For Immediate Release April 23, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

BUCCANEER GOALTENDER MAKES COLLEGE COMMITMENT

BUCS ADD NEW PLAYER IN DISPERSAL DRAFT

The Des Moines Buccaneers have acquired Rochester forward Phill Todd as the result of the April 17 United States Hockey League dispersal draft. The draft was held to liquidate the rosters of the Tulsa Crude and the Rochester Mustangs, two USHL that have ceased operations and will not play in the league during the 2002-03 season. Todd, a 6’1”, 200 lb. native of Centennial, MN. will be in Des Moines for the 2002-03 Recruiting Camp, held at the Metro Ice Sports Arena June 19-22.

USHL AWARDS/TEAMS

Several Buccaneers have received honors from the United States Hockey League as part of its annual post-season awards. Buccaneer defenseman Brett Skinner was named Top USHL Defenseman in the awards. Skinner placed second in scoring among league defensemen this season, despite missing 15 games late in the season due to a broken ankle. Skinner averaged more than a point per game, tallying 9 goals and 38 assists for 47 points in 46 games. This Brandon, Manitoba native will play for the University of Denver next season.

Also announced were All-USHL First, Second and Rookie Teams. Skinner was named to First Team All USHL, and Alex Matieroukine (F, Kiev, Ukraine) was named to Second Team All USHL. Teammates Michael Hutchins (D, Wolfeboro, NH) and Chris Collins (F, Fairport, NY) were both named to the USHL All Rookie Team.

For Immediate Release April 9, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

BUCS ANNOUNCE YEAR-END PLAYER AWARDS

The Des Moines Buccaneers presented their annual player awards in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, April 6th. A complete list of awards and their recipients is below.

Buccaneer Booster Club Award, given to the team’s Outstanding Rookie.

Presenting the award was Jan McBride, Buccaneer Booster Club member. This tribute, created to commend a leading first year junior player who has made an important contribution to the Buccaneers’ success, was awarded to #9 Chris Collins.

Buccaneer Booster Club Scholarship.

This award, presented by Booster Club members Nancy Jones and Joe Robinson, are based on a strong academic record and a player’s goals on and off the ice. This year’s recipients were: #3 Michael Hutchins & #39 Trent Baker.

The Pepsi Scholarship

The Pepsi Scholarship recognizes the Buccaneer who has maintained the highest academic achievement during the season. Steve Husome, Pepsi’s Urbandale Branch Manager, presented this year’s Pepsi Scholarship to #3 Michael Hutchins.

The Bob McCorkle Award

The Bob McCorkle Award recognizes a player with outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey. This award was presented by Buccaneer President Ellis Moose in memory of Buccaneer Bob McCorkle, a player that passed away in a 1982 accident. This year’s recipient was #6 Weston Tardy.

The Bob Punsalan Award

The Bob Punsalan Award is presented annually by the Punsalan Family to a player that has demonstrated dedicated contribution to Des Moines Youth Hockey. This year’s recipient has contributed numerous hours of free time to helping coach Des Moines’ younger players. Congratulations to #14 Evan Stoflet.

The Vicki Allen Memorial Award

The Vicki Allen Memorial Award for community service is given in memory of this dedicated fan and wife of Buccaneer board member Terry Allen. Vicki’s daughter, Lori, presented this award to the player who donated many hours to projects benefiting the Des Moines Community over the last season. This year’s award recipient was #1 Jason Brown.

The Landmark Award

The Landmark Award is voted on annually by crowds at the Metro Ice Sports Arena and presented to the fans’ favorite player. On Saturday, April 6th, Buccaneer fan Jim Dugger presented the “Fans’ Favorite Player” award to #9 Chris Collins.

The Standard Award

The Standard Award, for the Most Valuable Player is voted on by each team member. The award recognizes on-ice performance, combined with both on and off ice leadership. Buccaneer President Ellis Moose presented this year’s MVP award to #16 Alex Matieroukine.

The Curt Hammer Award

The Curt Hammer Award for leading scorer is presented each year by the Hammer Family in memory of Curt Hammer, former President of the Buccaneers. This year’s Leading Scorer award was actually presented at the conclusion of the game, as two Buccaneer players (linemates Chris Collins and Alex Matieroukine) were tied for scoring going into the evening’s match up against Lincoln. Chris Collins’ goal in the Buccaneer win gave him the one point necessary to claim the team’s scoring title for the 2001-02 season.

For Immediate Release April 8, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

BUCS TO PLAY GREEN BAY IN ROUND 1 OF 2002 PLAYOFFS

The Des Moines Buccaneers finished the 2001-02 regular season 32-24-5 after beating Lincoln 3-2 on Saturday night (ending a 16-game winning streak), and are set to begin Round 1 of the 2002 Clark Cup playoffs this week. The Bucs, seeded 7th, will be playing a best-of-five series against the Green Bay Gamblers, Eastern Division champs and 2nd seed. The series schedule is as follows:

Des Moines @ Green Bay Wednesday, April 10th 7:05 p.m.
Des Moines @ Green Bay Thursday, April 11th 7:05 p.m.

GREEN BAY @ DES MOINES SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH 7:35 P.M.

If necessary:
* GREEN BAY @ DES MOINES SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH 6:05 P.M.
* Des Moines @ Green Bay Saturday, April 20th 7:05 p.m.

WHITEOUT 2002 ANNOUNCED

It’s Playoff Hockey. Dress Accordingly.

During the 2002 Clark Cup playoffs, Des Moines Buccaneers fans are going to make quite a scene. The Metro Ice Sports Arena will be packed to the rafters with screaming fans, all dressed in white. It’s called a whiteout, and this is the third year for this great tradition in Des Moines!

So, unless fans want to stick out like a sore thumb (or a resident of Green Bay), they’re encouraged to their tickets, throw on their whitest whites, and meet the rest of the crowd at the Madhouse on Hickman for the Clark Cup playoffs.

The first 3,000 fans at the Bucs vs. Green Bay game this Saturday, April 13th will get a free WhiteOut 2002 t-shirt. Wear it and GET LOUD!!!

TICKETS FOR BUCS VS. GREEN BAY, SATURDAY APRIL 13TH ARE ON SALE NOW.
Stop by the Metro Ice Sports Arena, 7201 Hickman Rd. or call 278-9757. Ticket prices are as follows: Arena level reserved adult: $10. Arena level reserved children age 12 & under: $7. All ice level seating: $12.

For Immediate Release April 1, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS TO FINISH REGULAR SEASON THIS WEEKEND

The Des Moines Buccaneers (31-23-5) wrap up the 2001-02 regular season this weekend with games against Rochester and Lincoln.

On Friday night, April 5th, the Bucs head north for their final regular season road game against the Rochester Mustangs. Rochester is currently in last place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, with a 15-38-5 record. They are 7-10-1 at home this season, but have gone 1-9 in their last ten games. The Bucs are 4-0-1 against Rochester this season; the game will be the Mustangs’ first of a three-game weekend.

On Saturday night, April 6th, the Bucs are back at the Metro Ice Sports Arena for the final regular season home game of 2001-02 (playoffs begin next weekend), when they host the Lincoln Stars. Lincoln is in second place in the USHL’s Western Division with a 41-14-3 record; they have been one of the USHL’s hottest teams in recent weeks, with a 14 game winning streak in place that dates back to March 1st. The Bucs are 1-2 in regular season play against Lincoln this year, and the Stars are 12-11 on the road overall. Their last visit to the Metro Ice Sports Arena was on October 20th; the Bucs won that match-up 6-4. Lincoln leads the league in power play conversions (Des Moines ranks third) and is fourth overall for penalty killing. They are led offensively by Ryan Potulny and Dirk Southern, each with 56 points.

Saturday’s game will feature the organization’s annual “Player Awards Ceremony”. The ceremony will take place prior to the game (about 7:20 p.m.) at center ice, and includes Buccaneer awards for MVP, Leading Scorer, Community Service, Sportsmanship, Dedication to Youth Hockey, and more. The winner of fan voting that took place on March 23rd for the “Fans’ Favorite Player Award” will also be announced. Immediately following the game on Saturday night is the annual “Meet the Team” autograph session. All fans are invited onto the ice to meet the entire team for autographs, photos and fun! Tickets for the game are available by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 278-9757.

