Cedar Rapids RoughRiders post 2-0 shutout of Chicago

BENSENVILLE, Ill. - Ben Blacker made 31 saves as the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders shutout the Chicago Steel, 2-0, Friday night.

Blacker posted his third shutout of the United States Hockey League season, as Cedar Rapids (30-12-3, 63 standings points) stayed tied with Dubuque for first place in the league and the East Division. The RoughRiders host Waterloo on Saturday night at 7:05.

Ross Colton scored his team-leading 25th goal 6:35 into the first period for the Riders. Johnny DeRoche and Jack Ahcan picked up the assists.

Cedar Rapids put the game away with 4:45 left on a goal from newcomer Will Garin. He joined the club this week after a season-ending injury to forward Karch Bachman.

Pavel Tkachkov and Taylor Brierley had the assists.