Fighting Five: Saints Host Buccaneers for Fourth Meeting
Published on December 8, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (14-5-1-2, 31 pts) host the Des Moines Buccaneers (9-9-4-0, 22 pts) for their fourth meeting in the last five games on Friday night at ImOn Arena.
Here are five things to know ahead of the matchup:
1. Another One
The Saints' busy part of the schedule with Des Moines continues on Friday night in Dubuque. The stretch included three-in-a-row, with two games played in Des Moines at the end of November into December.
The home team has won all three contests so far. Dubuque's power play was perfect on two tries at home against Des Moines, but scoreless in eight attempts at Des Moines.
The lone game of the stretch in Dubuque was a 5-2 win for the Fighting Saints on Nov. 25.
2. Saints Sauce
In Saturday's game against Lincoln, James Reeder netted his first-career hat trick. Reeder wasted no time scoring twice in the first 5:06 of the game, including his first goal just 15 seconds into the contest.
Linemates Jake Sondreal and Juraj Pekarcik both assisted on all three of Reeder's goals. Sondreal sits third on the team with 23 points, while Pekarcik's 17 assists are tied with Joona Väisänen for the team lead and for third in the USHL.
Reeder, however, will be out of the lineup for a handful of games as he skates for Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in Canada this month.
3. Reinforcements
Although Reeder will be missing for a few games, the Fighting Saints had three big contributors return to the lineup last week.
Pekarcik returned after playing just twice in the month of November and assisted on all of Reeder's goals. In addition to Pekarick, the Saints saw the return of Chase LaPinta on Saturday after missing 11 games. LaPinta has 15 points in 11 games this season.
Erik Påhlsson, who only missed a pair of games, also returned on Saturday. Påhlsson is tied for the league-lead in points with 27.
4. Reidler, Set, Go
Kevin Reidler continues to be one of the busiest goaltenders in the USHL. His 17 games played are the second-most in the league as are his 11 victories.
Reidler has faced the third-most shots of any goaltender in the league, but has still been superb of late. In his last five games, Reidler is touting a .917 save percentage.
The Saints goaltender has allowed two goals or less in three-consecutive games and four of his last five contests.
5. Busy with the Bucs
With a goal and an assist on Friday against the Saints, Ben Kevan regained the top spot on Des Moines point-scoring chart with his 21st point of the year. He also leads the Buccaneers in goals with 11.
Ethan Dahlmeir made 24 saves on 25 shots in Friday's win over Dubuque and made 12 saves on 13 shots in relief of Jonathan Reihnholdt on Saturday in a 4-1 loss to Waterloo.
Friday's game begins at 7:05 p.m. CST and tickets can be purchased. The game is also available on Eagle 102.3 and FloHockey.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2023
- Saints Storm Back for Win Over Bucs - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Shootout Thriller Ends with Third Straight Steel Win - Chicago Steel
- Peters Scores Again, But Stars Fall to Force - Lincoln Stars
- The Aftermath: Storm Wins Teddy Bear Toss Game Over Lancers - Tri-City Storm
- SC Wins with Big Start - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Jacks Stumble in South Dakota, Fall 5-3 to Stampede - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Stampede Bears Down to Beat Muskegon on Teddy Bear Toss Night - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Caps/IceHoles Hit Ice for Two-Game Stand - Madison Capitols
- Gameday Preview - Lincoln Stars
- Fighting Five: Saints Host Buccaneers for Fourth Meeting - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Storm Set for Teddy Bear Toss against Lancers - Tri-City Storm
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