LOOKING BACK: BUCS SPLIT WEEKEND GAMES, LAND 7TH SEED IN PLAYOFFS

The Buccaneers beat the Chicago Steel 7-4 on Friday night, allowing Des Moines to maintain a 3rd place position in the USHL’s Eastern Division and hold the Steel to 4th. Saturday night, Omaha came to the Metro Ice Sports Arena and handed the Buccaneers a 6-1 loss, earning the Lancers the 2001-02 USHL regular season championship.

The weekend split gives the Buccaneers a 31-23-5 record heading into the final weekend of regular season play. It also guaranteed the Bucs the 7th seed in the 2002 USHL Playoffs. In Round 1, 7th seeded Des Moines will play either Cedar Rapids or Green Bay, whichever wins the USHL’s Eastern Division this weekend. The first home playoff game for the Bucs will most likely be played on either Friday, April 12th or Saturday, April 13th.

For Immediate Release March 18, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS HOME FOR TWO THIS WEEKEND; HOST PARTY

The Des Moines Buccaneers travel to Lincoln tomorrow night to take on the Stars, then finish the weekend on home ice at the Metro Ice Sports Arena with two home games.

Tomorrow night’s game at Lincoln begins at 7:05 p.m. and will see the Bucs facing off against what is currently one of the hottest teams in the USHL. Lincoln is sitting in third place in the USHL’s Western Division with a 34-14-3 record, but they have won nine of their last ten games and are 22-3-3 at home. The Bucs are 1-1 against the Stars this season, and face them one final time after tomorrow…on Saturday, April 6th, when the Bucs close out their regular season at home against the Stars.

On Friday night, March 22nd, the Bucs host the US National Under 18 Team at 7:35 p.m. The US National Team is part of USA Hockey’s Development Program, and will play each USHL team once this season. The US team is not officially part of the USHL, but games that each USHL team plays against Team USA does count in USHL standings. The US National Team has played 10 games to date against USHL teams, and has a 6-3-1 record.

Friday night’s game is Des Moines Register Family Night at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. A special “Family of 4 for $44” ticket package is available for the game; it includes 4 tickets (2 adults, 2 kids age 12 & under), 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 2 Buccaneer pennants. Kids at the game will enjoy free ice cream treats from Blue Bunny, and can meet their favorite Central Iowa mascots like the I-Cubs “Cubbie” and the Des Moines Menace “Maniac”. During the 1st intermission, a special “Amateur Hockey Appreciation” ceremony will take place honoring both Des Moines high school hockey teams and several youth travel hockey teams that have won league championships. Families can also meet the Buccaneer team captains after the game for autographs. Call 278-9757 for tickets.

On Saturday night, March 23rd, the Bucs host the Sioux Falls Stampede for the final time during the 2001-02 season. The Sioux Falls are currently in fourth place in the USHL’s Western Division, with a 33-18-2 record. They have gone 3-6-1 in their last ten games, and are 14-10-1 on the road this year. The Bucs are 2-1 in regular season play against the Stampede this season. Sioux Falls is led offensively by forwards Thomas Vanek (with 78 points) and Erik Przepiorka (with 60 points). Vanek and Przepiorka rank 1st and 3rd, respectively, in the USHL among top point-scorers. Vanek also leads the league in goals-scored.

Saturday night is Bud Light Night at the Metro Ice Sports Arena, and 2 fans will compete for Bud Light gear in this season’s final launching of the Budweiser Human Puck. After the match-up against Sioux Falls, fans are invited to join the entire team at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 4508 University Avenue, for a post-game party. Call 278-9757 for tickets.

LOOKING BACK: BUCS DROP 2, RAISE $11,000 FOR MDA

The Buccaneers emerged from their 2-game weekend with a 29-20-5 record, slipping to 4 points behind Eastern Division leading Cedar Rapids, and remaining just 1 point in front of third place Green Bay. On Friday night, March 15th, the Bucs played their final game of the regular season against the Waterloo Black Hawks, and lost by a score of 6-2. On Saturday, March 16th, the team headed to Sioux City to battle the Musketeers for the last time this season, and fell 6-2.

Friday night’s game featured the third annual MDA Jersey Auction at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. The Bucs wore special edition jerseys for the game against Waterloo, then returned to the ice after the game for a live auction at center ice. The team raised nearly $11,000 in the auction; all proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

For Immediate Release March 8, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler, Director of Marketing 515-278-9757

BUCS HOST 3RD ANNUAL MDA JERSEY AUCTION MARCH 15

Live auction to take place at center ice following DM/Waterloo game

On Friday, March 15th, the Des Moines Buccaneers will don special edition jerseys for an auction to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Bucs will wear the navy, red and white jerseys, which have a patriotic theme, for their game against the Waterloo Black Hawks, which begins at 7:35 p.m. Immediately following the game, players will remain on the bench and a live auction will take place at center ice in which fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite Buccaneer. Bidding for player jerseys will go in numerical order by player numbers. Winning bidders will immediately head down to the ice, where they will meet their favorite player for a photo…he’ll then remove his jersey, autograph it, and hand it over!

This is the third year that the Bucs have hosted the MDA Jersey Auction; they have raised nearly $15,000 in each auction. The previous two events were silent auctions that took place throughout the game; this is the first time the Buccaneers have hosted a live auction.

ALSO ON MARCH 15TH…

The first 1,000 fans at Friday’s game will receive a free player magnet of Buccaneer Captain Andrew Leach, courtesy of CitiGroup, and fans will enjoy a special pre-game ceremonial puck drop with Buccaneer and Waterloo team captains and MDA Ambassador Child Levi Harrington. During the first intermission, two fans will compete in the KGGO “Home Improvement Relay” to win a free lawnmower, courtesy of Property Care Lawn and Landscape.

Tickets are on sale now for this special game! Ticket prices are as follows: Arena level adult: $10, Arena level children age 12 & under: $7, All ice level seating: $12. Call 278-9757 or stop by the Metro Ice Sports Arena, 7201 Hickman Rd. for tickets.

For Immediate Release March 4th, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS HOME FOR TWO, THEN HIT THE ROAD

The Des Moines Buccaneers (28-16-5, 61 points) are at the Metro Ice Sports Arena on Friday and Saturday night for home games before heading to Green Bay for a 2:05 p.m. game on Sunday.

Friday night, the Bucs host Waterloo at 7:35 p.m. This will be the sixth of seven meeting for Des Moines and Waterloo this season; the Bucs are 2-3-1 against the Black Hawks. Waterloo is currently in fifth place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, with an 18-29-2 record (38 points). Waterloo, who is led offensively by Joel Hanson (22 points) and Aaron Cole (20 points), are 7-15-2 on the road this year, and have gone 4-5-1 in their last ten games. Goaltender Josh Siembida leads the USHL in shootout wins and has a .918 save percentage.

Fans at the game can win big and support the Des Moines Figure Skating Club with the “Chuck-A-Puck” contest during the 2nd intermission. To participate, fans buy a numbered puck at the figure skating club table in the east hall prior to the 2nd intermission. Then, during the intermission, fans wait for the announcer’s signal, and chuck their pucks onto the ice. The fan whose puck lands closest the center dot wins half the cash jackpot!

On Saturday, March 9th the Green Bay Gamblers come to town as part of a home and away series with the Bucs. The Gamblers, currently in third place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 25-18-5 record (55 points), are 8-12-3 on the road this year. This is the fifth of six meetings for the two teams (the Bucs play at Green Bay on Sunday March 10th at 2:05 p.m.); the Bucs are 3-1 against the Gamblers this season. Green Bay leads the league in short-handed goals, and fall near the middle of USHL rankings for power play conversions and penalty killing. They are led offensively by forwards Adam Burish, with 47 points, and Tim Stapleton, with 42 points. In net for the Gamblers, Eric Pfliger has a 2.53 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. He is ranked fifth overall in the league for goaltending.

Three families at Saturday’s game will compete in the “Pucks ‘N Pizza Relay” during the first intermission for prizes from Star 102.5 and Papa Murphy’s.

Game time Friday and Saturday night is 7:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale now; prices are as follows: Arena level adult: $10. Arena level children age 12 & under: $7.00. All ice level seating: $12. For tickets, call 278-9757.

