CHICAGO UNION GRIND OUT 2–1 WIN, COMPLETE OPENING-WEEKEND SWEEP
Updated: Sep 30
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — One night after showcasing their offensive firepower, the Chicago Union proved they can win a different kind of game.
Vojtech Sekanina stopped 25 of 26 shots, Ben Bakutis scored late in the second period and JJ Mueller added the eventual game-winner as Chicago defeated the Metro Jets 2–1 Saturday night at Mount Clemens Ice Arena. The victory completed a two-game opening-weekend sweep and improved the Union to 2–0–0 in their inaugural NCDC season.
After combining for nine goals Friday night, the teams played a considerably tighter rematch. Both goaltenders were perfect during a scoreless opening period, with Metro holding a 14–8 advantage in shots.
Sekanina was sharp immediately. The Union netminder turned away every first-period opportunity and gave Chicago time to establish its game after Metro generated the stronger start.
The pace began to shift during the second period. Chicago limited the Jets to seven shots and began creating more sustained pressure at the other end. The breakthrough finally came with only seven seconds remaining in the period.
Bakutis converted at 19:53 off assists from Ronald Bender Jr. and Colin Murphy, sending the Union into the intermission with a 1–0 lead. It was Bakutis’ third goal of the weekend after his two-goal performance in Friday’s 6–3 victory.
Chicago carried that momentum directly into the third period.
Just 1:27 into the frame, Mueller doubled the advantage, finishing a play created by Matthew Iwinski and Vojtech Sekanina. The goals from Bakutis and Mueller came only 94 seconds of game time apart and transformed a scoreless battle into a two-goal Union lead.
Chicago controlled much of the final period, outshooting Metro 17–5. The Jets continued to push, but Sekanina preserved the shutout until Andrei Pepelyaev scored with 36 seconds remaining.
Metro’s late goal created one final test, but Chicago protected the lead through the closing seconds to secure the 2–1 victory.
The Union finished with a 34–26 advantage in shots despite being outshot 14–8 during the opening period. Chicago allowed only 12 shots over the final 40 minutes and held Metro scoreless on all three of its power-play opportunities.
Chicago was unable to convert on four power plays of its own, but disciplined five-on-five execution and Sekanina’s work in net provided the difference.
Through two games, the Union have shown two distinct paths to victory. Friday’s opener featured six goals and a comeback from an early two-goal deficit. Saturday’s rematch required patience, defensive structure and a composed finish.
Both ended with Chicago earning two points.
TURNING POINT
Bakutis’ goal with seven seconds remaining in the second period broke a scoreless tie and sent Chicago into the intermission with its first lead.
Mueller scored only 1:27 into the third, giving the Union two goals within 94 seconds of game time and forcing Metro to chase the game.
CHICAGO UNION IMPACT PLAYERS
Vojtech Sekanina | 25 saves, .962 save percentage
Sekanina stopped all 21 shots he faced during the first two periods and protected the lead until the final minute. His performance gave Chicago its first one-goal victory at the NCDC level.
Ben Bakutis | 1 goal
Bakutis broke the scoreless tie with seven seconds remaining in the second period. He finished the opening weekend with three goals across Chicago’s two victories.
JJ Mueller | 1 goal
Mueller scored the eventual game-winner 1:27 into the third period. He found the net in both games of the opening-weekend series.
BY THE NUMBERS
25: Saves by Vojtech Sekanina
.962: Sekanina’s save percentage
34–26: Chicago’s advantage in shots
17–5: Union’s third-period shot advantage
3-for-3: Chicago penalty kill
94 seconds: Game time between Chicago’s two goals
2–0–0: Union’s record through two games
WHAT IT MEANS
Chicago leaves Mount Clemens with four standings points, two divisional victories and the first series sweep of its NCDC era.
The Union outscored Metro 8–4 across the weekend and received winning performances from two different goaltenders. After erasing an early deficit Friday, Chicago demonstrated patience and defensive discipline in Saturday’s rematch.
The opening weekend established an early team identity: composed under pressure, capable of adjusting and difficult to put away.
UP NEXT
Opponent: Minnesota Squatch
Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. Central
Location: Summit Ice Center South, Lockport, Illinois
Home/Away: Home
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