Dubuque, IA – The Dubuque Fighting Saints skated to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Steel on Thursday night to open the preseason.

Dubuque opened the scoring on Thursday, just like it did 41 times in the 2025-26 regular season, with Max Lind's first of two goals in the contest. The goal, assisted by Joey Kotzian, came on a delayed penalty against Chicago to put the Saints ahead 9:09 into the game.

Later in the first, Dubuque capitalized on its first power-play chance of the preseason. Olle Därth scored his first as Melvin Ekman and Lind recorded assists.

Late in the second, Chicago solved Brandon Wright for the only Steel goal of the contest. Brian McFadden scored on the rush as Wright made 23 saves on 24 shots in the win.

In the third period, Lind added his third point of the game with his second goal to extend the Saints' lead to 3-1 with 9:18 left in regulation. Kane Johnson assisted in transition for the Saints' only even-strength goal of the matchup.

Shortly after Lind's second tally, Chicago's Kaden Mote was handed a game misconduct for head contact and Dubuque's third power-play chance of the game followed. The Saints failed to score on the five-minute power play, but added an empty-net goal late. Därth assisted on Ekman's second point of the night as the captain put the Saints ahead 4-1 with 1:59 to play.

Dubuque's penalty kill was successful on both chances it faced on Thursday, helping Dubuque to the win.

The Saints continue preseason play on Friday when they visit the Steel to finish the weekend and play the second of four preseason games.