Steckel was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, 30th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Steckel played one full season with the US Junior National Team in the United States Hockey League before entering Ohio State University. He played four seasons with the Buckeyes hockey team, and then joined the American Hockey League\'s Manchester Monarchs for the 2004–05 season.\n', '

Steckel, a free agent, then signed with the Washington Capitals August 25, 2005, on the recommendation of Bruce Boudreau. He made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals in the 2005–06 season, appearing in seven games. After appearing in five more games with the Capitals in 2006–07, he made the team\'s opening night roster in 2007–08.\n', '

Steckel proved himself to be a valuable commodity to the Capitals. He often centered the third line and was called on as a key member of the penalty kill. Steckel also proved himself very effective at face-offs, and typically was placed on the ice to take face-offs during critical moments of games. Near the end of the season, Steckel broke his finger blocking a shot and had to have pins put in. However, he missed very few games and was back on the ice during the playoffs.\n', '

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