYHA player who shows enthusiasm, dedication, respect and spirit, who has passion for the game and shows it: “You see it in their play and hear it in their voice.”

This season, the following players were nominated: 7U Beckett Sliwa, 8U Troy Whippo, 10U Brayden Siebert, 12U Miles Tarnowski and Lyla Cerrie, 16U Seth Davidson, and Junior Varsity Ayden Wronski. Senior Izak Wojcinski was named as the 2024-25 award winner.

Senior Izak Wojcinski was named the 2024-25 Steger Spirit Award winner. Submitted Photo

The game itself proved to be just as exciting as the opening festivities.

The Steelers opened up the scoring at the 11:48 mark when Brady Crawford found the back of the net after receiving an assist from Bugaj.

Through consistent effort, hard-hitting action and stellar goaltending, the game was locked at 1-0 in favor of the home team throughout the remainder of the first and second periods.

Entering the third, both teams traded quality scoring opportunities that fell short each time.

With 9:17 remaining, Bergen Nelson scored unassisted for the Raiders and evened the score at 1-1.

With time expiring in regulation, neither team would provide a game-winner and forced an overtime period of 4-on-4 action. However, extra time was not enough to break the tie, ending the night knotted 1-1.

Dunkirk/Fredonia starting goalie Braiden Truby stood strong all night as he turned away 46 of the 47 shots he faced.

Offensively, the Steelers amassed 39 total shots of their own.

The Steelers currently stand at 4-4-2 overall in the WNYHSCHL White Division. The Steelers next games feature a home-and-home series with league-leading Eden/Lake Shore/Pioneer/Springville on Friday at the Cattaraugus Community Center and Saturday, Jan. 25 at SUNY Fredonia’s Steele Hall.