Fighting Saints Down Muskegon Friday, 6-3
December 28, 2012 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Dubuque Fighting Saints returned from a short holiday break with a bang, treating a sold out crowd of 3,216 to a 6-3 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks Friday evening from the Mystique Community Ice Center. Tyler Spezia and John Stevens both had a pair of goals as the Fighting Saints improved to 15-0-0 at home in front of the fourth largest regular season crowd in team history.
Dubuque scored four goals in the game's first frame and chased Muskegon goalie Kevin Lindskoug, coming off back-to-back shutouts, from the game after just a period. Dubuque forward Peter Quenneville opened the game's scoring just 3:26 into the first period and the Fighting Saints never looked back.
Coming off a 7-3 loss to Green Bay where the Fighting Saints allowed five powerplay goals, Dubuque shored up its discipline, only giving Muskegon one powerplay, which was killed. Dubuque scored five of its six goals even strength and Stevens scored one shorthanded tally in the win.
The evening was also full of firsts for the Fighting Saints. Jason Ford, the older brother of Keegan and an affiliate list player, scored his first point as a Fighting Saint, assisting on Tyler Spezia's first goal at 6:27 of the first period that made it 2-0. Joe Manno collected his first goal as a Fighting Saint in his home debut. Manno scored the Fighting Saints fifth goal at 8:06 of the second period. The winger from Quebec fired a wrist shot from the right side boards that snuck under the arm of Muskegon backup goalie Jordan Uhelski and tricked just barley over the goal line to make it 5-0. Spezia would score again to make it 6-0 at 13:48 of the second period. Spezia's second goal was his fourth of the season and the Michigan native registered his first multi-goal game in the USHL.
The Lumberjacks collected the game's last three goals. Adam Gilmour scored at 15:50 of the second period, and Joseph Cox tallied back-to-back shorthanded goals at 2:07 and 12:54 of the third period to make the score closer at 6-3. Arthur Brey was strong in goal for the Fighting Saints however, keeping Muskegon off the board further, and registering 18 saves in his 15th win in goal this season.
The Fighting Saints were propelled offensively by Quenneville, who had a goal and two assists. Stevens also had three points, and Matt Benning and Dylan Gambrell also had a pair of assists. Dubuque outshot Muskegon 36-21. Dubuque extended its lead over Muskegon in the standings to seven points.
The Fighting Saints are on the road tomorrow at Chicago for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop versus the Steel. The team will then travel to Fargo for a New Year's Eve game versus the Force at 6:05 p.m. on December 31. Dubuque returns home for a pair of games on Friday, January 4 versus Waterloo in Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup play at 7:35 p.m., and Saturday, January 5 versus Green Bay at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available for both games by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
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