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USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints Knock off USHL's Top Team, Beat Lancers 3-1

January 25, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


RALSTON, NE - Jacob Benson scored twice and Kevin Reich stopped 23 shots in net as the red-hot Dubuque Fighting Saints defeated the USHL's top team, beating the Omaha Lancers 3-1 Saturday at the Ralston Arena. The Fighting Saints scored a goal in each period, and held off the Lancer's potent offensive attack in the win.

A night being named the game's first star in a 6-1 win over Cedar Rapids, Dubuque forward Max McHugh continued to hot hand on Saturday. McHugh drew first blood 7:40 into the game's opening period, collecting a rebound off the pad of Omaha goaltender Hayden Hawkey. A Dylan Gambrell shot was stopped by Hawkey, but the puck sat loose in the crease. McHugh pounced on it, tucking a shot around Hawkey's right pad to make it 1-0 Dubuque.

One of the USHL's top players evened the score at 3:04 of the second period. Jordan Klimek lost the puck at the offensive blueline, and Omaha came up ice on a 3-on-1 odd man rush. Tyler Vessel kept the puck on the left wing and wristed a shot up over the glove of Dubuque goaltender Reich to make it 1-1. The goal was Vessel's 28th of the season, and Jake Randolph added his 43rd assist on the tally.

Dubuque would regain the lead late in the period on a goal by Jacob Benson that came with controversy. Seamus Malone stole the puck and was denied by Hawkey on a slapshot from the left wing. The puck came back to Malone in the slot, and he tucked a shot around Hawkey and through the crease. It popped to Benson on the left doorstep, and he fired a shot towards the goal. It appeared to hit an Omaha defender and trickle towards the goal line. Referee Lucas Martin was positioned directly behind the net and ruled the puck crossed the goal line, and the goal light came on as the Fighting Saints celebrated. Martin conferred with the goal judge to confirm the puck did cross the goal line, and the call stood. The goal was Benson's seventh of the season, with assists to Seamus Malone and Robby Darrar at 14:03.

In the third period, Dubuque frustrated the Lancers and limited Omaha's chances. Reich turned aside a final bid from the Lancers making a great glove save on Ryan Tait, and Benson rewarded him by sealed the game with an empty net goal to give Dubuque a 3-1 road win.

Dubuque improved to 23-10-1 and moved to 12-0-0 when they lead after the first period. The Saints gained one point on the Indiana Ice in the Eastern Conference with the win, and Indiana's loss to Cedar Rapids in overtime.

Reich made 23 saves and improved to 3-0-0 since joining the team. Dubuque outshot Omaha 28-24.

The Fighting Saints are on the road Tuesday night in Green Bay, then return home for a pair of games on January 31 and February 1 versus the Youngstown Phantoms. Friday night is Kids Run the Rink presented by ManorCare Health Services. Puck drop is slated for 7:35 p.m. Saturday night is Matt Shawshank Redemption and puck drop is slated for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available for both games by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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