HUNTER FLIPS THE SCRIPT AS SAINTS STUN JACKS
January 9, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
Game-winner scored with 19 seconds left in regulation
DUBUQUE, Iowa - With a 3-0 lead extinguished, the Dubuque Fighting Saints battled back in the nick of time. Quinn Preston found a streaking Dalton Hunter right in front of the Muskegon net and buried a last-second shot to put the Saints over the Lumberjacks 4-3 on Saturday night at the Mystique Community Ice Center.
Hunter's goal came in response to a pair of Mikael Hakkarainen goals which tied the game in the third period. The Mercyhurst commit found himself wide open in front of the Muskegon net as Preston, from the left wing half wall, found him in front. The goal was Hunter's fourth of the season, and third in the last five games.
Hakkarainen's first goal came at the 2:38 of the third period, on a 2-on-0 break following a Fighting Saints power play. His second came on a late Muskegon power play on the back door, as the Lumberjacks completed a comeback from 3-0 down.
The Fighting Saints came out firing in the first period. Alex Steeves continued his successful season with a pair of goals, as well as an assist on a Preston tally. The blitz was on against the Jacks until the visitors responded with just 18 seconds left in the third period. Anthony Del Gaizo tallied the goal for Muskegon.
The game came down to special teams for the Saints, whose power play found life. Dubuque scored a power play goal for the first time since December 15, and it was scored by the same player who did it on that night- Preston, on a rebound from Steeves and Josh Maniscalco. They also scored a shorthanded goal on the night, the team's fifth of the season.
The regulation win vaulted the Saints into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the Green Bay Gamblers for first place.
The Fighting Saints return to action on Friday, January 12 against the Youngstown Phantoms. Friday begins Saint4Life Weekend, as the first 1,000 fans to enter Our House will receive a commemorative Jim Montgomery bobblehead doll, and the team will unveil a special jersey. Players from the past will re-live their favorite memories throughout the night as well. You save money when you buy early! Get your tickets now at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2018
- FELIX NAMED USHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK - Madison Capitols
- FIGHTING SAINTS TO PRESENT CHECK TO VETERANS FREEDOM CENTER ON WEDNESDAY - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Larsson Wins Silver Medal at World Junior Championships - Tri-City Storm
- Hugo Blixt Named to USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Tri-City Storm
- Hugo Blixt Added to 2018 USHL/NHL Top Prospect Game Roster - Tri-City Storm
- HUGO BLIXT NAMED TO USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME - USHL
- GRESOCK HAT TRICK CORRALS CEDAR RAPIDS - Youngstown Phantoms
- Storm Fall at Home to Omaha - Tri-City Storm
- Storm Fall at Home to Omaha - Tri-City Storm
- STARS SINK SIOUX CITY IN SHOOTOUT - Lincoln Stars
- Force Edge Steel Saturday Night - Chicago Steel
- HUNTER FLIPS THE SCRIPT AS SAINTS STUN JACKS - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Stampede Come up Short in Wild Game vs Madison - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Stampede Come up Short in Wild Game vs Madison - Sioux Falls Stampede
- REAL DEAL KAMIL - Madison Capitols
- Storm Battle Omaha Following Overtime Win over Sioux City - Tri-City Storm
- USHL Alumni Impress at World Junior Championship - Tri-City Storm
- USHL Alumni Impress at World Junior Championship - USHL
- STARS ANNOUNCE COLD AS ICE NIGHT TONIGHT AT THE ICE BOX - Lincoln Stars
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