USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Fighting Saints Beat Roughriders 3-2 on Pink the Rink Night

Published on October 28, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Dubuque Fighting Saints not only battled with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Saturday night, but the USHL's top team also helped lend a hand to fighting breast cancer. The Fighting Saints held the third annual Pink the Rink, presented by Finley Hospital and treated 2,847 fans to a victory, beating Cedar Rapids 3-2 in the first game of Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup play.

In front of a spirited crowd waiving pink rally towels provided to fans by Dubuque Bank and Trust, the Fighting Saints wore special pink accented jerseys that were auctioned off after the game, with proceeds going towards the fight against breast cancer. The jerseys featured a pink logo, and proceeds from the evening's festivities and jersey auction go to the Wendt Regional Cancer Center and the Mammogram Program at The Visiting Nurses Association.

Dubuque used the crowd's enthusiasm to get out to a quick start as the Fighting Saints scored twice in the first frame. Frankie DiChiara got the Fighting Saints on the board first, but not without a little controversy. DiChiara accepted a pass from behind the goal and roofed a shot off Cedar Rapids goalie Chad Catt and under the crossbar. The puck quickly hit the mesh and popped out. As DiChiara celebrated, the referee waived off the goal, thinking it did not go into the net. After consulting with the off-ice officials, it was determined the puck entered the net, and the Fighting Saints had a 1-0 lead. Seamus Malone, John Stevens assisted on the goal at 8:15.

The Fighting Saints added a goal at 18:48 of the first period. With less than a minute to go in the frame, Mike Szmatula fed the puck to the front of the net and Eric Freschi popped the puck glove side past Catt to make it 2-0.

The two teams would trade goals in the second period. Dubuque extended its lead to 3-0 as Keegan Ford tallied his first USHL goal at 11:30 of the second period. Ford accepted a John Stevens pass, walked down the right wing, skated around the defender and fired a shot on the ice five-hole on Catt. The Fighting Saints three goal lead would not last long as Cedar Rapids winger Landon Smith roofed a beautiful wrist shot over Dubuque goalie Arthur Brey to make it 3-1 at 14:56. It was Smith's fourth goal of the season.

The RoughRiders would make the game close as Judd Peterson quieted the crowd with under a minute left in the game, scoring five-hole on Brey off a Dubuque turnover. The goal came at 19:24, but Brey and the Fighting Saints shut the door with Catt pulled to preserve the 3-2 win. Brey improved to 5-0-0 and made 20 saves in the win.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the arena was accented in pink for the event. Pink streamers and balloons decorated the arena and many fans dressed up in pink to support the cause. The band Velkroe Sneker also entertained the crowd and performed after the game.

The Fighting Saints improved to 9-0-0 on the season with the win. Dubuque will travel next week to Michigan to battle with Team USA-18 on Thursday, then against Muskegon on Friday and Saturday. The Fighting Saints return home on Friday, November 9 versus Muskegon at 7:35 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 563-583-6680 or by visiting DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

Check out the Dubuque Fighting Saints Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from October 28, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central