REVIEW: BUCS SPLIT SET OF ROAD GAMES AGAINST WATERLOO

The Buccaneers only two games last week were on the road against Waterloo: Tuesday, February 26th and Saturday, March 2nd. On Tuesday at Waterloo, the Bucs improved their record with a 3-1 win over the Black Hawks that featured goals from Luke Irwin, Alex Matieroukine and Sean Kotary. On Saturday’s return trip to Young Arena, the Black Hawks came out on top, defeating Des Moines by a score of 3-2.

BUCCANEER NEWS AND NOTES

The Des Moines Buccaneers currently have a 28-16-5 record, good for 61 points and second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division (fifth overall in the league). They trail division-leading Cedar Rapids by just 2 points, and have played 4 fewer games than the RoughRiders. The Bucs are 19-3-2 at home this year (with 8 home games remaining), and 9-13-3 on the road (with 3 road games remaining). The Bucs are 7-3 in their last ten games. Des Moines continues to lead the USHL in power play goals, with 58, and power play conversions, with a 20.64 percentage. Des Moines’ Alex Matieroukine also remains at the top of the league in power play goals scored, with 16. The Bucs rank 10th in the USHL for penalty killing, and 7th for penalty minutes accrued, with 986 on the season (an average of 20.1). The Buccaneers currently have 4 players ranked among USHL scoring leaders: Alex Matieroukine, in fifth place with 56 points; Chris Collins, in seventh with 51 points; Brett Skinner, in ninth place with 47 points; and Jeff Genovy, ranked 13th with 43 points.

For Immediate Release February 27, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS RE-VISIT WATERLOO

The Des Moines Buccaneers, coming off of last night’s win in Waterloo, play the Black Hawks 3 more times in 5 upcoming games (March 2, 8, 15). This Saturday night, March 2nd, the Bucs travel to Waterloo for the second time this week to take on the Black Hawks at 7:05 p.m. Waterloo is currently in last place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, with a 15-29-2 record. The Bucs are 2-2-1 against the Black Hawks this season, beating them most recently last night at Waterloo, by a score of 3-1. Waterloo is 10-14 at home this season. They are led offensively by Aaron Cole (20 points), Rob Lehtinen (18 points), and Joel Hanson (18 points).

Next home games: The Buccaneers are back at the Metro Ice Sports Arena for 2 home games on March 8th and 9th. They host the Waterloo Black Hawks on Friday, March 8th. Fans at the game can win big and support the Des Moines Figure Skating Club with the “Chuck-A-Puck” contest during the 2nd intermission. To participate, fans buy a numbered puck at the figure skating club table in the east hall prior to the 2nd intermission. Then, during the intermission, fans wait for the announcer’s signal, then chuck their pucks onto the ice! The fan whose puck lands closest the center dot wins half the cash jackpot! On Saturday, March 9th, the Green Bay Gamblers come to town for Star 102.5 Night. Three families will compete in the “Pucks ‘N Pizza Relay” during the first intermission for prizes from Star and Papa Murphy’s. Game time both nights is 7:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale now; prices are as follows: Arena level adult: $10. Arena level children age 12 & under: $7.00. All ice level seating: $12. For tickets, call 278-9757.

REVIEW: BUCS TOP WATERLOO, PULL WITHIN 2 PTS OF DIVISION LEADING CEDAR RAPIDS WITH 3 GAMES IN HAND

The Buccaneers traveled to Waterloo last night to take on the Black Hawks for the fifth of seven match-ups this season. Going into the game, the Bucs were 1-2-1 against Waterloo, but improved that record to 2-2-1 with a 3-1 win over the Black Hawks that featured goals from Luke Irwin, Alex Matieroukine and Sean Kotary. The Bucs improved their record to 28-15-5, giving them 61 points, and pulling them within 2 points of Eastern Division-leading Cedar Rapids, with 3 fewer games played than the RoughRiders.

Des Moines continues to lead the league in power play conversions, and Buccaneer Alex Matieroukine leads the league in power play goals scored, with 16. He is ranked fourth in the league for overall scoring.

BUCS NOTES: BUCCANEER CAPTAIN LEACH COMMITS TO UNH

Des Moines Buccaneers captain Andrew Leach has received a scholarship to attend college and play hockey for the University of New Hampshire, beginning with the 2002-03 season. Leach, a 6’0”, 170 lb. forward, has tallied 6 goals and 11 assists this season for the Buccaneers. He is a native of Altamont, New York.

For Immediate Release February 18, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS HOME, AWAY THIS WEEKEND

The Des Moines Buccaneers (25-15-5) face the Rochester Mustangs for the fifth time this season on Friday night, February 22nd at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Rochester is currently tied with Waterloo for last place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, with a 13-25-5 record (31 points). The Bucs are 3-0-1 in regular season play against the Mustangs, who are 7-19-4 on the road this season and 3-5-2 in their last ten games. Rochester is led offensively by forward Billy Bagron, who currently has 13 goals and 14 assists. Rochester defenseman Matt Mannina is the team’s second-leading scorer, with 1 goal and 13 assists, making him 5th in the league for top-scoring defensemen. The Mustangs are ranked second-to-last in the USHL for both penalty killing and power play conversions. Goaltender Yen I-Chen has a 3.43 GAA and a .903 save percentage, and goaltender Joe Fallon has logged a 3.75 GAA and a .892 save percentage.

Friday’s game, which begins at 7:35 p.m., is the Bucs’ last home game of February. The first 1,000 fans at the game will receive a free player magnet of Brett Skinner from CitiGroup (third in a series of four different players). Ticket prices are as follows: Arena level reserved adults: $10. Arena level reserved kids age 12 & under: $7. All ice level seating: $12. Call 278-9757 for tickets.

On Saturday night, February 23rd, the Bucs head east to battle the Chicago Steel, currently in fourth place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 19-20-6 record (44 points). This is the fifth of six times this season the two teams will face each other; the Bucs are 1-3 in regular season play against the Steel, who are 12-7-3 at home this season and have gone 6-4 in their last ten games. Chicago is led offensively by forwards Nick Anderson (17g, 22a: 39 points) and Rene Gauthier (20g, 17a: 37 points). Defenseman Danny Richmond is the team’s third-leading scorer, with 5 goals and 31 assists (36 points), making him the league’s second ranked top-scoring defenseman (behind Des Moines’ Brett Skinner). The Steel lead the USHL in penalty minutes, with 26.7 average minutes in the box for each game, and Richmond leads the league in major penalties. Chicago is 12th in the USHL for penalty killing and 6th for power play conversions. Goaltender John Daigneau has a 3.16 GAA and a .897 save percentage. Adam D’Alba has a 3.50 GAA and a .896 save percentage. Game time on Saturday night is 7:05 p.m.

LOOKING BACK: BUCS PICK UP 4 POINTS, BEAT DIVISION-LEADING CR

The Buccaneers picked up 4 out of a possible 6 points in their 3 games over the weekend. On Friday night, the Bucs came from behind to pull out a 3-2 win over Topeka. Saturday night, the Bucs headed to Cedar Rapids and defeated the Eastern Division-leading RoughRiders 3-2 with a game-winning overtime goal from Chris Collins. On Sunday, it was back to the Metro Ice Sports Arena to host the Chicago Steel, who pulled ahead of the Bucs and went home with a 6-3 win.

BUCCANEER NEWS AND NOTES:

The Buccaneers are currently in second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 25-15-5 record, good for 55 points…the Bucs’ 2 wins over the weekend brought them within 6 points of division-leading Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines has played 3 fewer games than the RoughRiders…Des Moines is 18-3-2 at home this year, and 7-12-3 on the road…the Bucs have gone 6-3-1 in their last ten games…they lead the league in power play goals, and Des Moines’ Alex Matieroukine leads the league in power play goals-scored, with 14…Brett Skinner leads all league defensemen in scoring, with 47 points…Matieroukine and Skinner are ranked 6th and 7th, respectively, in the league for overall scoring.

For Immediate Release February 11, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS PREPARE FOR THREE-GAME WEEKEND

The Des Moines Buccaneers (23-14-5) stay fairly close to home this weekend, with 2 games at the Metro Ice Sports Arena and one in nearby Cedar Rapids. On Friday, February 15th, the Bucs host the Topeka ScareCrows at 7:35 p.m. Topeka is currently ranked 5th in the USHL’s Western Division, with a 15-22-4 record on the season. This will be the final meeting of the regular season for the Bucs and the ScareCrows; in their previous 3 meetings this year, Des Moines has gone 2-1 against Topeka. The ‘Crows are 3-12-1 on the road this year and are 3-7 in their last ten games. They are led offensively by forward Vince Bellissimo; with 25 goals and 25 assists, he is ranked fourth overall in the league for scoring and fourth in the league for goals-scored.

