Played on Feb 20, 2026
Game Played in Dubuque Ice Arena
General Game Notes: On February 20, 2026, the United States Hockey League (USHL) featured an explosive matchup between the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the visiting Green Bay Gamblers. The Gamblers delivered a dominant offensive performance, routing Dubuque 8-4 on the road. Leading the charge were Gavin Katz (#11) and Zach Wooten (#14), who each recorded two-goal performances to power Green Bay’s attack.
Ludvig Lafton (D, L, 6’2″, 185, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 01/11/2006, Maine)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Ludvig Lafton is a poised, puck-moving defenseman who controls the tempo of play with patience and composure. Under pressure, he doesn’t panic – whether on retrievals in his own zone or holding the offensive blue line, he maintains possession and waits for clean outlets to develop. His ability to absorb pressure and still make controlled decisions stands out. He is clearly a pass-first defender, owning a strong first pass that consistently jumpstarts transition. His smooth skating allows him to create separation and open lanes, leading to crisp, accurate distribution. Rather than forcing plays, he supports possession and moves pucks efficiently to teammates in stride. While he could afford to shoot more and add another layer to his offensive game, Lafton’s skating and passing are legitimate assets. His composure with the puck and ability to facilitate clean breakouts make him a stabilizing presence who elevates those around him.
Caden Dabrowski (RW, R, 5’11”, 182, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/27/2008, Merrimack)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Dabrowski is a skill-driven forward whose game thrives on speed, timing, and relentless work ethic to get to the house. He keeps his feet moving constantly, whether carrying the puck or without it, forcing defenders back and creating space to exploit. His ability to read opportunities off the rush allows him to attack the net with purpose. A perfect example came on his goal — he drove to the back post, received a one-touch pass, and released a bullet top-shelf in stride. His mechanics were flawless – head up, hands positioned correctly, and strong power behind the shot – making it an efficient, high-danger finish. Plays like this highlight his quick release, net awareness, and ability to capitalize on small windows in traffic.
Michael Barron (C, R, 5’7″, 163, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 07/12/2006, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Barron is a dynamic, pace-driven forward whose game is built around speed and offensive instincts. Despite being undersized, he consistently generates separation because of his explosiveness and ability to accelerate through open ice. When he gains a step on defenders, he’s difficult to contain because his speed is not just straight-line; it’s functional. Barron uses it to evade contact, slip checks, and transition quickly from defense to offense. He is particularly dangerous attacking off the rush, where his north-south game shines. A perfect example came in the first period: Barron read a play in the defensive zone, picked off a puck cleanly, and instantly transitioned up ice. With his burst through the neutral zone, he turned the play into an odd-man rush. Rather than forcing a low-percentage shot, he showed poise and vision – identifying the trailer and delivering a pass that created a Grade-A scoring opportunity.
Melvin Ekman (C, L, 6’0″, 168, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/16/2006, Minnesota State)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Ekman is a forward with strong playmaking instincts, particularly evident on the power play where he subs out as a defender, so he can facilitate. He can carry the puck down the flank, creating options to shoot or thread seam passes into high-danger areas. His hockey IQ and vision allow him to read plays and make smart decisions under pressure. While he has skill and the ability to generate scoring opportunities, he can sometimes stay on the perimeter rather than driving toward the middle. Even so, his combination of vision, passing ability, and comfort handling the puck in traffic makes him a versatile contributor in transition and special-team situations.
Colin Frank (RW, R, 5’7″, 170, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 03/22/2006, Connecticut)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Frank is an undersized forward whose game is driven by tenacity, pace, and relentless puck pressure. He plays bigger than his frame, consistently pressuring defenders on the forecheck and forcing rushed decisions with an active stick and nonstop motor. The opening goal was created entirely by his effort. On a 1-on-2 forecheck, Frank closed quickly, forced a turnover below the hash marks, and slipped a pass into the slot that his teammate finished past an outstretched goaltender. It was a clear example of how he manufactures offense through pressure and quick execution. His speed shows up in all three zones. He disrupts plays defensively, transitions quickly, and is shifty in attack – capable of releasing quick shots in stride or finding high-danger passing lanes. When his feet are moving, he’s a difficult player to contain and a consistent momentum driver.
