USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Historic Night for Fighting Saints at NHL Draft

Published on June 22, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa - Friday night was historic for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Dubuque captain Zemgus Girgensons was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Around an hour later, he was joined by Fighting Saints defenseman Mike Matheson, who was selected 23 rd overall by the Florida Panthers. Also chosen 21st overall by Calgary was Mark Jankowski, a 2012 first round draft pick of the Fighting Saints.

"Tonight was a great moment for Dubuque Fighting Saints organization," Fighting Saints Head Coach/General Manager Jim Montgomery said. "I am really happy for these young men. These are great players that exemplify what we want on and off the ice with our organization. We are proud of these young men, and for our organization, this is probably the second best day we have had besides winning the Clark Cup."

With his selection, Girgensons becomes the highest drafted Fighting Saint in team history, and also the first Latvian player chosen in the opening round. A native of Riga, Latvia, Girgensons played two seasons for the Fighting Saints, tallying 104 points in 100 career games. Girgensons led Dubuque in scoring last season with 55 points, tallying 24 goals, and 31 assists in 49 games while serving as team captain. The University of Vermont commit was a member of the 2010-11 Clark Cup championship team, and was named to the 2011-12 All-USHL First Team.

"He is a remarkable kid," Montgomery said. "Over two years I have watched him grow from a shy young man to a prankster that was leader for our organization. We are really happy for him. He is special, and his potential is so great there's even a chance he could play in the NHL next year."

With his selection, Girgensons becomes the highest drafted Latvian player in NHL history. Previously this distinction went to defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, who was taken in the second round, 30th overall, by the San Jose Sharks in 1991. The Sabres acquired the 14th overall pick from the Calgary Flames in order select Girgensons.

Matheson is a smooth-skating defenseman from Quebec who played for the Saints during the 2011-12 campaign. This past season he registered 27 points, notching 11 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. An offensive-minded defenseman, Matheson also added four goals in five playoff games for the Saints. With his strong play in both ends of the ice, Matheson was named to the 2011-12 USHL All-Rookie Team. Matheson had around 25 family members and friends present in Pittsburgh for his selection. He has committed to Boston College, and is expected to join the defending NCAA Champions for the 2012-13 season.

"With Mike, it was amazing to watch his progress last season," Montgomery said. "He kept growing every month and became one of the most dominant players in our league. For it to end with him getting drafted in the first round is awesome. I don't think there was a player that was drafted that has grown and developed more than he did over the last year."

A record six players from the USHL were taken in the first round of the draft. Jankowski was the only incoming USHL player taken in the first round.

"Mark is a tremendous young hockey talent," Montgomery said. "He is going to be the first player in the USHL that was drafted in the first round that comes and plays in our league. Mark is going to be someone that takes the fans out of their seats when they watch him play next year."

Prior to tonight, Dubuque's only first round picks were Landon Wilson, who was selected 19th overall in 1993 by Toronto, and Peter Ferraro, who went 24 th to the New York Rangers in 1992.

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