Michael Barron sits down to discuss his third season in Dubuque, the team's quest for the Clark Cup and his upcoming commitment to Arizona State University
Michael Barron’s game is only getting better. Currently in his third season in the United States Hockey League, Barron is helping lead the way for a Dubuque Fighting Saints team looking to claim their sixth Clark Cup in franchise history.
Through 51 games played, Barron has recorded 15 goals and 40 assists, good for the team lead in assists and points with 55. Barron’s 40 assists rank second in the USHL, trailing only Sioux Falls Stampede forward Thomas Zocco, who has 41.
Barron’s development has been supported by a strong Fighting Saints organization that prioritizes player growth both on and off the ice.
“Dubuque has been such a great organization for me, especially the way they have helped me develop over the three years,” Barron said during an interview on Thursday. “I have to give the organization a lot of credit for how they develop people. I think it’s the best spot for any player to go that wants to develop. It’s been an outstanding three years for me.”
Going into the 2025-26 season, Barron was named an assistant captain for the Fighting Saints. The honor of getting to wear a letter was something that Barron does not take lightly.
“It’s awesome knowing that other people believe in you,” Barron said. “I’m very fortunate to know that I have the team and coaches’ trust in my game.”
The Fighting Saints are on their way to a 15th consecutive playoff appearance, finding themselves in third place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 33-15-3-0 through 51 games. After the Fighting Saints finished second place in the East last season, and fell to the Fargo Force in the Clark Cup final two seasons ago, the goal this year is to get over the hump and bring a Clark Cup back to Dubuque.
“I think we have a leadership group that’s been through it all. We’ve felt the heartbreak and the tough losses, helping us to understand what it takes to win,” Barron said. “We want to be here, we want to win, and we’re a team that’s going to bind together.”
When asked if the previous heartbreak could help motivate and get the Fighting Saints over the hump, Barron was set that it would only help push the team more.
“100-percent,” Barron said. “You don’t want to lose. You want to be a winner. Going into next season, you want to be remembered as a winner and get that ring on your finger.”
Over the Fighting Saints’ final twelve games, they will face the Youngstown Phantoms twice, the Green Bay Gamblers twice and the Force twice, three of the top five teams in the USHL overall standings. Barron believes facing this level of competition in the regular season’s final stretch will help get the team ready for the caliber of play that they will see come playoff time.
“I think it’s a perfect test for our group. We’re a very professional group, we’ve had our bumps in the road, but how we handle it and bounce back is something I feel like we can show in the playoffs,” Barron said. “We have had a little adversity. Some of these teams have had our number, but come playoff time, I feel it’s going to be a different story.”
Fighting Saints coach Evan Dixon is currently in his seventh season with the team and second as the head coach. Through their time together, Barron has seen how much growth the 34-year-old has shown while being the leader of a team.
“It’s been awesome playing for him. He’s been here since I was drafted as an assistant, and he’s really developed into a great head coach,” Barron said. “This year, you can see he’s really learned from year one and has done a really great job with everyone on the team.”
Upon completion of this season, Barron is prepared to take his talents to Arizona State University to become a member of the Sun Devils hockey program. The connection to Arizona State runs deeper than just becoming a member of their hockey team.
“I went out to visit them, and from the jump, it just felt like home. My mom went there, so to go back and see everything was special for me and her to connect,” Barron said. “They have a lot of special players there. I trust them with my development, and I know I’m going to succeed there.”
As the regular season’s end comes into sight, Barron is focused on completing some of the goals he set for himself this year, while keeping himself motivated to achieve his career aspirations.
“I wrote down that I want to be a point-per-game player this season, so accomplishing that would be awesome. Winning the Clark Cup is what I want for Dubuque,” Barron said. “Over the next few years, I want to play professionally. My game is going to develop in college, and my goal is to play in the National Hockey League.”
The Fighting Saints are back in action Saturday night when they host the Chicago Steel. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.