Team USA Hands Dubuque First Home Loss, Beat Saints 5-4 Friday

December 13, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release

DUBUQUE, IA- A back-and-forth third period saw Team USA U-17 score two goals in 34 seconds as they handed the Dubuque Fighting Saints their first home loss of the season, topping Dubuque by a score of 5-4 Friday night at the Mystique Community Ice Center. Dubuque had won its first 11 games on home ice prior to Friday.

With Dubuque trailing 3-2 heading into the third period, the Fighting Saints used the momentum they gained with two quick goals in the second period to take a temporary lead. Phil Boje tied the game at the 3:36 mark, and Joe Llaurado gave Dubuque its first lead at 5:20. However Team USA wasted no time rattling off a pair of goals to retake the lead. Auston Matthews tipped a shot past Dubuque goaltender Christian Frey at 6:34 to tie the game, 4-4. Just 26 seconds later, Christian Fisher deflected a shot past Frey to make it 5-4. That tally turned out to be the game-winning goal and gave Team USA the win to pull them into a tie with Dubuque for first place in the Eastern Conference.

Dubuque found themselves behind early in the contest as USA scored only 1:50 into the game. Jeremy Bracco flipped a backhander over Dubuque goaltender Christian Frey's glove to make it 1-0 Team USA on the game's first shot. USA would double its lead at the 12:56 mark. After a powerplay experience, Luke Kunin fired a bad angle shot on off Frey's pad. The rebound jetted in front of the net to Dennis Yan who made no mistake and wristed a shot past Frey to make it 2-0 USA.

The second period provided to be eventful. Chippy play from the end of the first period carried over into the second period. Nick Boka and Seamus Malone became engaged in an altercation 2:56 into the period. Malone was given a five minute major for grabbing Boka's facemask and was ejected. Boka received a double minor for rouging and a 10 minute misconduct.

Team USA would take a 3-0 lead shorthanded late in period. Colin White brought the puck up ice and Alexx Privitera fell down in neutral ice. White dished a pass across to Casey Fitzgerald who skated in on Frey, and wristed a shot over his arm at the 14:23 mark.

Just 47 seconds later, Dubuque would respond. Jason Ford banged in a rebound past USA goaltender Michael Lackey to make it a 3-1 game. The goal was Ford's seventh of the season and was assisted by Max McHugh and Shane Eiserman at 15:10.

Just 23 seconds later, Dubuque fans were brought out of their seats again. Jacob Benson collected a loose puck down the right wing and skated in on net. Benson fired a wrister through Lackey's five-hole to make it a one-goal game, and cut USA's lead to 3-2 at 15:33. Blake Hillman and Joe Llaurado assisted.

However, the crazy back-and-forth third period saw Team USA hand Dubuque fall for the first time at home this season, and fall to 16-6-1 on the season.

Frey stopped 21 shots in the losing effort. The contest was his last home game for the Fighting Saints. The goaltender has accepted a scholarship from Ohio State University and will be leaving to enroll at the school later this month.

The Fighting Saints travel to Sioux City to play the Musketeers tomorrow night. Puck drop from the Tyson Events Centers is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and the game can be heard on Dubuque's Super Hits 106.1 FM. The Fighting Saints will be off next weekend for a brief holiday break before returning to the Mystique Community Ice Center on Friday, December 27 as they host the Green Bay Gamblers. Tickets to all upcoming Fighting Saints games make great gifts and are available by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

United States Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2013

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• Molino Guides Stampede Plast Lincoln, 7-2 - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Team USA Hands Dubuque First Home Loss, Beat Saints 5-4 Friday - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Indiana Muscles Past Muskegon with Early Offensive Charge - Muskegon Lumberjacks
• OMAHA COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN 5-3 LOSS TO HAWKS - Omaha Lancers
• Ice Have Enough Lumber to Defeat Jacks, 3-1 - Indiana Ice

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