Dubuque Fighting Saints
For hockey fans, there’s nothing quite like seeing a team rise up and dominate the competition year after year. From the legendary Montreal Canadiens to the modern-day Chicago Blackhawks, there have been several hockey dynasties throughout the sport’s history. And now, a new dynasty may be in the making, as the Dubuque Fighting Saints have been making waves in the hockey world with their recent success.
Based in Dubuque, Iowa, the Fighting Saints were founded in 2010 and play in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the top junior hockey league in the United States. Led by Head Coach Oliver David, an experienced coach with stints in the Canadian Hockey League and the USHL, the Fighting Saints have built a strong team with a winning mindset.
In just eight seasons, the Fighting Saints have already made their mark in the USHL, clinching playoff spots in each of those seasons. But it was in the 2017-2018 season that the team truly showed the world what they were capable of, winning the USHL Anderson Cup, awarded to the team with the best regular season record, and the Clark Cup, awarded to the playoff champions. This was a monumental achievement for the young team, solidifying their position as one of the powerhouses in the USHL.
But how did this small, relatively unknown team make such a big impact in such a short period of time? The answer lies in their dedication to building a strong team culture, developing talented players, and continuously striving for success. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that have contributed to the Dubuque Fighting Saints’ success.
Strong Team Culture
The foundation of any successful sports team is a strong team culture, and the Fighting Saints have cultivated a winning culture from the very beginning. Coach David has instilled a mindset of hard work, determination, and resilience in his players, which has translated into their on-ice performance.
In an interview with the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, David said, We want to build a culture of work and discipline. The daily habits and details are important. This focus on daily habits and attention to detail has been key in building a team that is focused and driven to win. It’s the little things that add up to make the big difference, and the Fighting Saints know that better than anyone.
Developing Talented Players
Another crucial element of the Fighting Saints’ success is their ability to develop talented players. The USHL is a developmental league, and teams use this opportunity to groom young players for a future in the NHL. And the Fighting Saints have done just that.
In the past eight seasons, the Fighting Saints have had 41 players commit to Division I college programs, with several players being drafted into the NHL. The team’s dedication to developing players has not only helped them win games, but has also given these young players a future in the sport they love.
Continuous Strive for Success
While winning the Anderson Cup and the Clark Cup in the 2017-2018 season was a monumental achievement for the Fighting Saints, this team is not one to rest on their laurels. Coach David and his players know that success is not a one-time thing, but a continuous pursuit. This mentality has pushed the team to continue working hard and improving their game, regardless of their past achievements.
In an interview with USHL.com, David said, We’re never satisfied, we’re always looking to get better. This drive to constantly improve has propelled the Fighting Saints to become a true force to be reckoned with in the USHL.
Looking Towards the Future
As the Dubuque Fighting Saints continue to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the USHL, the future looks bright for this young team. With a strong team culture, a commitment to developing talented players, and a mindset of continuous improvement, the Fighting Saints have all the elements in place to build a dynasty in the years to come.
So, what’s next for the Dubuque Fighting Saints? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, with their recent success and dedication to excellence, they are a team to watch out for in the world of hockey.
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