Bucs saved by long shot with .05 left
Des Moines Tribune
by Don Clasen
Thursday, 1-28-82
Tom Schlief's desperation shot from near the red line at center ice eluded Sioux City goalie Jim Martin with only 5 seconds left night to give the Des Moines Buccaneers a thrilling 7-6 victory at the Des Moines Ice Arena.
Schlep, who leads defensemen with 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points, scored the Buc's fourth goal of the final period. Just 33 seconds earlier, Jeff Ulrich had scored the tying goal as Des Moines put a sixth skater on the ice in place of goalie Mark Jasken.
The Bucs trailed, 6-3, after Sioux City's Duane Fonger had scored late in the third period. Then Des Moines scored on Scott Rupp's goal and Bill Ries' second goal of the game to set up the fireworks.
"I couldn't believe it went in," Schlief said after being mobbed by his teammates. "I figured there wasn't much time left and Rupp was in front of me. I thought he could get the rebound, so I shot."
Coach Ivan Prediger, who was told earlier Wednesday to check into a hospital for treatment of lung congestion and possible pneumonia, was jubilant.
"That was the greatest win of the season right there," said Prediger. "I told him (the doctor) that there was no way I was going to the hospital with a game tonight."
Des Moines captain Myles Hart added his United States Hockey league scoring lead by adding a goal and three assists, including one on Schlief's winning shot. Hart has 73 points on 19 goals and 54 assists in 32 games.
Rupp also had two assists and pulled ahead of Ries to become the Bucs' second leading scorer with 55 points.
Des Moines returns to action Saturday night here against league-leader Dubuque in a game that will be televised live by Heritage Communications.