DUBUQUE, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (3-0-1-1, 8 pts) blew past the Green Bay Gamblers (3-2-0-0, 6 pts) with a 9-0 blowout win on Friday night.
Leading 4-0, Dubuque was tasked with killing a major penalty late in the second period. The Fighting Saints withstood the Green Bay power play and went to the intermission with a comfortable lead. Then, captain Jake Sondreal scored twice in the first 1:41 of the third period to complete his first-career hat trick.
The Fighting Saints had three players score their first-career USHL goals in the contest as Chase LaPinta, Charlie Arend and Teddy Merrill scored the first three of the night for the Saints. Then, Noah Powell finished the night with the Saints' ninth goal and his first of the season.
Dubuque continued its torrid stretch on the power play to start the season in Friday's game after beginning the night without converting on its first four power plays. In the third period, the Saints scored on all four power-play opportunities they had. Their season total is now 11-24, operating at 45.8% clip.
Kevin Reidler, fresh off being named USHL Goaltender of the Week, recorded his second win and his first-career shutout. He stopped all 20 shots he faced in the victory.
Erik Påhlsson continued his great start to the season, adding three assists in the win. He has four goals and 11 points this season to lead the Fighting Saints.
Dubuque had 12 players record a point in the crushing, including seven multi-point performances.
LaPinta added to his first-career goal with a second on the power play late in the game, while Merrill added an assist with his first USHL goal. Gavin Cornforth scored his fourth of the year with the Saints' second power-play goal in the third period.
The Saints hit the road on Saturday to take on the Gamblers again, this time in Green Bay. Puck drop is at 6:05 p.m. CST for the Green Bay-leg of the home-and-home. It can be seen on FloHockey and heard on Eagle 102.3 FM.
