NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Dubuque Fighting Saints

Ullberg Lights out for Gamblers in 5-1 Win over Saints

February 16, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa - An eight game winning streak came to an end and the Dubuque Fighting Saints lost at the Mystique Community Ice Center for only the second time this season as they were bested by the Green Bay Gamblers, 5-1 Friday night. Green Bay scored twice in the first period and never looked back to spoil the party of a crowd of 3,205 at the Mystique Community Ice Center.

The game was a BLACK OUT presented by Truck Country as the Fighting Saints wore special black jerseys that were auctioned off after the game. On the ice Green Bay goaltender Richard Ullberg played along with the theme and turned the lights out on the powerful Dubuque Fighting Saints offense, turning aside 27 shots.

In all eight games of the winning streak the Fighting Saints opened the game by scoring the contest's first goal. That was not the case Friday night. Grirgory Dikushin jammed a puck past the right pad of Dubuque goalie Arthur Brey off a faceoff play to make it 1-0 and silence the large crowd only 5:31 into the game. With a faceoff to Brey's right, Green Bay shoveled the puck to the far side where Dikushin found himself open and converted for his 10th goal of the season.

Brey came up big from the Fighting Saints later in the first period, shutting down Ben Greiner on a penalty shot. Greiner attempted to go fivehole on Brey, but the netminder made a big save that kept the deficit at one.

Kyle McKenzie got the crowd back into the game with an impressive fight where he landed right hook after right hook on Green Bay's Kevin Irwin right in front of the Dubuque bench. However, the Fighting Saints were unable to score after gaining momentum.

Kyle Novak scored on the powerplay for the Gamblers at 16:18 of the first period to make it 2-0. Nick Schmaltz cut off the left wing half boards to the middle of the ice and fired a pass back to Novak who beat Brey blocker side to double Green Bay's lead.

The ice was tilted Dubuque's way in the second period, but Green Bay goaltender Richard Ullberg frustrated the Fighting Saints with save after save, including denying a Dylan Gambrell breakway. Despite outshooting the Gamblers 13-4 in the second period the only goal went to the visitors. Dubuque's Mike Downing was called for a five minute major for head contact at 18:39 and was ejected from the game. On the major powerplay Alex Kile converted with his 20th goal of the season on a rebound from the doorstep on the far side to close out the second period at 3-0 Green Bay, with the Gamblers still have significant time of the powerplay.

Dubuque got a goal from Mike Szmatula in the third period to break Ullberg's shutout bid, but not before Novak scored his second goal of the game on a four-on-three powerplay at 10:13. Szmatula's goal was his 31stof the season and came at 12:27 on an odd-man rush. Frankie DiChiara dropped the puck to Szmatula who rocketed a shot over Ullberg to make the game 4-1.

Dubuque was given a strong chance for a comeback bid when they were awarded a major powerplay with just over five minutes remaining in the game. With Gustav Olofsson tossed from the game for a check from behind, Dubuque was unable to convert on the major powerplay and Jake Linhart scored a shorthanded empty net goal to seal the deal for Green Bay.

Friday's festivities were apart of Hockey Weekend Across America. This is the sixth straight year the event has been held across the United States and the event runs from February 15-17. After the game the special black jerseys worn by the Fighting Saints were auctioned off. All proceeds from the auction went to the Dubuque Youth Hockey Association to help continuing to grow the sport of hockey in the Tri-State area. Kyle McKenzie's jersey raised the most for DYHA, going for $1800.

The Hobey Baker Award also made an appearance at the arena Friday. Fans took photos of the award and had a chance to see it up close. Three former Fighting Saints- Riley Barber, Johnny Gaudreau and Vinny Saponari are candidates for the award this year, and Fighting Saints Head Coach and General Manager Jim Montgomery was a finalist for the award in 1993.

The Fighting Saints travel tomorrow afternoon to Chicago for a game with the Steel at 7:00 p.m. from the Edge Ice Arena. The game can be heard on Super Hits 106.1 FM with the Voice of the Fighting Saints, Zack Fisch, having the call. The Fighting Saints return home on Friday, March 1 versus Cedar Rapids for the first of nine home games during a busy month. Tickets are available to all upcoming home games by calling 563.583.6880 and online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.


• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...

United States Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2013


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.

Other Recent Dubuque Fighting Saints Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central