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 Dubuque Fighting Saints

Dubuque's Season Ends with 4-3 Game 5 Loss to Muskegon

May 5, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA-It came down to the wire, but the Dubuque Fighting Saints comeback bid in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final fell just short. Trailing 4-1 entering the third period, Dubuque scored twice to cut the lead to one, but were unable find the equalizer as the Muskegon Lumberjacks held on to win 4-3, and take the best-of-five series, 3-2. The Lumberjacks advanced to the Clark Cup Final for the first time in team history, while Dubuque's season comes to a close.

A wild finish saw the Fighting Saints in a large hole heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation. A strong third period team all season long, the Fighting Saints struck on the power play at 10:42 to make it 4-2. Dylan Gambrell was credited with a power play goal, deflecting a Keegan Ford shot from the right point past Muskegon's Eric Schierhorn.

With the crowd of 2,218 on their side, Dubuque struck again three minutes later. Hayden Shaw scored his third goal of the playoffs at 13:44 banking a wrist shot up and over Schierhorn from the left point. The tally made it a one-goal game and sent the Mystique Community Ice Center into a frenzy.

With their season on the line, Dubuque peppered Schierhorn in the final six minutes, but the goaltender denied several point blank opportunities including a shot from the edge of the crease by Jacob Benson. With goaltender Jacob Nehama pulled for an extra attacker, Dubuque pressed in the final minute of the game. Dubuque won faceoff after faceoff, but the puck wouldn't find the back of the net. In the dying seconds, Seamus Malone sent a cross-ice pass that just misfired and rolled to the boards as the horn sounded on Dubuque's season.

The Lumberjacks big lead came from an opportunistic opening two periods. Muskegon scored first at 7:42 of the first period on the power play via a Mark Petaccio goal. The forward let a long range shot go that somehow eluded Nehama and made it 1-0.

Max Humitz would score his first of two goals just 1:05 later, beneifting from a bad turnover. Matej Paulovic picked off a pass at the blue line and fed Humitz in the slot. The forward wired a shot off the post and past Nehama's blocker to make it 2-0.

After a Benson power play goal for Dubuque at 2:42 of the second period made it 2-1, the Lumberjacks struck again. Humitz stripped the puck shorthanded and raced up ice on a breakaway. He snapped a shot over Nehama's glove to regain Muskegon's two-goal lead.

The Lumberjacks would score on a two-on-one just over seven minutes later. Juraj Mily got the goal, toe dragging into the slot around a Dubuque defender and scoring five-hole at 15:55.

With the game ending up finishing a one-goal contest, a potential game changing play occurred late in the second period. Dubuque's Robby Jackson let a shot go from the left wing that beat Schierhorn. The puck bounced out and no goal was awarded. However, the goal light was turned on and Dubuque forward Nathan Sucese, standing at the end of the crease, celebrated and appeared sure that the puck had gone in and out of the net. At the net stoppage of play the officials discussed the play and consulted the goal judge, and after a several minute delay, no goal was awarded.

Dubuque finished the season one win shy of advancing to the Clark Cup Final for the third time in five seasons. The team posted a 36-19-5 record in the regular season and finished in 3rd Place in the Eastern Conference. Tuesday's game also marked the final contest for many Fighting Saints players who are advancing to play NCAA Hockey next season including Dylan Gambrell (Denver) and Seamus Malone (Wisconsin). Both spent three seasons in Dubuque and were members of the Fighting Saints 2012-2013 Clark Cup Championship team.

Season Tickets for the 2015-2016 season are on sale now. Flexible payment options are available as Full Season Tickets are the best way to catch every game, enjoy great benefits and guarantee the lowest ticket price. For more information, fans are encouraged to call 563.583.6880 or visit DubuqueFightingSaints.com.


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