Training Camp Roster Deep Dive: Defensemen
August 28, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA - The Fighting Saints are preparing for their 15th season, bringing 33 players into Training Camp with 11 making up the defense corps.
Only two full-time Saints from last season return to the blue line with Luke Malboeuf and Matthew Desiderio coming to camp. Each began last season playing sparingly, but earned more minutes as the year progressed. Malboeuf ended the season with 53 games played, nine points and a +8 rating. Desiderio added 14 points in 46 games with a +4 rating.
Four other defensemen on the Training Camp roster spent time with the Saints last season, with three seeing game action. Sean Barnhill, John Brown and Cullen McCrate all earned USHL experience, skating in a few games each last season while Dryden Allen spent time practicing with the Saints despite not seeing in-game minutes.
There will be three Saints defensemen in Camp taken in the Phase II Draft last spring. Kristian Kostadinski, Josh Niedermayer and Erick Comstock will be among the blue liners in Camp. Kostadinski is a 2023 7th round pick by the Boston Bruins and was touted for his physicality during international play for Team Sweden this summer. McCrate also skated in international competition at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team USA. Niedermayer, the son of four-time Stanley Cup Champion and Hall of Fame player Scott, played last season for Arizona State University and brings NCAA pedigree to the Dubuque blue line. Comstock finished last season third among all NAHL defensemen with 44 points for the Wisconsin Windigo.
A familiar name is represented on the blue line with Zach Sondreal, the twin brother of last year's Saints' captain Jake Sondreal.
"The defensive group has a really good size and puck moving ability this year," said general manager Trevor Edwards. "I'm really excited to see our returners and new players take these young, talented players under their wings and show them how to play at the highest level. We will count on guys like Joshua Neidermayer, who has college experience at ASU, and Kristian Kostadinski, who has international experience with Sweden and was the Captain of the Frolunda J20 team to lead the way."
Here is the full list of 11 defensemen who will compete to make the Saints final roster:
Dryden Allen
Niagara Falls, ON | 6-0, 170 | L
Commit: Michigan State University
2023-24: Niagara Falls (OJHL)
Sean Barnhill
Scottsdale, AZ | 6-4, 192 | R
Commit: Northeastern University
2023-24: Jr. Coyotes (16U AAA)
John Brown
North Canton, OH | 6-2, 194 | L
2023-24: Janesville Jets (NAHL)
Erick Comstock
Salol, MN | 5-7, 165 | L
Commit: Augustana University
2023-24: Wisconsin (NAHL)
Matthew Desiderio
North Caldwell, NJ | 6-4, 209 | L
Commit: Brown University
2023-24: Dubuque Fighting Saints
Kristian Kostadinski
Göteborg, SWE | 6-6, 220 | L
NHL: Boston Bruins ('23, R7, P220)
2023-24: FRÖLUNDA HC J20
Lincoln Krizizke
Waukesha, WI | 6-1, 165 | L
2023-24: Chicago Mission (15U AAA)
Luke Malboeuf
Monroeville, PA | 6-0, 180 | R
Commit: Clarkson University
2023-24: Dubuque Fighting Saints
Cullen McCrate
Adrian, MI | 6-3, 194 | R
Commit: Michigan State University
2023-24: Little Caesars (16U AAA)
Josh Niedermayer
Newport Beach, CA | 6-0, 201 | L
2023-24: Arizona State (NCAA)
Zach Sondreal
Woodbury, MN | 6-0, 181 | R
2023-24: Chippewa (NAHL)
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from August 28, 2024
- Des Moines Buccaneers Relocate for 2024-25 Season - USHL
- Corey Leivermann Advances to Cornell University - Fargo Force
- Training Camp Roster Deep Dive: Defensemen - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Capitols Release 2024-25 Camp Roster - Madison Capitols
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.
