Fighting Saints Chopped Down by Muskegon, Drop Second Straight
October 24, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
Muskegon, MI – Seeking to avenge last seasons early playoff exit, the Dubuque Fighting Saints failed to capitalize on early opportunities Saturday night against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Coming off of Friday night’s disappointing loss to Team USA, the Saints came out with a strong buzz Saturday. However, that buzz did not last too long. While on the power play 12:49 into the first period, a turnover led to a two-on-one short handed chance for the Lumberjacks. Luke Buss, playing in his first USHL game this season, scored his first career goal off a feed from Cody Croal. Buss would return the favor in the final minute of the opening period finding Croal for Muskegon’s second short handed goal of the night.
The Lumberjacks penalty kill entered Saturdays game as the third worst unit in the league allowing a goal on over 35% of opposing power plays. The special teams battle was an area where the Fighting Saints were expected to succeed.
Another Muskegon goal by Michael Callow in the second period during four-on-four play, lifted their lead to 3-0.
The third period was marred by penalties. Seventeen separate infractions totaling 50 minutes were called with the first being charged to the Saints’ Jayden Jubenvill 1:02 into the period. Muskegon’s Tyler Hotson made quick work of the power play scoring just 12 seconds later to push the the lead to 4-0.
Dubuque would have it’s chances in the third period to tie the game and, for a moment, they made things interesting. Power play goals from Owen Michaels and Nils Juntorp left the Saints with just over eight minutes left and down just 4-2.
In the end, the deficit the Fighting Saints created themselves proved to be too steep of a hill to climb up. Hotson scored his second of the game to make it 5-2 with 2:51 remaining followed up by an empty net goal for Matvei Gridin dealt the Saints their second straight loss.
Marcus Brännman surrendered five goals on 34 shots coming off his first USHL shutout. The Dubuque power play did finish 2-for-8, but faltered in the first period allowing the pair of short handed goals.
Up Next
Jacob Jeannette squares off with his former team for the first time when Dubuque travels to Waterloo for an afternoon Cowbell Cup matchup on Saturday at 3:05 pm. This game was previously scheduled for a 6:05 start time. The Fighting Saints home opener is set for Friday, November 4th at 7:05 pm against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Madison Capitols. You can purchase tickets online or by calling 563-583-6880.
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