Is Dubuque getting back into the USHL?

It's looking more and more that way. In fact, word is an official announcement could come in the next month or so.

The city is expected to break ground soon on a brand new ice arena located on Chaplain Schmitt Island, adjacent to McAleece Sports Complex, according to a story in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. The project is believed to be in the $3.5 million to $4 million range price-wise.

The new Dubuque arena is supposed to be about the same size as Young Arena in Waterloo.

You might remember the old Dubuque Fighting Saints, who played in the United States Hockey League from 1980-81 through 2000-01. The team moved to Tulsa, Okla., and became the Tulsa Crude for a year before folding.

Dubuque has had a Junior B team in the Central States Hockey League since then called the Dubuque Thunderbirds. The club drew an average of 1,371 fans to its games at Five Flags Center this past season, second in the CSHL.

This would appear to be good news for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Waterloo Black Hawks, as far as travel and establishing another rivalry.

What do you think?