Chicago, IL – The Dubuque Fighting Saints (1-0-0-0, 2 pts) take on the Tri-City Storm (0-0-0-0, 0 pts) to complete the 2026 USHL Fall Classic in Chicago.
Here are five things to know ahead of the matchup:
1. Starting Strong
The Fighting Saints bounced back after an early goal against in Thursday's opener against Lincoln with four unanswered goals, and six overall, in a victory over the Stars.
Dubuque scored twice in each period in Thursday's win, overcoming the early deficit to win by three and start the season with a victory.
2. Extra Effort
Melvin Ekman started the scoring in Thursday's win, while Kane Johnson scored twice in the victory. Each player scored a rebound goal to tie the game and give Dubuque the lead in the first period.
Ekman's goal came on a breakaway chance after he crashed the net, while Johnson's first goal was a power-play rebound goal for Dubuque.
3. Pressure Packed
The Saints launched 35 shots on goal in their win over the Stars, an increase from their average last season. Dubuque finished last season with just under 31 shots on goal per game and pressured Lincoln with 15 in the second period alone on Thursday.
After the early concession, Dubuque ramped up the pressure late in the first. Early in the second, Dubuque scored on its first shot of the period to extend a lead.
4. Immediate Impact
Travis Lefere tied a career high with three points in his Saints debut. Lefere, who was acquired from Waterloo, set his career high last September with Waterloo.
Lefere assisted on each of the first two goals in Thursday's win before scoring an empty-netter late to secure the win for his new squad.
5. Tri-City Tidbits
The Storm opens its season on Friday against the Saints, aiming to improve from a league-worst offense a season ago. The Storm scored just 2.5 goals per game in 2025-26, a season that finished in a first-round playoff exit against Sioux City.
Tri-City limited opponents with a strong penalty kill last season, finishing third in the USHL at 82.8%.
Friday's game begins at 12:00 p.m. at the USG Arena in Chicago and is available on Eagle 102.3 and FloHockey.
