Jim Leitner

1 week ago | telegraphherald.com | Jim Leitner

The Dubuque Fighting Saints entered playoff mode a few weeks ago, when it became apparent the first-round playoff bye they so coveted would require a little extra work. After a season-best eight-game point streak, the Saints lost three straight and 4 of 5 to come back to the rest of the pack in the USHL’s Eastern Conference. But they finished strong, winning their final three games to finish second and earn the second of two byes in the conference playoffs, which opened Monday night.

1 week ago | telegraphherald.com | Jim Leitner

Colin Rea signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Cubs in mid-January with the understanding manager Craig Counsell planned to use him in a variety of roles. The Cascade, Iowa, native started this season in the bullpen and picked up his second career save. But, with left-handed starter Justin Steele out for the season and needing surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his left elbow, Rea moved into the starting rotation on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1 week ago | telegraphherald.com | Jim Leitner

The Youngstown Phantoms and Dubuque Fighting Saints held serve Saturday night to earn the coveted top two seeds in the Eastern Conference for the USHL’s Clark Cup Playoffs. Both teams earned first-round byes for the playoffs, which begin Monday, and will have home-ice advantage when the conference semifinals open Friday or Saturday night.

1 week ago | telegraphherald.com | Jim Leitner

Heikki Ruohonen delivered the latest big-moment goal in a playoff-intensity game, and now the Dubuque Fighting Saints will get a week of rest before starting the postseason. Ruohonen’s power play goal with 5:04 remaining in the third period broke a late tie and lifted Dubuque to a 4-2 victory over Cedar Rapids in the USHL regular-season finale Saturday night at ImOn Arena. The Saints needed the win to earn the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the Eastern Conference playoffs, which begin Monday.

1 week ago | telegraphherald.com | Jim Leitner

The Youngstown Phantoms and Dubuque Fighting Saints held serve Saturday night to earn the coveted top two seeds in the Eastern Conference for the USHL’s Clark Cup Playoffs. Both teams earned first-round byes for the playoffs, which begin Monday, and will have home-ice advantage when the conference open Friday or Saturday night.