Categories: Chicago

USHL Players of the Week award for Fontaine and Ruikka

Big honor for Chicago Steel as Forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and defenseman Uula Ruikka have been named the United States Hockey League players of the week for their respective positions. The players have been selected for this award for their amazing performances in back-to-back victories over the Madison Capitols on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23.

Fontaine has won the Forward of the Week award for the first time this season. Ruikka has won the USHL Defenseman of the Week award again as he won on Nov.12. This is the 2nd and 3rd time a Steel player has earned Forward of the Week and Defenseman of the Week, respectively.

Fontaine is a native of East Greenwich, R.I. He was in astonishing form against the Capitals on Friday as he netted a goal and provided two assists as the Capitals were beaten 11-5. He was against instrumental on Saturday as well as he had another multi-point outing with a marker and an assist as the Steel won 7-4.

Head Coach Greg Moore was full of praise of the forward as he said “Gunnarwolfe has matured in a lot of areas of his game and he is a go-to guy at big moments of games. Because of his habits, details and hard work during the weekdays, it allows him to shine on the weekend.” Ruikka also played his part in helping his team beat the Capitals as he posted two assists on Friday and with a career-best three-point evening (3A) on Saturday.

Associate Coach Brock Sheahan said, “We are extremely happy for Uula to receive this recognition from the league once again. Uula continues to put the work in every day at the rink and that consistent effort during the week is leading to his individual success on the weekend.”

Jackson Sorbo

Managing editor of the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Chicago Mayor, Council Clash Over Budget Oversight

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the City Council are heading into a contentious budget season as disagreements intensify…

4 hours ago

FDA Approves Revolution Medicines Pancreatic Cancer Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Revolution Medicines’ targeted cancer drug Rasonque for certain adults with metastatic pancreatic…

2 days ago

Chicago History Museum Workers Ratify First Contract

Workers at the Chicago History Museum ratified their first union contract on August 25, 2026, with 96% of union members…

5 days ago

White Sox, Rangers Battle for Playoff Position

The Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers head into Wednesday’s series finale at Rate Field with both clubs fighting for…

6 days ago

Chicago Business Expo Returns to Malcolm X College

Chicago will hold its final Business Resource Expo of 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Malcolm X College, bringing entrepreneurs…

1 week ago

Bedard Signs $75M Deal, Backs Patrick Kane Return

Connor Bedard has secured his long-term future with the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a five-year, $75 million contract extension that will…

1 week ago

This website uses cookies.