New Additions Spark Saints in 3-2 Win over Team USA U-17

March 20, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL) Dubuque Fighting Saints DUBUQUE, IA-Seamus Malone scored the game-winning goal and new additions Robby Jackson and Hayden Shaw played key roles to lead the Dubuque Fighting Saints to a 3-2 victory over Team USA U-17 in front of 2,522 fans at the Mystique Community Ice Center Friday night. The Fighting Saints earned its first win against Team USA in the club's final meeting of the year.

After a goal by Team USA's Patrick Khodorenko 8:23 into the game put the visitors up 1-0, Dubuque quickly found its game and ended the first period with a lead. Brian Bowen scored his 4th goal in his past five games at 13:09 to tie the game, 1-1. Off a faceoff win by Dylan Gambrell, Brett Boeing moved the puck to Bowen on the right wing. The forward lifted a shot past the glove of USA goaltender Joseph Woll to score his 16th goal of the season.

Dubuque would take the lead on a power play late in the period. Hayden Shaw appeared to score his first goal as a member of the Fighting Saints on a wrist shot from the left point. The referee disallowed the goal initially, believing a Dubuque player had knocked the puck in with a high stick. After a conference between all three officials, the goal was determined to be valid and Shaw was credited with the tally that tipped off a USA defender. Willie Knierim and Jackson assisted on the goal.

It would be again be Jackson factoring in during the game's second period. The newly acquired forward struck for his second assist of the game, setting up Seamus Malone's 17th goal of the season at 7:17. Keegan Ford made a fantastic play at the left point, jumping in front of Team USA's Joey Anderson to keep the puck in the zone. He fed Jackson behind the net, and the forward made a perfect pass to Malone in the slot. Malone connected on a one-timer to give Dubuque a 3-1 lead.

Keegan Howdeshell scored for Team USA U-17 at the 3:44 mark of the third period to cut the lead to just one goal, but following the goal, Team USA was unable to generate much offense. Playing with only three forward lines, Team USA mustered just three shots on goal in the final frame.

Dubuque goaltender Jacob Nehama earned his 23rd win of the season by stopping 14 shots. Dubuque outshot Team USA U-17 37-16 on the evening.

The Fighting Saints visit Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup rival Cedar Rapids tomorrow night for a key game. Puck drop is slated for 7:05 p.m. and the game can be heard on Super Hits 106.1. Dubuque returns home for a pair of games next weekend, hosting Madison on Friday, March 27, and Cedar Rapids on Saturday, March 28. Tickets start at just $10 and are available online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com or by calling 563.583.6880.

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New Additions Spark Saints in 3-2 Win over Team USA U-17