The Dubuque Fighting Saints joined the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 1980–1981 season. The current Dubuque Fighting Saints rejoined the USHL in 2010. The Saints glory years lasted from 1980–1981 through to 1984–1985, when they played under the coaching supervision of Jack Barzee who left to become a central figure in the National Hockey League's Central Scouting Staff. During the first season, the Dubuque Fighting Saints 1980–1981 record was 52-11-2, a league record. In 1982–1983, the Saints went on to win their second national championship in three years.