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USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints Sweep Season Series with 'Riders Thanks to Comeback

March 22, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa-The Dubuque Fighting Saints earned the series sweep by rattling off the game's final four goals en route to a 4-2 comeback win over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Friday night. Dubuque scored three goals in the third period and earned its first win of the season when they trailed after two periods of play. The Fighting Saints capped off the season series with Cedar Rapids Friday, and with the win, went a perfect 8-0-0 in Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup play versus its rival this season.

Early in the second period, Dubuque found themselves down 2-0 to the home team, but Evan Janssen turned the tide in the game and sparked Dubuque's comeback with a goal that swung the momentum to the Fighting Saints side. Battling behind the net with RoughRider blueliner Justin Wade, Janssen got the puck along the goal line and cut to the net. He moved the puck all the way across the crease to the left side of the ice, before pulling a spin move where he cut back to the right, pushing the puck past Cedar Rapids goaltender Michael Rotolo's left pad to make it 2-1. The amazing display of individual effort was Janssen's 9th goal of the season from Jarrid Privitera at 15:28 of the second period.

Headed into the third period, Dubuque was 0-8-2 when they trailed after two periods this season. All that was erased with a third period onslaught that saw the puck find the back of the net three times. Dylan Gambrell's 6thgoal of the season tied the game at 7:19 of the third period on a rebound that Rotolo left in front of the goal off a Peter Quenneville wrist shot. Quenneville fired a shot from the left wing that was stopped and swatted at by John Stevens before Gambrell crashed the net and converted on the rebound to make it 2-2.

Seven minutes later, the Fighting Saints struck for the game winner off the stick of Eric Freschi. The forward cut the puck down the right wing and tucked it behind the goal. Displaying great patience, Freschi cut out to the left wing and snapped a wrist shot through a maze of players that beat Rotolo short side to make it 3-2. The tally was assisted by Mike Szmatula at 14:13 and gave Dubuque its first lead.

The Fighting Saints would add a late goal by Szmatula at 18:39 of the third period on a two-on-one. The goal was Szmatula's 36th of the season, which ties him for a Fighting Saints best since the team's return to the USHL in 2010 with Johnny Gaudreau who also notched 36 goals in 2010-11.

Brey got the win in goal, stopping 15 shots for his 20th victory of the season. Dubuque outshot Cedar Rapids 33-17 and both teams were 0-for-2 on the powerplay.

With the victory, Dubuque stayed one point ahead of Sioux Falls in the race for the Anderson Cup. Dubuque moved two points ahead of the Waterloo Black Hawks in Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup play. The two teams battle tomorrow in Waterloo for the final time at the Young Arena, then matchup April 5 in Dubuque.

After Saturday's game in Waterloo, Dubuque returns home Sunday for a matchup with Team USA U-17. The game is Mascot Mania presented by Queen B Radio. The afternoon is jam-packed with family fun, as it is also a TH Family Four Pack game and after the contest it's a Post-Game Skate with the Saints. Fans are encouraged to purchase all tickets, including TH Family Four Packs, in advance to guarantee the best seat location. Tickets purchased on the day of the game are an additional $1.95. Fans may order seats to Sunday's game by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2013


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