Friday night is Iowa Lottery Night at the Metro Ice Sports Arena, and 4 lucky fans will have the chance to win up to 200 “Gold & Glory” scratch tickets in the “Gold & Glory” olympics on ice. For ticket information, call 278-9757.

On Saturday, February 16th, the Bucs travel to Cedar Rapids to play the RoughRiders for the sixth and final time this year. Cedar Rapids currently leads the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 27-12-6 record (60 pts). In their previous 5 meetings this season, the Bucs are 1-2-2 against Cedar Rapids, who is 13-3-3 at home and has gone 6-1-3 in their last ten. Cedar Rapids is led offensively by Nate Meyers (24g, 19a) and Kevin Brooks (18g, 19a). Defenseman Chris Snavely is ranked fourth in the USHL for top-scoring defensemen, with 8 goals and 19 assists. Goaltender Bobby Goepfert leads the league in saves, shutouts and save percentage. The RoughRiders sit at the top of the USHL for their power play conversions, and are ranked third for penalty killing. Game time for this key Eastern Division game at Cedar Rapids is 7:05 p.m.

On Sunday, February 17th, the Bucs host the Chicago Steel at 6:05 p.m. Chicago is in fourth place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 17-18-6 record. Des Moines and Chicago have met three times this season (the Bucs are 1-2 against the Steel) and will meet again Sunday, then February 23rd and March 29th. Chicago is 5-13-3 on the road this year and have gone 6-4 in their last ten games. They are led offensively by Nick Anderson (16g, 19a) and Rene Gauthier (18g, 16a). Defenseman Danny Richmond ranks second in the league for top-scoring defensemen and also for assists.

Sunday’s game is Des Moines Register Family Night. Specially priced Family Four Packs are available for just $44 and include 2 adult and 2 child tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 2 Buccaneer pennants. Families will enjoy a mite youth hockey game on the ice between periods, along with the pre-game light show, contests, t-shirt launches, and free Blue Bunny ice cream treats for the kids. Children may get their faces painted for just a dollar, with proceeds benefiting the DMACC Nursing Club. Members of the Pirate Pals Kids Club receive a free ticket to this (and every) family night game. For regular ticket or Family Four Pack ticket information, call the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 278-9757.

LOOKING BACK: DES MOINES SPLITS WEEKEND GAMES

The Des Moines Buccaneers picked up 2 points in the standings over the weekend, putting them in 2nd place in the USHL’s Eastern Division; 9 points behind 1st place Cedar Rapids and 4 points ahead of 3rd place Green Bay. The 2 points came in Friday night’s game against the Sioux City Musketeers (ranked 2nd in the USHL West), when the Bucs topped the Musketeers 3-2. On Saturday night, the Waterloo Black Hawks (ranked last in the USHL East) made their appearance at the Metro Ice Sports Arena, and turned the tables on Des Moines, handing the Bucs their first regulation loss at home since September 29th. Former Buccaneers Ross Carlson and Andy Nelson contributed 3 of Waterloo’s 4 goals in the 4-3 Black Hawks win.

NEWS AND NOTES:
ON THE ICE…BUCCANEER NOTES

The Bucs are tied with Cedar Rapids for most power play goals in the league…they are 17-2-2 at home, 6-12-3 on the road, and 6-2-2 in their last ten games…the Bucs are led offensively by Alex Matieroukine (28g, 17a) and Brett Skinner (8g, 37a)…Matieroukine is ranked 6th in the league for overall scoring, 3rd for goals scored, and 1st for power play goals…Skinner leads league defensemen in overall scoring…the Bucs are 2nd in the league for power play conversions (behind Cedar Rapids) and 9th for penalty killing.

FORMER BUCCANEER SMREK ON TEAM SLOVAKIA AT OLYMPIC GAMES

Peter Smrek, a member of the 1998-99 Anderson and Clark Cup winning Des Moines Buccaneers team, just wrapped up his first-ever appearance in the Winter Olympic Games at the age of 22 as part of Team Slovakia. Slovakia was eliminated from the preliminary rounds of Ice Hockey competition over the weekend with a 3-0 loss to Germany (Saturday) and 6-6 tie with Latvia (Sunday). Smrek, a native of Martin, Slovakia, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues (NHL) after his time in Des Moines, and currently plays for the New York Rangers. This 6’0”, 216 lb. defenseman has appeared in 20 NHL games with both St. Louis and New York, registering 2 goals and 3 assists.

BUCCANEER FORWARD JEFF GENOVY MAKES COLLEGE COMMITMENT

Buccaneer forward Jeff Genovy has committed to attend college and play hockey at Clarkson University next season. Genovy, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was selected as a member of the 2002 USHL All Star Team, and has tallied 17 goals and 18 assists for the Buccaneers so far this season.

BUCCANEER FANS CONTRIBUTE 917 LBS. OF FOOD IN “SOUPER BOWL”

The final tally is in from the 2002 “Souper Bowl Sunday” Food Drive, held on Sunday, February 3rd at Valley West Mall: Buccaneer fans contributed 917 pounds of non-perishable food items! The food was donated to the Food Bank of Iowa as part of this 2nd Annual event, in partnership with Valley West Mall, Younkers, and Star 102.5.

For Immediate Release January 28, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: AT CEDAR RAPIDS FRIDAY, HOST GREEN BAY SATURDAY

The Des Moines Buccaneers (21-13-4, 46 points), currently in second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, have an important “every point counts” two-game weekend ahead of them when they battle USHL East’s first place Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and USHL East’s third place Green Bay Gamblers.

Friday night, February 1st, the Bucs travel to Cedar Rapids to face the RoughRiders (24-11-4, 52 points) for the fifth of six times this season. The Bucs are 1-2-1 against Cedar Rapids this year; they lost 6-3 to the RoughRiders in their last meeting at Cedar Rapids on January 4th, and will head there again in just two weeks (Feb. 16). The Bucs are 6-3-1 in their last ten games (6-12-2 on the road overall), and the RoughRiders are 7-1-2 in their last ten (11-3-2 at home).

Cedar Rapids is led offensively by Nate Meyers (22G, 14A), ranked eighth overall in the USHL for scoring, and Kevin Brooks (15G, 17A). Meyers is also ranked first in the league for minor penalties and third in the league for overall penalty minutes. Cedar Rapids defenseman Chris Snavely (8G, 15A) is ranked fifth in the league for top-scoring defensemen; teammate P.J. Atherton (6G, 14A) is tied for sixth. Cedar Rapids has the league’s strongest goaltending in Bobby Goepfert, who leads the league in save percentage (.944), shutouts (6) and saves (923). Game time on Friday is 7:05 p.m.

Saturday night, February 2nd, Des Moines hosts the Green Bay Gamblers (20-12-4) for the fourth of six times this season. The Bucs are 2-1 against the Gamblers this year; they beat Green Bay 4-1 in their last meeting at Des Moines on January 5th, and play them again in a home and away series on March 9th and 10th. The Gambler are 4-4-2 in their last ten games, and are 13-6-2 at home this year.

Green Bay is led offensively by Adam Burrish (20G, 20A), currently ranked sixth overall in the USHL for scoring. He is ranked third in the league for game winning goals, and turned in a hat trick in Green Bay’s 6-1 win over Chicago over the weekend. In net for Green Bay, goaltender Eric Pfligler has turned in a strong performance with .901 save percentage. Pfligler is second in the USHL for goaltender wins (with 19), fourth overall for saves (with 736) and is second in the league for Three Stars standings, just behind Cedar Rapids’ Bobby Goepfert. Game time Saturday is 7:35 p.m.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s game at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Call 278-9757 for more information.

LOOKING BACK: BUCS PICK UP FOUR POINTS IN THREE GAME WEEKEND

Over the weekend, the Bucs picked up two wins, good for four points and second place in the USHL East standings. On Thursday, January 24th, Des Moines hosted the Waterloo Black Hawks and beat them 4-2. On Friday, January 25th, the Bucs traveled to Topeka to face the ScareCrows, and lost 7-2. On Saturday, January 26th, the Bucs were in Tulsa, where they beat the Crude 6-2.

