Aaronson Strikes Again But Lancers' Comeback Falls Short
Published on October 3, 2025 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
Ryan Aaronson netted his third goal in the last four games but the Omaha Lancers fell to the Dubuque Fighting Saints, 3-2, on Friday night at ImOn Arena.
Aaronson brought Omaha (1-4-0-0) within one goal at 15:31 of the third to score his team-leading third goal of the season. Adam Israilov scooped up the puck in the near corner and found Aaronson all alone between the circles as he scored far-post side. Aaronson is 1-of-18 players in the USHL to score at least three goals.
Teddy Merrill scored twice to help Dubuque (4-0-0-0) remain one-of-four unbeaten teams in the USHL. The Fighting Saints never trailed but never led by more than two goals.
Former Lancer Cooper Conway helped the Fighting Saints get things started just 1:40 into the game with a cross-ice pass to Merrill at the left circle. The Fighting Saints had a chance immediately afterwards to add some cushion when Omaha was guilty of a high-sticking double minor three seconds after the goal but the Lancers killed it off.
Kole Hyles evened things up late in the first shortly after Omaha's first power play came to an end. Tanner Morgan continued the puck possession in the offensive zone on the far boards before being leaned into and losing the puck. A Dubuque clearing attempt came right to Hyles just inside the far circle and he went down to his right knee, one-timing the puck in for his first goal of the season.
Masun Fleece put Dubuque back in the lead with the only goal of the second period at the 13:40 mark. After being shut down from just above the left dot moments before off a faceoff win, he struck shortly after on another faceoff won by Charlie Arend to score his first goal of the season.
Merrill scored his second of the game on a rebound off a wraparound attempt by Conway 2:33 into the third for his second multi-goal game of the season and the eventual game-winner. Merrill leads the USHL with five goals through four games.
The Lancers look to split the weekend when they face the Fighting Saints again on Saturday night at 7:05 at ImOn Arena. Omaha's home opener is Oct. 11 against Sioux Falls. All single-game tickets for home games are available for purchase now at lancers.com. Email tickets@lancers.com or call 402-344-7825 to purchase season tickets.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2025
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