Kristopher Richards (D, R, 6’3″, 196, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 07/20/2007, St. Lawrence)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Richards is a strong two-way defenseman who handles his responsibilities in his own end and quickly turns defense into offense. He retrieves pucks efficiently and doesn’t hesitate to activate, jumping into the rush with purpose. In transition, he’s consistently a threat – often arriving as the high option, receiving pucks in stride, and generating quality looks on net. He also shows composure with the puck, holding onto it just long enough to draw defenders before distributing to open teammates in better scoring positions. The balance in his game stood out, as he blended defensive reliability with offensive involvement. Even in a lopsided loss, Richards was one of the more effective players on the ice and still managed to be a ‘plus’ player in a goal frenzy.
Eetu Orpana (C, L, 6’1″, 197, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 04/17/2007, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Eetu Orpana is a solid two-way center who impacts the game at both ends of the ice, the kind of player coaches value for reliability and effort. He reads plays well, supports teammates in the defensive zone, and can play physically when needed. He controls pucks under pressure (especially along the walls), keeping composure to make smart plays rather than panicking and turning it over. Offensively, Orpana is effective on the rush and aggressive near the net. He uses his strength to establish position in the blue paint and can finish around the crease. He also has finesse in his game, capable of executing one-touch passes and creating scoring opportunities for teammates, making him a versatile contributor in transition and high-danger situations.
Andrew O’Sullivan (D, R, 5’11”, 166, Green Bay Gamblers, 08/15/2006, Colgate)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Andrew O’Sullivan is a confident right-shot defenseman who thrives with the puck on his stick. He keeps his head up at all times, constantly surveying the ice to find the best play. While not a stay-at-home defender, his skill with the puck allows him to dictate play and relieve defensive pressure when in possession. His retrievals are strong, aided by smooth skating, which lets him gain control in tight situations and make crisp outlet passes. Once he activates the rush, he joins as a second wave, finding open ice and creating high-quality scoring opportunities. In the offensive zone, O’Sullivan is a true distributor, drawing defenders toward him before threading precise passes to teammates in prime scoring areas, making him a dynamic puck-moving presence from the back end.
Geno Carcone (LW, L, 5’9″, 202, Green Bay Gamblers, 11/14/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Geno Carcone showcased his natural offensive instincts and playmaking abilities throughout the game. He demonstrated his vision by frequently turning down shots to find teammates in quality scoring areas, highlighting his ability to read the ice and set up others for chances. His “water-bug” mentality kept him moving, bringing a constant threat to opponents in all three zones. Carcone’s poise with the puck allowed him to hold onto it long enough to draw defenders, creating space for himself or teammates. He consistently made the right play at the right moment, never seeming rushed.
1 Viewing
Comments: Carcone was the best distributor on the ice, consistently scanning for options and dictating play with the puck on his stick. He was especially dangerous on the power play, where his vision and patience stood out. His edge work is excellent, allowing him to open his hips, evade contact, and buy time to survey the ice before making crafty, well-timed passes. On the man advantage, he thrives attacking off the half wall, walking downhill toward the net, selling the shot with pump fakes, and then threading seam passes tape-to-tape through traffic. On the Gamblers’ sixth goal, he delivered a perfectly timed seam pass right into his teammate’s wheelhouse for a one-timer – a high-end play that showcased both touch and awareness. He’s the type of playmaker who keeps teammates alert in scoring areas because if he’s given even a second of time and space, he will find you and put the puck in a spot to finish.
