Dubuque, IA – The Fighting Saints have announced their 26-player roster for the 2026 Fall Classic to begin the USHL regular season.
Melvin Ekman returns for a third season and will captain the Fighting Saints, with second-year defenseman Kris Richards serving as an assistant captain.
Among the 10 total returning players, Gavin Lock is back for a third season while all-rookie defenseman Lincoln Krizizke is back for a second season. Caden Dabrowski, the fifth-highest rookie point scorer with 37 last season, is back for his second season as well.
Luke Carrithers brings experience for the Fighting Saints as a third-year goaltender in the USHL, spending the last two with the USA NTDP.
"We're excited about the balance of this group," said general manager Trevor Edwards. "We believe we have a strong mix of skill, grit, experience and youth throughout our lineup. Our focus is on developing each player both on and off the ice and building the habits, character and accountability it takes to become a championship player and a championship human. There's a lot of potential in this roster, and we're excited to see how this group grows together and works toward becoming a championship-caliber team."
Dubuque's season-opening roster is as follows:
Forwards (15): David Blasiak; Joseph Covelluzzi; Caden Dabrowski; Olle Därth; Melvin Ekman; Kane Johnson; Nate Kydd; Jack Larkin; Travis Lefere; Max Lind; Gavin Lock; Porter Matchett; Trevor Theuer; David Thomasson; Arsienii Voroteliak
Defensemen (8): Luke Brierley; Lincoln Krizizke; Joey Kotzian; Hudson Lohse; Jacoby Palmer; Kris Richards; Joe Wahlund; Nikolai Zhukov
Goaltenders (2): Luke Carrithers; Brandon Wright
Injured Reserve (1): Sullivan Martin (D)
"We're excited about this group," said head coach Evan Dixon. "It has been exciting getting to know them as players and people throughout camp. Watching them face some challenges together in training camp has shown us their character, resilience and coachability. Their commitment to win each day has been a joy to work with and we are thrilled as a staff to continue along this journey together."
Led by Dixon, the Saints begin the 2026-27 regular season on Thursday against the Lincoln Stars at the Fall Classic in Chicago.
