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USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints Score at Will, Power Through Lancers

February 5, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa - A third-period hat trick by Dallas Gerads pulled the Dubuque Fighting Saints away from the close-trailing Omaha Lancers on Friday night, stoking the Saints to a 7-3 victory at the Mystique Community Ice Center.

Gerads finagled a backhander off of a pass by Michael O'Leary through traffic with one second remaining on a four-on-four opportunity that would have led to an Omaha power play. Following the celebration, the Omaha bench received a bench minor penalty, continuing the Fighting Saints' aggressive third period play.

Gerads capitalized on a turnover just six minutes later and fired a laser off the far post and in through Omaha goaltender Kris Oldham, making it 6-3 Dubuque. His hat trick ended with Oldham at the bench for the extra attacker, and Nathan Sucese trying everything possible to find the well-covered Minnesotan.

Willie Knierim ended a nine-game goal drought with a huge goal at the side of the net, finding a puck in the pile of sticks and skates. Gordie Green had a net to shoot at of his own, but decided to defer to Knierim, who ended up with the game-winning goal, the 20th of his USHL career. That made the score 4-3 at the time.

Omaha responded seemingly at every turn, especially at the end of the first period. Austin Alger got the scoring started for the visiting Lancers, forcing the Fighting Saints to operate from down a goal once again, but that did not deter the home team. Five minutes after Alger's tally, Brett Boeing knocked a rebound off of Oldham into the open cage, scoring his third goal in the last four games, tying the game.

Under a minute later, Colin Theisen grabbed the lead for the Saints, bashing in a Zach Solow pass following a failed three-on-two break. Theisen scored his third goal in as many games in the process. Following that, it took 27 seconds for Omaha's Brannon McManus to hit twine and tie it up.

Petter Mäkitalo and Josh French traded second-period tallies before the floodgates opened for Gerads in the third period. On Mäkitalo's goal, Shane Kavanagh added an assist, giving him a new season-high in points (21).

Both teams went 1-for-6 on their respective power play chances. Hunter Miska made 22 saves, collecting his league-leading 21st win of the season.

Up next for the Dubuque Fighting Saints is a tussle with Dupaco Cowbell Cup rival Cedar Rapids at 7:05 p.m. Join the Fighting Saints for A Night With Two By Two, where five special jerseys will be auctioned off, and the 50/50 pot will start at over $2,300. The game will be broadcast on KCRG 9.2, and simulcast on Dubuque's Super Hits 106.1 FM, and on FASTHockey at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 563.583.6880, or by going online to DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 5, 2016


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