Gavin Katz (LW, R, 5’9″, 172, Green Bay Gamblers, 03/19/2007, Minnesota)
Game Rating
B+
Gavin Katz demonstrated solid skills throughout the game, consistently displaying creativity and hockey IQ. He effectively utilized his vision to find teammates in tight spaces, generating scoring chances through smart plays off the rush. On the power play, he worked efficiently down low, presenting a threat with his ability to read plays and set up teammates for scoring opportunities. Katz’s awareness and playmaking skills were showcased as he drove pucks to the net or threaded backdoor passes, ultimately leading to a goal. He managed to avoid physical altercations through active edge-work and stick handling.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gavin Katz makes those around him better with his speed, skillful hands, and ability to make plays under pressure in tight spaces. He has a high hockey IQ and reads plays instinctively, knowing exactly where to place pucks, especially in the soft areas that can generate high-danger chances. He’s not overly big or physical, but he attacks the inside ice with determination, willing to take a hit or two to get into position. A perfect example came in the second period, when he collected the puck on the goal line, used his body to shield a defender, and roofed a quick shot top-shelf, short-side. It was an elite, in-tight finish – the kind of play few players could execute – and it perfectly showcased his skill, timing, and composure under pressure.
Zach Wooten (C, L, 6’2″, 211, Green Bay Gamblers, 02/21/2006, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
A-
Wooten is a well-rounded player who excels in multiple areas of the game. He has a potent offense, utilizing his speed and agility to find open spaces and create separation from defenders. His size and strength make him difficult to move off the puck, allowing him to control the play and create opportunities for his teammates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Zach Wooten is a dynamic offensive force who makes things happen every time he’s in the attacking zone. His game is tough to read – defenders never know if he’s going to rip a quick-release bomb or bait them in before threading a precise pass to a teammate in a prime scoring spot. He’s dangerous both 5-on-5 and on the power play, using his instincts and tenacity to drive hard toward the net and operate in high-danger areas. A perfect example came in the first period, when he slipped past his defender into the high slot and tipped a puck home with a slick finish – a sequence that highlighted his vision, timing, and ability to capitalize in tight spaces.
Cruz Martin (RW, R, 5’10”, 162, Green Bay Gamblers, 12/07/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Martin displayed impressive offensive awareness and anticipation, helping establish a solid cycle with his linemates. He made a strong drive to the net, positioning himself perfectly between the hash marks, showcasing his ability to get to hard-to-reach areas on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Martin finds soft spots in the slot, staying between defenders to create clean shooting lanes. A prime example came in the first period when he received a pass in the slot and immediately one-touched it top shelf, beating the goaltender cleanly. His release was quick, and the combination of accuracy and power made it an elite-quality shot from that location. Although he scored on this play, he had some other good looks throughout the game creating scoring chances, especially off the shot.
Oliver McKinney (C, R, 5’9″, 171, Green Bay Gamblers, 02/05/2009, Michigan)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: McKinney is the type of forward who generates offense through his shot. He has a knack for finding soft areas in coverage and consistently directing pucks toward the net, making himself a constant presence in the offensive zone. His game is built around timing and touch – arriving in scoring areas unnoticed and capitalizing quickly. He owns a polished curl-and-drag move that allows him to change his shooting angle in stride and still get strong wood on the puck. In the second period he filtered into the slot untouched and snapped a quick release far side, post and in. It was a wicked shot, but just as notable was how often he found himself in that space throughout the offensive zone – hunting pucks, creating small pockets of separation, and getting attempts off before defenders could react.
David Rozsival (LW, L, 6’1″, 180, Green Bay Gamblers, 06/01/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Although Rozsival had a quiet night on the scoresheet, he did a lot of the little things right. He consistently attacked the net, using his speed and strength to make himself difficult to contain. Even though he didn’t finish on a few quality chances, he generated good looks and created chaos around the crease with his willingness to drive the blue paint. He also worked hard on the backcheck, disrupting plays and supporting defensively through the neutral zone and into his own end. By limiting turnovers and staying engaged in all three zones, Rozsival showed himself to be a reliable two-way presence – even in a game where the results didn’t necessarily fall his way.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images