Dubuque Fighting Saints
Dubuque, Iowa has been home to the Fighting Saints since 1980, when they joined the United States Hockey League (USHL). The team quickly made a name for themselves, becoming one of the top-performing teams in the league. With a rich history and a dedicated fan base, the Fighting Saints have become a cornerstone of hockey in Iowa and the Midwest region. But with great success comes great competition, and the Fighting Saints have had their fair share of rivals over the years.
One of the most notable rivalries for the Fighting Saints has been with the Waterloo Black Hawks. This rivalry dates back to the early days of the USHL, when both teams were starting to establish themselves as top contenders in the league. The close proximity of the two cities, with only about an hour’s drive separating Dubuque and Waterloo, has only added fuel to the fire. Fans from both sides flock to the arenas to cheer on their respective teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is unmatched.
The Dubuque vs. Waterloo rivalry is not just about geography, though. These two teams have met in several important games over the years, including playoff matchups that have gone down in USHL history. In 2011, the two teams battled it out in a nail-biting Game 5 of the Clark Cup Finals, with the Fighting Saints ultimately coming out on top and claiming their first Clark Cup championship. This win solidified their dominance over the Black Hawks and cemented this rivalry as one of the most intense in the league.
Another historic rival for the Fighting Saints is the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Similar to the Dubuque vs. Waterloo rivalry, this matchup is a result of the close proximity between the two cities. The rivalry between these two teams is deep-rooted, with both teams vying for dominance in the Midwest. The tension between these two teams is palpable on the ice, and fans are always in for an exciting game when the Fighting Saints face off against the RoughRiders.
The most memorable matchup between these two teams took place in the 2013 playoffs, where the Fighting Saints swept the RoughRiders in the Eastern Conference Finals, securing their spot in the Clark Cup Finals. This was a crushing blow for the RoughRiders, who had been one of the top teams in the league that year. The triumph for the Fighting Saints not only marked their second Clark Cup championship, but it also solidified their place as a top contender in the league.
Lastly, a longstanding rivalry for the Fighting Saints is with the Chicago Steel. This rivalry dates back to the early days of the USHL, and it has only intensified over the years. With Chicago being a major city and a hub for hockey in the Midwest, this rivalry brings a whole new level of intensity to the ice. The Fighting Saints and the Steel have had numerous memorable matchups, including an epic Game 5 showdown in the 2017 Clark Cup Finals, where the Fighting Saints came out victorious and claimed their third championship title.
Aside from these three historic rivalries, the Fighting Saints have had several other matchups that have added to their rich history. From fierce battles with the Sioux City Musketeers to intense games against the Fargo Force, the Fighting Saints have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the USHL.
The Dubuque Fighting Saints have had their fair share of fierce rivalries over the years. These matchups have not only brought a new level of intensity to the ice, but they have also solidified the Fighting Saints’ place in the history of the USHL. As the team continues to add to their impressive resume, the intensity of these rivalries will only continue to grow, providing fans with unforgettable moments and fierce competition. So let’s raise our sticks to the Dubuque Fighting Saints and their historic rivalries, and may the battles continue for years to come.
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