Dubuque Fighting Saints Unbeaten Start To Season & Pink the Rink

The Dubuque Fighting Saints are off to a blazing start this season, and fans are taking notice. After another dominant win and sweep of the Omaha Lancers last weekend, including that electric 9–1 victory on Saturday night, the Saints are sitting undefeated at 5–0 in regular-season play and 9–0 overall when you count the preseason. Simply put, the boys are on fire, and I'm loving what I see on the ice.

A Fast Start and Full-Team Effort

The Saints have been winning in all the right ways, grinding out close contests when they need to and exploding for goals when the offense gets rolling. As team broadcaster Josh Starr put it, “It’s been a lot of fun. The offense has been great, and it’s not just the top lines doing the work. The fourth line on Saturday had 10 points combined. That’s the kind of depth you want to see.”

Starr noted that five different players recorded their first career goals during that same game, showcasing just how deep and connected this team really is. “They’re competitive in practice, and nobody cares who gets the credit,” Starr said. “They’re all pulling the same rope.”

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President of Business Operations Casey Weitz echoed that sentiment, praising the team’s energy and leadership. “There’s a different approach this year. We're more physical, bigger overall, and there's a real mission from guys who’ve been here a few seasons. They just want to win,” said Weitz.

Looking Ahead: Saints vs. Chicago Steel

Next up for Dubuque is a weekend home-and-home series with the Chicago Steel. The teams meet Friday night in Geneva, Illinois, before returning to ImOn Arena in Dubuque on Saturday night for one of the most meaningful games of the year in Pink the Rink Night.

Starr previewed the matchup, noting that the Steel like to play with the puck and rely on their skill up front. “They’ve got some talented forwards and a new coach, Scott Gomez, who’s a USA Hockey Hall of Famer,” Starr explained. “For the Saints, it’s about playing their brand: tight defense that transitions into quick offense. The goaltending has been excellent so far, with a .935 team save percentage, and they’ll need to stay sharp.”

Pink the Rink Night: Hockey with Heart

Of course, Saturday’s game isn’t just about hockey; it’s about hope, awareness, and community. Partnering once again with MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, the Fighting Saints are swapping red for pink to host the annual Pink the Rink Night, supporting local cancer care and raising funds for those affected by the disease.

“We’ll do several recognitions throughout the night,” said Weitz. “The 50/50 raffle goes directly back to the cancer center, and we’ll have pink t-shirts, hats, even cowbells available in the team store. It’s one of those nights where you can have fun, cheer for the Saints, and make a difference.”

Jackie Bierman, Director of the MercyOne Cancer Center, says the event means a lot to both patients and staff. “This is our fourth year doing it, and it’s such a wonderful celebration,” she said. “We’ll have a survivor dropping the puck to promote survivorship and awareness. It’s a reminder that we’re here for everyone: patients, families, and the community.”

Credit: MercyOne Medical Center / Dubuque Fighting Saints[/caption]MercyOne’s approach to cancer care is comprehensive, Bierman explained: “We have everything from nurse navigators to aromatherapy and support services for hair loss prevention during chemotherapy. It’s about treating the whole person.”

Be There or Tune In

The puck drops at 7:05 PM this Saturday, October 11th, at ImOn Arena in Dubuque. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and fans can grab their limited-edition pink merchandise and raffle tickets while supporting a great cause.

Can’t make it to the rink? Catch every moment of the action on Eagle 102.3 FM, online at eagle1023fm.com, or through the free Eagle 102.3 mobile app. The Saints are winning big both on and off the ice, and this weekend, they’ll be skating for something bigger than hockey.