Snakebitten Fighting Saints Fall to Steel 2-1 Sunday
March 8, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA- Trevor Gorsuch stopped 41 shots and the Dubuque Fighting Saints remained snakebitten, falling to the Chicago Steel 2-1 on home ice Sunday. The loss marked the first time Dubuque fell in regulation when leading through two periods of play. Prior to Sunday's defeat, Dubuque was 20-0-2 when leading through 20 minutes. The Steel scored twice in the third period in the victory with the winning goal coming from Brendon Kearney.
Dubuque led 1-0 through two periods and appeared to take a 2-0 lead only 25 seconds into the third period. Hayden Shaw's shot from the left point was deflected in front of the goal and dropped to the ice to beat Gorsuch low. Dubuque celebrated, but the goal was disallowed as it was determined the puck was played with a high stick.
Dubuque continued to press for insurance, but the club remained frustrated as they failed to convert on quality chances. Dubuque had several up ice breaks, including a clear-cut breakaway for Dylan Gambrell that Gorsuch got a piece of his arm on.
Seconds after Gambrell's miss, the Steel broke up ice and tied the game. Former Fighting Saint J.D. Dudek took a shot that Dubuque netminder Jacob Nehama kicked out, but Ryan Blankemeier collected the rebound in the slot and scored into the vacated right side of the goal to even the score at 6:19.
Kearney would score the winning goal with 5:18 remaining in regulation. Chicago brought the puck up ice in transition and John Ernstring left the puck to Kearney who skated down the right wing. The forward lifted a backhander up and over the shoulder of Jacob Nehama for his 14th goal of the season to give Chicago the 2-1 win.
Dubuque's only goal came from alternate captain Seamus Malone 13:17 into the first period. Forward Willie Knierim passed the puck back to Wyatt Ege at the right point. The Dubuque defender sailed a wrist shot towards Gorsuch. Malone stood in front of the goaltender and deflected the puck past the goaltender's glove for his 16th goal of the season to make the score 1-0 Dubuque.
Dubuque outshot Chicago 42-24 on the afternoon. Dubuque fired 141 shots in three games this weekend, only scoring seven times and posting a record of 1-2-0.
The Fighting Saints play a pair of games next weekend, visiting Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup rival Waterloo on Friday for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Dubuque returns home on Saturday, March 14 for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Green Bay Gamblers. The evening is Irish Night and fans are encouraged to wear green. Tickets are available by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2015
- Thunder Split with Capitols in Home and Home - Bloomington Thunder
- Snakebitten Fighting Saints Fall to Steel 2-1 Sunday - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Smith's Second Shutout Seals Capitols Win - Madison Capitols
- Capitols Look for Split of Home-And-Home with Thunder - Madison Capitols
- Thunder Follow Capitols Back to Madison - Bloomington Thunder
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