Casey Weitz to Lead the Dubuque Fighting Saints into a New Era

2 seasons done, and heading into our 3rd, Eagle 102.3 FM has partnered with your Dubuque Fighting Saints, and this year shows the most change we've seen across the organization. One pivotal character, as we look to the future of this local hockey organization, is Casey Weitz who the Dubuque Fighting Saints have selected as the new President of Business Operations. Casey, a Dubuque native, has officially stepped into the role, and marks a significant milestone not only for Weitz but for the entire Fighting Saints community.

Weitz’s journey with the Fighting Saints is a heartwarming story of passion, dedication, and community. From his early days as a young fan to his recent appointment, Casey's connection to the team has been nothing short of lifelong. "I've been involved with the Fighting Saints since my childhood," he recalls. "My family served as a billet family for Saints players and held season tickets. Hockey has always been a big part of my life."

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Starting as an intern with the Fighting Saints in 2012, Weitz quickly demonstrated his commitment and talent. His first full-time role in 2013 involved managing the team's merchandise and community relations, setting the stage for his growth within the organization. Over the years, Casey took on various roles, showcasing his versatility and passion for the team's success.

In 2020, Weitz was promoted to Vice President of Sponsorship, where he played a crucial role in fostering relationships with community partners and sponsors. His efforts paid off, earning him another promotion to Vice President of Business Operations in 2022. Now, as the President of Business Operations, he succeeds Robert Miller, who led the organization for three successful years and takes a role with the PGA tour.

"I would like to thank Brad Kwong, Joe Carrabino, Peter Luukko, Tim King, and our entire ownership group for the opportunity to lead our organization. There are so many people to thank over the years, including coworkers past and present. The guidance of Robert Miller over the past three seasons and Dan Lehv when I started with the organization prepared me for this role. I cannot thank them enough for their part in the development of my career. Lastly, I'd like to thank my family for their unwavering support. If it wasn't for them, none of this is even remotely possible."

-Casey Weitz, New President of Business Operations

One of Casey's primary goals as President is to enhance the fan and community focus of the Fighting Saints. He aims to build on the team's reputation as the premier team of the USHL, setting the standard for being fan and player-oriented. "I'm excited to get started and pave the way for the future of our organization," Weitz said enthusiastically. "My goal for our front office is to become even more fan and community-focused. Through everyone in our organization, we will continue to be the premier team of the USHL that sets the example of what it means to be fan and player-oriented."

The upcoming season holds great promise, and Weitz is already hard at work. With a strong squad returning and exciting new draft picks joining the team, the Fighting Saints are gearing up for an action-packed season. The NHL draft saw nine Fighting Saints players being picked, a testament to the team's talent and development. "It was an unbelievable draft," Casey noted. "You know, sitting there on my couch, it was just one after another. It's hard to keep up. Our creative department was struggling to keep up because it was just like boom, boom, boom, Fighting Saint after Fighting Saint."

Looking ahead, fans can expect several exciting events and initiatives. A blowout summer sale is on the horizon, aimed at clearing out older merchandise to make way for new gear for the upcoming season. "We are working through a blowout summer sale that will probably happen sometime next week," Weitz mentioned. "Stay tuned to our social media for that."

The home opener on September 27th against the Tri-City Storm at ImOn Arena in Dubuque is set to be a thrilling start to the season. Additionally the Saints will play in-state rivals the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Waterloo Black Hawks and Des Moines Buccaneers a total of 8 times. "Five times in a row we're the Cowbell Cup Champions, so the trophy stays in Dubuque," Casey proudly shared. The Fighting Saints will also be renewing season tickets and introducing flex ticket packages, making it easier for fans to enjoy the games.

Flex plans, in particular, offer a great way to customize your game experience. "Flex plans start at just five games," Weitz explained. "You can take one game and get five tickets, or you can do five different games. There's a price break for flex plans, and full season tickets give you the most benefits and bang for your buck."

Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the Fighting Saints' mission. Weitz emphasizes the importance of corporate partnerships and outreach programs. "Probably 70-80% of our corporate partnerships focus on trying to give back to the Dubuque community," he said. "We craft really fun and exciting things to bring to the community and tie it back to a hockey game."

The organization is also excited to welcome back former player Jacob Semik, who joins the coaching staff this season. "Jacob Semik played here quite a few years ago and was an awesome Saint during his time here," Weitz said. "He's kept in touch with the organization, and it was a natural fit to bring him back in. We're excited to have him on our coaching staff."

As Casey Weitz embarks on this new chapter, his vision for the Fighting Saints is clear. With a deep-rooted passion for the team and a strong focus on community and fan engagement, the future looks bright for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. "Our organization is here to progress people on in their career, and that's what we've done tremendously with our coaching staff," Weitz concluded. "I'm excited to get started and pave the way for the future of our organization."

Check out our full interview (above) with Casey Weitz on Eagle 102.3 or streaming this afternoon, July 17th, in the 4 PM hour. For more details on tickets, upcoming events, and community initiatives, visit dubuquefightingsaints.com.