Dubuque Fighting Saints Remain Undefeated, Set Franchise Record Against Chicago

Just last Wednesday, during the Saints Hour on eagle 102.3, Josh Starr and I were discussing a huge 9-1 Saints victory over the Omaha Lancers. It got me thinking, what exactly is the franchise record for your Dubuque Fighting Saint? Josh let me know that the Saints had already tied the franchise record earlier in the year, and that it would take an 11-goal showing to disrupt the current record. Then the Saints poured gasoline on an already hot fire during Pink the Rink night in Dubuque.

Saturday night, the Fighting Saints exploded offensively in an 11-4 rout of the Chicago Steel, setting multiple franchise records in the process. Dubuque scored 11 total goals, six of them on the power play, and saw Hayden Russell tie the franchise high for points in a single game with five. Russell’s five assists, four coming on the power play, perfectly illustrated the Saints’ dominance in special teams. This team is exciting to watch on the ice; attacks are quick and efficient, the puck moves as swiftly as the players, and the atmosphere is electric. It was an amazing game to enjoy with my family!

The power play took center stage in the second period after an early Chicago goal narrowed the lead to 3-2. Teddy Merrill, Charlie Arend, Masun Fleece, and Cooper Conway combined to score four consecutive power-play goals, including an explosive stretch where the Saints netted three goals in just 1:14. Across the roster, 15 skaters recorded points, with nine posting multiple-point games. Needless to say, the contest was a scrappy one with several fights and multiple penalties, of which Chicago took the brunt.

Defenseman Ludvig Lafton was a standout, earning USHL Defenseman of the Week honors for his three assists, all on the power play. Meanwhile, Russell celebrated his first USHL goal and a record-setting weekend for points and assists in a single game.

Dubuque’s 7-0 start now ties the second-best start in franchise history, and the Saints currently sit #1 in the USHL power rankings, riding a league-leading offense and a 47.8% power-play conversion rate. The Saints now hit the road to face the defending-champion Muskegon Lumberjacks on Friday and Saturday at Trinity Health Arena. Both teams are currently tied on points in the USHL (14), with Muskegon suffering one defeat across at 8 games.

With record-setting performances and a perfect start to the season, Dubuque fans have every reason to be excited. I know I am! In fact, the Saints lead the USHL in goals currently with 45 across just 7 games! The question now is, can this hot streak continue as the Saints take on one of the league’s toughest challengers in Muskegon? Make sure to follow the Saints all season long. Every goal, save, and bone crunching hit can be heard on Eagle 102.3 and streaming online. Looking to be part of the action this season at ImOn Arena? Grab your tickets here!