BUCCANEER NOTES:

The Bucs (21-13-4) are currently in second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with 46 points…they are 15-1-2 at home this season, 6-12-2 on the road, and 6-3-1 in their last ten games…Des Moines leads the league in power play conversions, with a 19.71 percentage and 42 power play goals…defenseman Brett Skinner continues to lead the USHL in scoring among defensemen, with 8 goals and 32 assists, good for 40 points…he also leads all defensemen in goals (8), power play goals (5) and assists (32)…Des Moines currently has three players among the top scorers overall in the USHL: Alex Matieroukine (5th place, 26G, 17A), Brett Skinner (6th) and Chris Collins (9th, 11G, 24A).

For Immediate Release January 27, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

Bucs Kick off Second Annual “SOUPER BOWL” Weekend

The Des Moines Buccaneers (21-13-4) kick off their second annual “Souper Bowl” food drive this weekend. Saturday night, February 2nd, the Bucs host Green Bay for Star 102.5 Night. The Buccaneers are encouraging fans to start “Souper Bowl” weekend by bringing their favorite can of soup (or other non-perishable food items) to the game on Saturday night. Game time is 7:35 p.m., and tickets are available by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 515-278-9757.

On Sunday, “Souper Bowl” weekend wraps up with a food drive at Valley West Mall to benefit the Food Bank of Iowa. The “Souper Bowl” will be held in the Lower Level Younkers Court from Noon-2 p.m. Fans should bring their non-perishable food donations to the “Souper Bowl”, where they can meet the Buccaneers, get an autographed team poster and sample great products from Pepsi-Cola. Any fan bringing 5 or more non-perishable food items will receive a free gift from Younkers, Star 102.5, and the Buccaneers. All fans at the event may register to win one of three great prizes: a $300 Valley West Mall gift certificate, a $100 Younkers Shoe Department gift certificate, and a team autographed Buccaneers jersey. Last year’s “Souper Bowl Sunday” food drive collected nearly 700 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Iowa.

For more information on Saturday’s game or on the “Souper Bowl” food drive, contact Andrea Gengler, Buccaneers’ Director of Marketing and Promotions, at 515-278-9757.

For Immediate Release January 21, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING AHEAD: AT HOME THURSDAY, THEN ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The Des Moines Buccaneers host the Waterloo Black Hawks this Thursday, January 24th at 7:35 p.m. for the Bucs’ final home game of the month. Waterloo, currently in last place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with an 11-19-1 record, makes its first appearance in Des Moines this season (the Bucs played at Waterloo on November 4th and 30th), and does so with two former Buccaneers on their squad: forwards Andy Nelson and Ross Carlson. (Nelson and Carlson were traded to the Black Hawks last week for Nate Hansen and Keith Boyer) Waterloo has gone 4-6 in their last ten games, and is 3-9-1 on the road. They currently lead the USHL in penalty minutes (Des Moines is ranked fifth), while the Buccaneers remain tops in the USHL for power play conversions. The Black Hawks are led offensively by Cole Baron, who has 7 goals and 13 assists this season. The Bucs are 0-1-1 against the Black Hawks this season.

Thursday’s home game, the Bucs’ last of the month, is Margaritaville Night…a night of tropiCOOL fun, including $3.00 margaritas and pina coladas, and $1.00 margarita shooters. Fans at the game will enjoy theme music, decorations and contests, along with a visit from the Parrot Head Club of Des Moines. Everyone is encouraged to join the party by dressing for occasion…grass skirts are welcome! Thursday’s game is also College Night with the Bucs…all college students may present their valid college ID at the box office for $2.00 off the price of their ticket. Tickets are available for the game by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 278-9757.

This weekend, the Bucs head south for a repeat performance of their Thanksgiving weekend road trip to Topeka and Tulsa, both in the USHL’s Western Division. On Friday, January 25th, the Bucs are in Topeka to take on the ScareCrows, currently in fifth place in their division with a 13-17-4 record. The Bucs are 2-0 against the ScareCrows this season; their last meeting was in Des Moines on December 29th. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday, January 26th, the Bucs are in Tulsa, to battle the Crude, currently in last place in their division with a 9-23-3 record. The Bucs are 2-1 against the Crude this season; their last meeting was yesterday in Des Moines, when the Bucs topped Tulsa 5-3. Game time Saturday is 7:35 p.m.

BUCCANEER NEWS: ALL STAR GAME ROSTER ANNOUNCED

The United States Hockey League has announced the rosters for the 2002 USHL Prospects/All Star Game, to be held on February 5th, 2002 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Five different members of the 2001-02 Des Moines Buccaneers have been named to the Prospects/All Star Game teams; Buccaneers are divided among both squads: Team USHL (led by Guest Coach Ken Williamson of the Ottawa Senators) and Team World (led by Guest Coach Ed Thomlinson of the New Jersey Devils). On Team USHL are: defenseman Michael Hutchins (Wolfeboro, NH) and forwards Chris Collins (Fairport, NY) and Jeff Genovy (Kalamazoo, MI). On Team World are: defenseman Brett Skinner (Brandon, Manitoba) and forward Alex Matieroukine (Kiev, Ukraine).

Matieroukine (25G, 15A) is currently ranked fifth in the USHL for scoring, and third for goals scored. He also leads the league in power play goals and picked up an additional 7 points in three games over the past weekend. Skinner (8G, 31A) is the top scoring defensemen in the USHL, and ranks seventh overall for scoring. He is second in the league for assists. Hutchins (6G, 17A) is also among the top scoring defensemen in the USHL (fourth). Genovy currently has 14 goals and 15 assists, and Collins has tallied 9 goals and 21 assists.

The All Star Game, hosted by the Sioux Falls Stampede, will take place at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5th at the Sioux Falls Arena. NHL legend Gordie Howe will be on hand for the festivities.

WEEKEND WRAP-UP: BUCS PICK UP 4 POINTS

The Bucs picked up 4 points over the weekend in three games. On Friday night, the Bucs hosted Omaha. Des Moines was down 3-0 going into the third period, but a flurry of goals from the Bucs tied the score at the end of regulation. Omaha’s Zech Klann managed to get one past Buccaneer goaltender Chris Gartman 1:50 into OT to give the Lancers a 4-3 win. On Saturday night, the Bucs played the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Nebraska, and had another come-from-behind game, this time notching a win and picking up two points in their fourth victory over Tri-City this season. Sunday, the Bucs were back at the Metro Ice Sports Arena to host the Tulsa Crude for their third and final game of the weekend. Des Moines came out on top again, with a 5-3 win and another two points in the standings. Weekend wins gave the Bucs 4 points, good for 42 points overall and a 19-12-4 record. They are now tied with Green Bay for second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division.

For Immediate Release January 16, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCCANEERS MAKE ADDITIONAL ROSTER CHANGES

The Des Moines Buccaneers announced additional roster changes to the 2001-02 squad today.

- Defenseman Andy Jurek (#18), a first year member of the Buccaneers, has been traded to the Bismarck Bobcats, of the America West Hockey League, for future considerations.

- Forwards Andy Nelson (#10) and Ross Carlson (#17), both second-year Buccaneers, have been traded to Waterloo in exchange for Black Hawk forwards Nate Hansen and Keith Boyer.

- Hansen (9/29/81) is a 6’0”, 180-lb. forward from Austin, Minnesota. He scored 3 goals and 2 assists for the Black Hawks in 12 games played this season.

- Boyer (11/28/82) is a 6’3”, 220-lb. forward from Shrewsbury, MA. He scored 1 goal and 1 assist in 8 games played for Waterloo.

Hansen and Boyer join other recent roster additions Josh Chambers (D, Carleton, Michigan), Marty Guerin (F, Lansing, Michigan) and Trent Baker (G, Lincoln, Rhode Island) when the Bucs host Omaha this Friday, January 18th (7:35), and Tulsa this Sunday, January 20th (6:05). Des Moines plays at Tri-City on Saturday, January 19th (7:05).

