USHL Returns to Dubuque
NOVEMBER 19, 2009 -- For many USHL fans, Thursday's announcement that the USHL is returning to Dubuque conjures up memories of one of the League's best-known teams, and a great era in its history.
The Dubuque Fighting Saints first took the ice beginning with the 1980-81 season, and spent 21 seasons as a staple in the community and a key USHL location. Bad times followed good, though, and the team and the League left town following the 2000-01 season.
As they say, that was then and this is now, as a reborn Dubuque and a stronger, more stable United States Hockey League — both experiencing significant growth — reunite on Chaplain Schmitt Island in the Mississippi.
While Dubuque, located on the banks of the Mississippi River at the junction of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, holds the distinction of being Iowa's oldest city, it's what is new there that is gaining national attention. Forbes Magazine has recently ranked Dubuque high on its list of "Best Small Places for Business and Careers"; other accolades include its designation as an All-America City, and recognition by multiple organizations as a "most livable" small city and among the "best communities for young people."
USHL hockey in Dubuque has a history as well. The Fighting Saints' presence dates back to the 1980-81 season, when a superb inaugural campaign saw head coach Jack Barzee lead the team to a League-best 38-9-1 record and hoist the Clark Cup as the postseason champions. Just two seasons later, the Fighting Saints captured the Clark Cup again, this time with a young defenseman named Gary Suter. An unknown at the time, the young Suter made a name for himself on the banks of the Mississippi, before moving on to star at the University of Wisconsin and a distinguished 17-year NHL career that included the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1986, and a Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Calgary Flames.
"The organization under the guidance of Jack Barzee had a huge impact on my hockey career and life," said Suter. "When I graduated high school, I had very little interest from Division I schools. However, after one year of maturing both on and off the ice, I earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin. I doubt very much if I would have had an NHL career without having the opportunity to play in Dubuque and the USHL."
Other names that touched the ice in Dubuque early in their careers included Landon Wilson, a first round draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1993 NHL draft (19th overall), who terrorized UHSL opponents with (29g, 36a) in 48 games as well as 284 penalty minutes. The Ferraro twins, Chris and Peter, also left their mark on the Fighting Saints scoresheet in the early 90's. Chris led the USHL in scoring during the 1990-91 season with 97 points (53g, 44a) in 45 games, before finishing second to brother Peter's 101 points (48g, 53a) the following season.
Fighting Saints alumni have returned to the USHL in a number of different roles. Youngstown Phantoms head coach Bob Mainhardt, played forward in Dubuque during the 1992-93 season, and current USHL Member Club owner Brian Dorfman tended goal for the team in the mid-80's.
"It was the best place I have ever played because the fans are so passionate," Dorfman fondly recalled. "Even during tough economic times when the local John Deere plant was on strike, we routinely played in front of large crowds. Although the team may have left (in 2001), the passion for hockey in Dubuque has never left."
Old rivalries were also reborn on Thursday — none more intense than the one between Dubuque and its USHL neighbor to the West, Waterloo. "The announcement of Dubuque returning to our league has really created a buzz among the fan base here in Waterloo," said Black Hawks team President Doug Miller. "The two cities have historically been a tremendous rivalry and I see that rivalry returning already. Dubuque is an incredible city and we look forward to renewing our relationship with them both on and off the ice."
Miller notes fans of the Fighting Saints can expect a whole new look when the USHL comes back to town.
"Fans that remember the Fighting Saints will immediately notice a positive difference between the USHL they remember and the League as it is today. The way the teams operate, the skill level of the players, and the community involvement that they undertake will surprise many people. I'm certain that a strong love affair will soon exist between Dubuque and its USHL team and players, the same as it does in Waterloo, and I know both of us will benefit from the relationship."
So a great history meets an even more promising future in a city that calls itself a "Masterpiece on the Mississippi." When Dubuque begins its 2010-11 campaign, and USHL-quality hockey comes to town, it should be Masterpiece Theater.