Sports stats



USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Team Effort Gives Saints 5-3 Win Saturday at Tri-City

January 18, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


KEARNEY, NE- A tenacious forecheck and two-point nights from Jacob Benson and Robby Darrar earned the Dubuque Fighting Saints a fourth straight win, as the Fighting Saints topped the Tri-City Storm 5-3 Saturday night at the Viareo Events Center. Dubuque scored three goals in the game's middle period and got several timely saves from goaltender Kevin Reich in the win.

Dubuque opened the scoring Saturday. With the Fighting Saints on the powerplay, Jacob Benson notched his sixth goal of the season. The Storm turned the puck over in neutral ice, and Dubuque caught a break when a Tri-City defender fell down, causing a 2-on-1. Robby Darrar fed the puck from the left wing to Benson on the right side, and he one-timed a shot past Storm goaltender Hayden Lavigne to make it 1-0 at 11:56 of the first period. Alexx Privitera, celebrating his 21st birthday, notched an assist on the goal.

The Storm were quick to respond. At only 12:42, Joel L'Esperance whistled a shot over Reich's glove to tie the game, 1-1. A quick entry into the Saints zone saw Christian Horn feed L'Esperance for his 20th goal of the season.

Dubuque's Reich made sure Dubuque would not fall behind going into the intermission, making a fantastic save on Ryan McMurphy on a 2-on-1 late in period one to keep the score 1-1.

The Fighting Saints took over the game in the second period. Dubuque struck 8:37 into the frame on a goal by Eric Robinson. Karson Kuhlman wrapped the puck behind the Tri-City goal, finding Robinson on the back-door. He one-timed a shot that hit Lavigne and rolled into the net to give Dubuque a 2-1 lead.

Again, the lead didn't last long. Chris Wilkie punched a shot through Reich's five-hole to make it 2-2 at 9:05. Patrick Curry made a fantastic pass from the left wing to the net front where Wilkie stood unguarded and tied the game.

From that point on, Dubuque's game elevated and the Fighting Saints earned the game's next two goals. Seamus Malone scored his 12th goal of the season on a turnover at 11:17 to put Dubuque back in front. The Storm defender made a pass into the slot that was picked off by Malone. He glided in on goal, and snapped a shot over Lavigne's blocker to make it 3-2 Dubuque.

The Fighting Saints again got a big save from Reich at a key time. Right after Malone's goal, Reich came up with a fantastic pad save, stopping Garret Gamez from the slot, and sprawling to cover the rebound. Dubuque responded and increased its lead. Benson setup Darrar this time at 14:24 to make it 4-2 Dubuque. Benson's forecheck caused a turnover behind the Tri-City net. He fed a pass through to Darrar on the right wing, and he fired a shot over Lavigne's shoulder to give Dubuque a two-goal lead.

The Storm's L'Esperance gave his team a chance, notching his second goal of the game in the third period on a beautiful up ice rush to make it 4-3 Dubuque early in the game's final frame. However, it was again Reich and Dubuque's defense coming up large to keep the Storm from tying the game. Reich would finish the game with 28 saves, and none bigger than a toe save in the game's final two minutes.

Shane Eiserman would add an empty net goal with 1:39 to play to seal the victory for Dubuque. After a faceoff win, Eiserman banked the puck off the boards to clear his zone. It ricocheted all the way down the ice and into the empty Storm goal to make it 5-3.

Dubuque improved to 21-10-1 with the victory and swept the season series with Saturday's win, going 2-0-0 versus the Storm this season.

The Fighting Saints return home on Friday, January 24 to host Cedar Rapids for Vegas Night presented by Mystique Casino. Tickets are available to that game by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

Check out the Dubuque Fighting Saints Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Dubuque Fighting Saints Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central