Iowa’s USHL Rivalry Returns to Dubuque with Help for the Red Basket Project

Eastern Iowa's hockey scene is set to ignite once again as Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchups return to Dubuque this weekend. Featuring three of the four formidable teams—the Dubuque Fighting Saints, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, and Waterloo Black Hawks—this Cowbell Cup weekend promises intense competition, thrilling matchups, and a chance for our community to make an impact outside of the ice rink.

Established as a showcase of eastern Iowa's hockey prowess, the Cowbell Cup pits our four in-state teams against each other in head-to-head battles, with each game counting toward both the USHL standings and the Cowbell Cup standings. The tournament's point system mirrors that of the regular USHL standings, awarding two points for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. At the end of the USHL regular season, the team with the most Cowbell Cup points will be crowned the Cowbell Cup champion.

Leading the charge in the Cowbell Cup is the Dubuque Fighting Saints, who have asserted their dominance with four consecutive championships and a total of seven titles, the most of any team in the tournament's history. Their quest for a fifth consecutive title will see them face off against a team they are currently tied with in the Waterloo Black Hawks.

The upcoming matchups between the Dubuque Fighting Saints and their rivals promise to be exhilarating. Against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Friday (2/9) night, the Saints will look to avenge their previous loss and assert their dominance on home ice. I (Tom Drake) will be broadcasting on location at ImOn Arena beginning at 4:30pm, leading up to Josh Starr's pre-game report at 6:45pm.

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Meanwhile, the Saints clash on Saturday (2/10) night with the Waterloo Black Hawks, presenting another opportunity for the Saints to showcase their skill and determination against a bitter rival from the USHL Western conference and take their place alone atop the Dupaco Cowbell Cup Standings. The puck drops for hockey action at 7:05pm each night.

In addition to the on-ice action, the Saints will host a special Red Basket Project night during their Saturday (2/10) night game against the Waterloo Blackhawks. Fans are encouraged to join in the spirit of giving by donating feminine hygiene products to support the Red Basket Project's mission of providing essential resources to those in need within the community.

Sponsored by Mario's Italian Restaurant, this charitable initiative reflects the community's collective efforts to make a positive impact both on and off the ice. I even had the chance to chat with President and Co-Founder of the Red Basket Project, Beth Gilbreath.

Check out the interview below:

Red Basket Project Wish List Items:

• Regular size tampons
• Individually wrapped pads, pantiliners, and sanitary wipes
• Cosmetic bags such as Clinique, Ipsy and Estee Lauder bags

These products are then used to create Period Packs, which includes tampons, pads, liners, sanitary wipes, and a chocolate, all thoughtfully packaged for one or two cycles.

As the excitement builds for another thrilling weekend of Cowbell Cup action, fans can anticipate unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and the unwavering support of the eastern Iowa hockey community. With each game, the teams vie not only for victory in the Clark Cup, but also for the honor of hoisting the coveted Cowbell Cup trophy at the end of the season.