USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Frey Stops 24 to Lead Saints to 2-1 Win over Muskegon

Published on October 11, 2013 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA- His lengthy shutout streak may have ended, but Dubuque Fighting Saints goaltender Christian Frey was again the story Friday night. The veteran netminder kicked aside 24 shots to lead Dubuque to a 2-1 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks this evening at the Mystique Community Ice Center. In his first three appearances, Frey racked up 175:07 straight minutes of shutout hockey before surrendering a goal. With the win, Dubuque improved to 4-0-0 on the season, and along with Omaha, are the only undefeated teams in the USHL.

The Fighting Saints dominated the first period, coming out with several chances including a shot from Max McHugh that rang the goal post. Muskegon netminder Eric Shierhorn was peppered with 17 shots from Dubuque, but the goaltender stood tall against the barrage until the final minutes of the first period. With Dubuque on a 5-on-3 powerplay, the Fighting Saints finally struck. Shane Eiserman worked the puck back to Keegan Ford at the blueline. He chipped the puck to his fellow blueliner Phil Boje. The second year Fighting Saint defenseman ripped a low slapshot that found its way through a crowd and past Shierhorn at 16:16 to make it 1-0 Dubuque.

The second period saw Muskegon throw pucks from all angles on Dubuque's goal, but Frey again proved to be flawless. The Arlington, Texas native made several key saves and the veteran's rebound control provided Muskegon with few second chances. Dubuque was outshot 10-4 in the period.

Frey's teammates helped add to Dubuque's lead on a shorthanded tally midway through the period. Seamus Malone scored his second goal of the season at 11:35 to make it 2-0 Dubuque. Karson Kuhlman flipped a backhand pass forward to Malone who flew into the Muskegon zone of the left wing. The talented forward fired a low shot that somehow snuck through Sheirhorn's pads and trickled over the goal line.

The third period saw chances both ways and Muskegon was finally able to solve Frey in the game's final minutes. Winger Matheson Iacopelli powered down the left wing side and let a slapshot go that hit Frey in the shoulder. It rolled off the netminder and across the goal line to cut the lead to 2-1 at 15:07 of the third period.

Frey's shutout streak may have ended, but the netminder shut the door with several key saves in the closing minute of the game. With Shierhorn pulled for an extra attacker, Muskegon pressed, but the Lumberjacks failed to get the game's tying goal as Frey and the Fighting Saints held on for the victory.

Dubuque went 1-for-6 on the powerplay while Dubuque's penalty kill remained perfect on the season, holding the Lumberjacks to 0-for-3 on the man advantage. Dubuque outshot Muskegon 31-25.

Tomorrow night, Dubuque travels to Cedar Rapids to play the rival RoughRiders. Puck drop is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. The game will be broadcast on Super Hits 106.1 FM as Zack Fisch has the call.

Dubuque returns home next Friday for a game versus Team USA U-17 at 7:35 p.m. That evening is One Night Wonder Night as the Fighting Saints celebrate musical artists who provided us with just that one memorable tune. Tickets are available for next Friday's game by calling 563.583.6880 or visiting DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2013


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