USA Stuns Fighting Saints, Win 4-3 in Overtime
October 22, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
Plymouth, MI – On a night that could have been all about the Fighting Saints electric power play, team USA’s U17 squad answered back every time they needed to and stunned Dubuque with a 4-3 overtime loss.
Michael Hagens was the star of the night for the young American squad. The 16 year old from Hauppauge, New York finished the night with a hat trick and the game winning overtime goal for team USA.
After the Saints took a late first period lead thanks to a Nils Juntorp power play goal, Hagens got open on the back door for a one-timer to beat Paxton Geisel. Hagens first of the game came with under three minutes remaining in the first period, a trend that would continue for USA all night.
In the second period, it was the Saints power play again getting them on the board and a lead. This time it was James Reeder. The rookie got loose inside the hash marks and ripped a wrist shot upstairs from in tight for his first USHL goal.
But like in the first period, USA found some late period jump. It was Hagens again. He drove the net and redirected a centering feed from Cole Eiserman with one hand on his stick to tie the game at 2-2.
For the first time this season, the Saints entered the 3rd period tied. However, they seemingly have a knack for always playing in close games. Dubuque has yet to play in a game decided by more than two goals.
The Fighting Saints power play continued to be fed opportunities, including one with just 4:48 remaining in the third period. After a lengthy stoppage in play caused by a Cole Helm hit that broke one of the doors leading to the ice, the Saints power play was plenty rested for they key opportunity.
Dubuque continued to exploit the middle of the ice on the powerplay and found Juntorp free between the faceoff dots for his second goal of the night with 3:06 remaining. All three Saints goals were scored on the power play and between the faceoff dots. Dubuque went 3-for-7 on the man advantage Friday night.
With time winding down USA pulled it’s goaltender, and struggled to get set up in the offensive zone. With time winding down, USA’s Cole Hutson entered the offensive zone, dropped a pass back to Hagens who forced a shot through traffic. Geisel made the initial save, but Eiserman was free out front to bang home the rebound and tie the game with 21.9 seconds remaining to force overtime.
USA dominated the extra frame outshooting the Fighting Saints 5-0. With tired Dubuque legs on the ice, Eiserman was able to beat the defense wide and cut to the front of the net for a chance on Geisel. The puck rolled free right to Hagens for his third goal of the night.
The Saints surrendered three separate one goal leads in the final moments of each period before falling 4-3 in overtime. Geisel made 31 saves in the loss.
Up Next
The Fighting Saints take on Muskegon on Saturday night. This will be the first time the Saints have played on back-to-back days since the USHL Fall Classic in late September.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board…
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.
