Fighting Saints Prevail in Romp over Phantoms
December 27, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - There was no shortage of offense from the Dubuque Fighting Saints. They scored first and never looked back in a 7-1 drubbing of the Youngstown Phantoms on Sunday night at the Mystique Community Ice Center.
Six different Fighting Saints players scored in Sunday night's conquest. Nathan Sucese added two goals in the game, bringing his team lead in goals to 11 on the season. His first started the game with a top-shelf shot off an assist from Zach Solow, who tallied two assists on the night.
Dubuque's offensive outburst came mostly in a four-goal middle frame. Petter Mäkitalo, Willie Knierim, Casey Johnson and Sucese all scored in the period. Mäkitalo deposited a Colin Theisen feed to the front of the goal on a delayed penalty just a shade over two minutes into the period. Knierim's and Sucese's tallies came in two minute increments following the first goal.
The Saints shot a staggering 40% in the second period.
Gordie Green and Baron Thompson capped the scoring for the Fighting Saints on Sunday. Green one-timed a Mitchell Smith pass along the half wall through Colin DeAugustine, forced into a starting role due to an injury to starter Ryan Bednard. Thompson put the puck into the back of the net late, finishing off a gorgeous passing play in the waning moments of regulation.
Noah Lalonde ruined goaltender Hunter Miska's shutout bid, scoring at the 10:18 mark of the third period. He picked up his league-leading 16th win of the season with 24 stops. Six of them have come in this month alone, all in a row, carrying a minuscule 2.16 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.
All seven Fighting Saints goals came at even strength. Youngstown's power play went punchless on five separate opportunities. Dubuque only received one power play opportunity, and came up empty.
Sucese added four points in the victory, earning first star honors. He has extended his team lead in points to 25. His effort came in a game where the team skated without regulars Dallas Gerads and Evan Smith, due to injury and suspension, respectively.
Dubuque travels to Madison to finish up the season series with the Madison Capitols on Tuesday, December 29. The Fighting Saints have taken all five prior matchups. Join all of the action by tuning in to Dubuque's Super Hits 106.1 FM starting at 6:50 for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop, or by watching on the USHL's streaming video provider, FASTHockey.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2015
- Fighting Saints Prevail in Romp over Phantoms - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Dubuque Rolls Youngstown with Second Period Outburst - Youngstown Phantoms
- Musketeers Find Redemption - Fargo Force
- Musketeers Top Force 3-1 - Sioux City Musketeers
- Lancers Lose Lead, Fall to Lincoln 5-2 - Omaha Lancers
- Stars Oust Rival Lancers, 5-2 - Lincoln Stars
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.