For Immediate Release January 14, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS PREPARE FOR 3 GAME WEEKEND

On Friday night, January 18th, the Bucs host arch-rival Omaha at 7:35 p.m. Omaha is currently in second place in the USHL’s Western Division, with a 23-8-2 record (48 points). No Omaha players are ranked among the USHL’s top scorers, but Lancer Chris Harrington is ranked third in the USHL among top-scoring defensemen. Omaha is led offensively by Mikka Jaske and by Harrington…each has 26 points. The Lancers have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are 9-6-2 on the road this season. Des Moines and Omaha have met twice this year, both match-ups at Omaha, both wins for the Lancers. Omaha is ranked third in the USHL for power play conversions (behind #1 Des Moines and #2 Sioux City), and second in the league for penalty killing (behind the US National Under 18 Team). Omaha goaltenders Marty Magers and Dominic Vicari are ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively, among league-leading goaltenders. The first 1,000 fans at Friday night’s game will receive a free player magnet of Des Moines goaltender Chris Gartman (#30) from CitiGroup. For tickets, call 278-9757.

On Saturday, January 19th, the Bucs head west to Kearney, Nebraska to play the Tri-City Storm (game time is 7:05 p.m.). Tri-City is currently in sixth place in the USHL West, with an 11-19-2 record (24 points). No Storm players are ranked among the USHL’s top scorers, but forward Konrad Reeder is tied for second place in the league for power play goals. Reeder and Clayton Larson are Tri-City’s leading scorers, each with 21 points. Tri-City has gone 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, and is 7-11 at home this season. The Bucs have encountered the Storm three times so far during the 2001-02 season, and have won all three games. Tri-City is ranked fourth in the USHL for power play conversions. They are last in the league for penalty killing, and their Bobby Robbins leads the league in penalty minutes.

On Sunday, January 20th, the Bucs are back at the Metro Ice Sports Arena to host the Tulsa Crude at 6:05 p.m. Tulsa is currently in last place in the USHL’s Western Division, with an 8-21-3 record (19 points). No Tulsa players are ranked among the USHL’s top scorers, but they are led offensively by Jordan Pennington, with 25 points, and Johnny Kim, with 13 points. Tulsa has gone 6-4 in their last ten games, and is 3-11-1 on the road this season. Tulsa and Des Moines have met twice this season, and are 1-1. Tulsa is ranked 12th in the USHL for both power play conversions and penalty killing. Their goaltender, Ross Cherry, is ranked 8th among USHL goaltenders. Sunday is Des Moines Register Family Night at the Metro Ice Sports Arena: families will enjoy a youth hockey game between periods, facepainting for just $1.00 and free ice cream treats for the kids from Blue Bunny. Specially priced Family Four Packs are available, and include 2 adult and 2 child tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 2 Buccaneer pennants for just $44. For tickets, call 278-9757.

WEEKEND RECAP: BUCS AT SIOUX FALLS, SIOUX CITY

Over this past weekend, the Bucs picked up two more points and moved up in the standings. Friday night, at Sioux Falls, Des Moines won by a score of 6-5. Saturday night, they fell to the Sioux City Musketeers by a score of 6-4. The Bucs are currently in second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division (behind Cedar Rapids), with a 17-12-3 record and 37 points.

NEWS AND NOTES: BUCS TRADE BENNETT FOR GUERIN

The Buccaneers have traded forward Ryan Bennett to the Omaha Lancers in exchange for Lancer forward Marty Guerin. Guerin, a native of Lansing, Michigan, was a second year player for the Lancers. Guerin stands 6’0”, 200 pounds, and was born on 2/25/83. He tallied 12 goals and 11 assists while with the Lancers this year, and will wear #23 for the Bucs. Ryan Bennett will be attending college classes at the University of Nebraska-Omaha while he plays for the Lancers.

For Immediate Release January 10, 2002
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCS HIT THE ROAD: SIOUX FALLS FRIDAY, SIOUX CITY SATURDAY

The Des Moines Buccaneers, currently tied for second place in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 16-11-3 record (35 points), hit the road and head west this weekend.

On Friday night, January 11th, the Bucs are at Sioux Falls, to take on the Stampede. Sioux Falls currently has a 22-8-1 record (45 points), good for third place in the USHL’s Western Division. Their most recent game saw a 2-1 loss to West Division rival Sioux City on Wednesday night. Sioux Falls is led offensively by forward Thomas Vanek, who leads the USHL in both scoring (50 points) and goals (28). The Stampede’s Eric Przepiorka is fourth in the league for scoring (36 points) and second for goals scored (23) . Des Moines and Sioux Falls have met twice during the 2001-02 season: in Des Moines on October 6th and in Sioux Falls on October 19th. The teams are 1-1 in regular season play against each other. Game time Friday is 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday night, January 12th, Des Moines heads to Sioux City to take on the long-time rival Musketeers. Sioux City sits atop their Western Division, and is also in first place overall in the USHL, with a 24-7-2 record (50 points). They are 16-1 at home this season, and were beaten by the Buccaneers in their only meeting of the season, on November 21st in Des Moines. Sioux City has the second-highest penalty minutes per game in the league, with 25.6 minutes average per game, but are ranked seventh in the USHL for penalty killing. The Buccaneers lead the league in power play conversions, with a 21.54 percentage. Sioux City is led offensively by Brad Zancanaro and Brandon Schwartz. Zancanaro is ranked second in the USHL for scoring, with 48 points, and leads the league in assists, with 34. Schwartz holds the third place spot for scoring (40 points). Game time Saturday is 7:05 p.m.

BUCS ADD DEFENSEMAN TO ROSTER

The Des Moines Buccaneers added a new defenseman to their 2001-02 roster. Josh Chambers (4/4/82), a native of Carleton, Michigan, will join the Bucs starting with this weekend’s games. Josh, a 6’2”, 200 pound defenseman, comes to Des Moines from the Plymouth Whalers (OHL). An updated Buccaneer roster is accompanying this release; Chambers will wear jersey #20.

WEEKEND WRAP-UP: BUCS PICK UP 6 POINTS

The Des Moines Buccaneers emerged from their 3-game weekend with 3 victories, good for 6 more points in the USHL standings. On Friday night, December 28th, the Bucs kicked off the weekend with a 10-0 upset over the Rochester Mustangs that saw goals from 10 different Des Moines players. Buccaneer forward Chris Collins had one goal and three assists in the win. On Saturday night, December 29th, Des Moines hosted the Topeka ScareCrows in the Metro Ice Sports Arena for the first ever. After a penalty-filled game (80 minutes in penalties), Des Moines topped Topeka, 6-4. Buccaneer forward Andy Nelson notched a hat trick in the victory, and Chris Collins added 3 assists to his scoring total for the season. The Tri-City Storm were in Des Moines to ring in the New Year on Monday night, and the two teams fought a close battle through 3 periods of hockey, until an overtime goal from #27 Jeff Genovy brought win #3 of the weekend for Des Moines.

The Bucs’ 6 point weekend gives them 33 points on the season so far, good for third place in the USHL’s Eastern Division, behind first place Cedar Rapids, with 38 points (the Bucs’ opponent this Friday) and second place Green Bay, with 35 points (the Bucs’ opponent this Saturday).

LOOKING FORWARD: BUCS TAKE ON 1ST, 2ND PLACE IN USHL EAST

This weekend, the Bucs play their fourth and fifth games in the nine days after holiday break. On Friday night, January 4th, the Bucs head to Cedar Rapids to take on the first place RoughRiders. Cedar Rapids currently sits atop the USHL’s Eastern Division with an 18-10-2 record (38 points). The Bucs have faced off against the RoughRiders 3 times this season, all in Des Moines, and have a 1-1-1 record against them. Cedar Rapids, who is 6-3 at home this season, has a roster that features USHL standout goaltender Bobby Goepfert, with a 0.94 save percentage. Goepfert leads the USHL in minutes played, saves, shutouts, and save percentage. Leading scorers for CR include Nate Meyers (24 points) and Joe Gasparini (20 points). Cedar Rapids is ranked third in the USHL for power play percentage (behind 1st place Des Moines and 2nd place Sioux City), and second in the USHL for penalty killing (behind the US National team).

On Saturday night, January 5th, Des Moines hosts 2nd place Green Bay at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Green Bay currently has a 16-8-2 record (34 points), and is 1-1 in regular season play against the Bucs. Green Bay is 5-4-1 on the road this season, and has gone 7-3 in their last ten games. The Gamblers are led in scoring by Matt Johnson and Adam Burish (each with 29 points) and AJ Degenhardt (26 points). Green Bay is ranked seventh in the USHL for power play percentage and eleventh in the league for penalty-killing.

