Dubuque Fighting Saints Charging Toward Clark Cup: A Conversation With Starr

The city is buzzing, ImOn Arena will be packed, and the Dubuque Fighting Saints are right back where they belong, in the thick of another United States Hockey League (USHL) playoff fight. After dispatching the Madison Capitols in four games, the Saints are set to face the red-hot Muskegon Lumberjacks in the Eastern Conference Final of the Clark Cup Playoffs Series this Friday and Saturday in Dubuque, for game 1 and 2.

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I sat down to chat with Josh Starr, the play-by-play voice of the Saints on Eagle 102.3 and Flo-Hockey. Josh has had a front-row seat to one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.

“This group has been locked in since day one,” Starr said. “To win 42 games in this league is no small feat. They battled through adversity, stayed consistent, and earned that second seed. And now they’ve got home ice in the conference finals—huge for this team and this town.”

Indeed, the Fighting Saints wrapped up the regular season at 42-18-2, with 85 points, finishing just behind Youngstown. But with the Phantoms shockingly swept in the semifinals by the No. 4 seed Muskegon, the path to the Clark Cup Final now runs through ImOn Arena—a major advantage for Dubuque.

This marks back-to-back Eastern Conference Final appearances for the Saints, who are chasing their first Clark Cup title since 2013. Since the franchise’s return in 2010, Dubuque has made the playoffs 12 times in 14 seasons (one was missed due to the COVID-plagued season), a testament to Dubuque's culture of excellence.

“This is a team that knows how to win,” Starr said. “They’ve been here before. Last year’s run fell short, but it gave the returning guys experience. That’s showing now.”

One of the biggest stories of this season is Jan Spunar, the 19-year-old goaltender from Czechia. Spunar, in his first USHL season, was just named a finalist for USHL Goalie of the Year, posting 24 wins—fourth most in the league—a .907 save percentage, and a 2.82 GAA.

“Jan’s just been steady,” said Starr. “There’s a calmness to him. He’s already had three different four-game win streaks this season. That kind of consistency is rare.”

Add his performances to the fact that goalkeeper Liam Beerman has also excelled in the Saints' run toward Cup glory. So far, he has a record of 16-2-1-2 with a .913 save percentage.

In recent game form, the Saints bounced back quickly after a 0-3 Game 1 loss to Madison, rattling off three straight wins by a combined score of 16-4. In the Game 4 clincher, they overwhelmed the Capitols 6-1 to close the series out away from home.

Now, attention turns to Muskegon, who stunned Youngstown with a sweep. The conference finals begin Friday and Saturday night at ImOn Arena, with Game 3 and 4 (if needed) in Michigan. A decisive Game 5, should it be necessary, returns to Dubuque on Saturday, May 3. And the Saints faithful are ready.

“This community supports like no other,” Starr said. “The fans feel like part of the team. You walk into the arena and feel that energy. That’s what makes Dubuque special.”

With high-octane offense, elite goaltending, and a battle-tested core, the Saints are four wins away from returning to the Clark Cup Final.

“All season long, it’s been about one thing,” Starr said. “Getting better every day, so we’re at our best in April and May. And here we are.”

Game on, Dubuque. Check out the full interview with Josh Starr below.