One of his neighbors was Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jack Riley, who would provide tickets for the poorly attended games.

Steigerwald developed an interest in hockey and played at the club level while attending Kent State University.

After graduating, Steigerwald started his broadcast career with the Johnstown Red Wings of the Eastern Hockey League.

[1] WJNL, the local radio affiliate of the Johnstown Red Wings paid Steigerwald $110 a week to provide commentary for all 70 games that season.

Playing himself alongside Mike Lange, he provided commentary for a hockey game during which Van Damme's character fought off terrorists.