BUCCANEER NEWS AND NOTES:

Collins Commits: Buccaneer forward Chris Collins has committed to attend school and play hockey at Boston College, beginning with the 2001-02 hockey season. Collins, a native of Fairport, New York has 7 goals and 16 assists for the Bucs this season, good for 23 points and third place on the team for scoring.

Roster Changes: The Buccaneers have added 2 players to their roster…both have seen the ice in Des Moines before. The first addition is former Buccaneer assistant captain Ryan Bennett, back from Lake Superior State University. The second is Rhode Island native Trent Baker, a goaltender that was on the roster at the Bucs’ recruiting camp this past June. Baker comes to the Bucs from the Walpole Jr. Stars of the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

BUCS GEAR UP FOR 3RD ANNUAL TIPS FOR KIDS PROJECT:

On Sunday, January 6th, the Des Moines Buccaneers will hang up their skates and put on aprons for the 3rd annual Tips 4 Kids project to benefit the Heart Connection, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and YESS (Youth Emergency Services and Shelter). The entire ‘01-’02 Bucs squad will be waiting tables from 5:00-8:30 p.m. at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 4508 University Avenue, and ALL tips go the children’s charities. Any fan that donates over $20 will receive a free Tips 4 Kids shirt, and for $5.00, fans may also have a commemorative photo taken on the spot with their favorite player! No reservations are necessary for this evening of food and fun with the Des Moines Buccaneers. For more information, contact Andrea Gengler or Jody Swier at 515-278-9757.

For Immediate Release December 27, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

The Des Moines Buccaneers, reported for practice this morning to prepare for 3 home games at the Metro Ice Sports Arena that begin this weekend.

On Friday, December 28th, the Bucs host the Rochester Mustangs, currently ranked 5th in the USHL’s Eastern Division with a 9-12-2 record (20 points). Des Moines is 2-0-1 in regular season play with the Mustangs, facing them most recently on December 1st at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Rochester and Des Moines are both hoping to end losing streaks with their December 28th match-up: the Bucs have 3 consecutive non-wins, and Rochester is on a 6-game losing streak that dates back to November 24th. Rochester’s line-up features one of the USHL’s stand-out goaltenders this season in Yen-I Chen. Chen currently has a .91 save percentage and a 2.82 GAA. Game time is 7:35 p.m.

Friday’s game is the 2nd of 5 Des Moines Register Family Nights. For each Family Night, fans can purchase a specially priced Family Four Pack for just $44. The package includes 2 adult and 2 kids tickets, 4 hot dogs and sodas, and 2 Buccaneer pennants. The 1st 1,000 kids age 12 & under at Friday’s game will receive a free mini-plush zamboni, courtesy of Wells Fargo, and all children can visit the Pirate Pals Station in the east hall of the arena for free Blue Bunny ice cream treats. Kids of all ages will enjoy the youth hockey game on the ice between periods.

On Saturday, December 29th, the Bucs host the Topeka ScareCrows. Topeka is new to the USHL this season as an expansion franchise. They are led by Head Coach Bliss Littler, and are currently ranked 5th in the USHL’s Western Division with a 10-11-4 record (24 points). Des Moines has faced the ScareCrows just once this season, at Topeka on November 24th, and the Bucs came out on top in a shootout. Topeka is led offensively by forward Vince Belissimo, currently ranked fifth in the USHL in scoring with 32 points, just one point behind Des Moines’ Brett Skinner. Game time is 7:35 p.m.

Fans at Saturday’s game will have the opportunity to “Chuck-a-Puck” to win cash and benefit the Des Moines Figure Skating Club. Numbered chuck-a-Pucks are available for just $1.00 in the east and west halls of the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Fans purchase the puck, then during the 1st intermission, chuck their pucks onto the ice. The fan whose numbered puck lands closest to the target at center ice wins half the cash jackpot.

Monday, December 31st sees the return of a Des Moines tradition: New Year’s Eve with the Buccaneers. The Bucs host the Tri-City Storm at 7:35 p.m., then after the game, fans can stick around and ring in the New Year with the team! Fans’ ticket to the game includes admission to the post-game lounge party, and to the traditional Skate with the Bucs, in which fans can hit the ice with the entire team and skate ‘til midnight. Fans are encouraged to bring their own skates, but skates are available to rent for $2.00.

The Storm are currently ranked 6th in the USHL’s Western Division, with an 8-15-1 record (17 points). The Bucs are 2-0 against Tri-City this season; the two teams’ last meeting was on November 17th at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. The Storm are led offensively by forward Konrad Reeder, who currently has 13 goals and 7 assists (20 points). Reeder is ranked 2nd in the USHL for power play goals (he has 7), just 2 fewer than Des Moines’ Alex Matieroukine, in first place with 9.

Tickets for these and all Des Moines Buccaneers games, are available by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 278-9757. Ticket prices are as follows (all seating is reserved): Arena level adult: $10.00. Arena level children age 12 & under: $7.00. All ice level seating: $12.00.

For more information, contact Andrea Gengler, Buccaneers’ Director of Marketing, at 278-9757.

For Immediate Release December 4th, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCCANEER NOTES: DECEMBER 10 – 15TH, 2001

FOLLOWING THE BUCS…Des Moines slips to third place
Des Moines is currently 12-10-2 with 26 points, good for third place in the USHL East, after dropping two games on the road last week. The Bucs trail Green Bay by 2 points and Cedar Rapids by 7… Rough time on the road… The Bucs are 3-9-2 away from home this season… They have given up 52 goals and scored 44.. The Bucs have dropped 3 in a row on the road… Shorthanded woes… Friday at Chicago the Bucs let in 4 power play goals… Powerful power play… Des Moines is second in the USHL in power play percentages at 21.76%, scoring 32 times while up a skater… Alex Matierokine leads the USHL in power play goals with 8… League leader… Brett Skinner is the league’s top scoring defenseman with 32 points on 6 goals and 26 assists… Skinner is tied for league best for defenseman with 4 power play goals… Skinner’s 5 points against Green Bay is tied for league best among all players for points in a game…His point total is fourth best among all players with 31pts… Defensive leader… Joining Skinner as a top offensive defender is Michael Hutchins who has 20 points on 4 goals and 16 assists…He also has 3 power play goals.

LOOKING FORWARD: Bucs vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Sat. Dec. 15th
This Saturday, December 15th, the Bucs host East Division leader Cedar Rapids (16-7-1, 33 points). This is the third meeting of the two teams, each having won one this season. Cedar Rapids defeated Des Moines in the Bucs’ home opener. The RoughRiders are currently 10-5-1 on the road and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They are coming off of a busy weekend, going 2-1 in a homestand. Friday night, they defeated Rochester 4-3 in overtime. Saturday, Cedar Rapids dropped one to Tulsa 4-2, then bounced back to a 6-1 win over Tulsa on Sunday.

Rough Rider offense… Cedar Rapids has scored 82 goals this season, 50 coming on the road…Nate Meyers leads the team with 23 points on 14 goals and 9 assists…Joe Gasparini is third in the league with 6 power play goals…In their last three games, Cedar Rapids has outscored their opponents 14-6…Chase Watson notched a hat trick in Sunday’s victory over Tulsa…Getting defensive…P.J. Atherton is fourth in the league among defensemen with 19 points on 5 goals and 14 assists…League’s top goaltender…Bobby Goepfert is the USHL’s leading goaltender with a 1.87 GAA, with a 15-5 record…He leads the league in GAA, wins (15), minutes (1,312), saves (677), shutouts (6), and save percentage (94.3%).

GAME NOTES:
Saturday’s game time is 7:35 p.m. The Buccaneers remind fans to bring a teddy bear with them to the game for the 1st annual Teddy Bear Toss. When the team scores its first goal of the game, fans will toss their bears onto the ice. All bears will be scooped up and donated to Blank Children’s Hospital. The 1st 1,000 fans at Saturday’s game will receive a free player magnet from CitiGroup. Tickets are available by calling 278-9757.

For Immediate Release December 10th, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCS PRESENT 1ST ANNUAL “TEDDY BEAR TOSS”

Giveaway, jersey auction, holiday fun also on tap for December 15 game

The Des Moines Buccaneers host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (16-7-1) this Saturday, December 15th. Game time is 7:35 p.m., and the team is hoping that soon after the puck drops, the teddies will fly. That’s because the Bucs are hosting their first annual “Teddy Bear Toss”, to benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, at their holiday game this Saturday night. The team is asking fans to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear to the game with them. When the Bucs score their first goal of the evening, fans should toss their bears onto the ice. Play will stop, and Buccaneer players and staff will gather the bears to deliver to Blank Children’s Hospital.

As an added bonus, fans heading into the game will receive one raffle ticket for each teddy they have with them; in the third period, tickets will be drawn randomly for great prizes!

The Teddy Bear Toss is a hockey tradition in Canada and throughout much of minor league hockey, but is quite new to the USHL. Des Moines Head Coach Bob Ferguson says that his former team, the Florida Everblades (ECHL) hosted the Teddy Bear Toss, with such success that they’ve repeated it every year since it’s inception. “It was such a great visual,” he comments, “there were thousands of bears just raining onto the ice, and when fans see the toss once, they can’t wait for the next year.”

Also at the December 15th game, the first 1,000 fans through the door will receive a player magnet (featuring #9 Chris Collins), courtesy of CitiGroup. Fans will also enjoy the antics of Santa Winger, who comes to town on a zamboni, rather than the traditional reindeer.

Saturday marks the second and final night of a special Buccaneer jersey silent auction. Fans can head to the east hall of the Metro Ice Sports Arena and bid on the jersey of their favorite player. The jerseys on the auction block are the Bucs’ home jerseys, worn for each home game this season. After Saturday’s game, high bidders will receive the jerseys off the players’ backs. (The team will return to last season’s home jersey style after the holidays). Proceeds from the auction benefit youth ice sports in Des Moines like youth hockey, figure skating, Special Olympics, and therapeutic special needs skating.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are available by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 278-9757. All seating is reserved, ticket prices are as follows: Arena level adult: $10.00. Arena level children age 12 & under: $7.00. All ice level seating: $12.00

For Immediate Release December 4th, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCCANEER NOTES: WEEK OF DECEMBER 3RD – 9TH

LOOKING BACK: BUCS SPLIT WEEKEND GAMES
Friday (11/30) at Waterloo. . . the Bucs dropped their 7th road game of the season with a 3-2 loss. Des Moines scored just past the mid-point of the 1st period on a goal from Alex Matierokine, assisted by Brett Skinner and Mark Langdon. Waterloo tied the contest at the halfway point of the 2nd and took the lead with under a second to play as a face off to the left of goaltender Chris Gartman resulted in a goal for the Black Hawks. Matierokine scored his 2nd goal of the evening (14th of the year), again Skinner assisted along with Jeff Genovy. Waterloo went on top for good with eight minutes remaining and the Bucs went away with another road loss. Des Moines had 10 powerplay chances but only converted on 2. The penalty-ridden game saw Des Moines with 49 penalty minutes and Waterloo with 55. The Bucs out-shot the Black Hawks 47-19 but only managed two goals.

Saturday (12/1) vs. Rochester. . . the Bucs returned home to defeat the Rochester Mustangs 3-1. Des Moines notched two first period goals, one from Mark Langdon (assist to Matierokine and Skinner), and another from Chris Collins (assisted by Skinner). Rochester scored early in the third period to make it 2-1 but the Bucs held on and got an empty net goal from Langdon, his second tally of the night. Chris Gartman turned away 36 for Des Moines.

TIDBITS: Des Moines alone in second place, home streak at 9 games
Des Moines is currently 12-8-2 with 26 points, good for second place in the USHL East, trailing Cedar Rapids by 3 points… Home town team… The Bucs are 9-1-0 playing in the confines of the Metro Ice Sports Arena…9 wins puts them in a tie for most home wins in the league… They have scored 47 goals, allowing just 23 at home, yet on the road they are 3-7-2, scoring 40 and allowing 44 goals… Shorthanded woes… While being down a man they have let in a league worst 6 goals… Despite letting in the most shorthanded goals the Bucs are 2nd in the league in penalty killing percentage at 88.79% Powerful power play… Des Moines is tops in the USHL in power play percentages at 22.79%, scoring 31 times while up a skater… Alex Matierokine leads the USHL in power play goals with 8… One to watch… Brett Skinner remains the league’s top scoring defenseman with 31 points on 6 goals and 25 assists… he is tied for league best for defenseman with 4 power play goals…his point total is 4th best among all players.

LOOKING FORWARD…Bucs @ Omaha: Tuesday, December 4th, 7:05 p.m.
Today, the Bucs travel to West Division foe Omaha (16-3-2, 34 pts.), currently in second place. This is the second meeting of the two teams this regular season (the Bucs lost at Omaha on 11/16). Omaha is currently on an 8 game home winning streak dating back to 10/27, their home opener, which gives them a perfect at-home record this year. This past weekend the Lancers shut out the US National team 1-0. Following tonight’s meeting with the Bucs, Omaha visits Lincoln on Friday and hosts Sioux Falls Saturday.

Well balanced attack… Omaha boasts one of the best offensive attacks and is anchored by the best goaltending duo in the league… This season they have scored 67 goals and allowed just 39… Home is where the goals are… Omaha has won 8 in a row and is perfect at home this season… At home the Lancers have scored 29 goals, allowing 8… Offensive weapons… Aaron Slattengren is the leading scorer with 6 goals, 18 assists… Mikka Jaake has 8 goals and 11 assists…Defensive weapons… Chris Harrington is among the league leaders in scoring defenseman with 6 goals and 7 assists… Grant Clafton has 10 points… Nice Guys… Omaha averages a league low of 16 penalty minutes a game… Pretty special teams… The Lancers are 3rd in power play percentage at 20.95… Omaha leads the league in killing penalties at 91.01%… League’s best goaltending… Marty Magers is the USHL’s leading netminder with a 1.39GAA… Magers is 11-1 with 4 shutouts and has only let in 18 goals… Dominic Vicari has seen good time between the pipes as well and is 3rd in the USHL with a 2.05GAA… Vicari is 5-2 with 2 shutouts.

LOOKING FORWARD…Bucs @ Chicago: Friday, December 7th, 7:35 p.m.
Friday, the Bucs travel to fellow East division-member Chicago (6-11-5, 17 pts), currently in 5th place. This is the 3rd meeting of the two teams, each having won one this season. Chicago is 3-3-2 at the Edge Arena this season. Last Friday, the Steel were shut out 2-0 at Cedar Rapids and then lost in an overtime shootout at Cedar Rapids on Saturday. After their meeting with the Bucs on Friday, the Steel are home again to host Rochester.

Steel offense… Chicago has scored 69 goals on the season… At home they have put away 35 goals… Nick Anderson leads Chicago with 22 points on 12 goals and 10 assists… Second home in the box… Chicago is 3rd in the USHL, averaging 26.3 penalty minutes… Danny Richmond and Matt Bader are both tied for second most major penalties in the league with 5 apiece…Steel defense… Richmond is second in the USHL for top scoring defensemen with 4 goals and 17 assists… Tom Gilbert and Ben Tharp each have 11 points on the season… Between the pipes… Dana Bannerman has seen the most time in net for the Steel… He is 5-4-1 with a 3.43GAA… John Daigneau is 1-4-3 with a 3.67GAA and has let in a league-worst 8 goals on 10/12 against the Bucs.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME:
The Buccaneers are not home again in the friendly confines of the Metro Ice Sports Arena until Saturday, December 15th when they host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Tickets for that game are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 278-9757.

For Immediate Release November 27, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler 515-278-9757

BUCCANEER NOTES: WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2

LOOKING BACK: BUCS SPLIT TWO ON THE ROAD
Friday, at Tulsa. . . the Bucs dropped yet another road decision to the Tulsa Crude, giving the Crude their first home victory on the season (1-8-1 at home). The game was knotted at two heading into the final period- the Bucs with scoring efforts from Chris Collins and Ryan Dingle, but in the third period goaltender Chris Gartman let in two goals and the Bucs were downed 4-2. Des Moines outshot the Crude 36-26 and the league leading power play unit of the Bucs was held scoreless on 6 power plays.

Saturday, at Topeka. . . the Bucs bounced back and got their third road victory on the campaign, but it didn’t come easy as the final came in an overtime shootout. Topeka scored first halfway through the first and six minute later the Bucs tied it up on a Jeff Genovy goal and the score was tied heading into the second period. Erik Johnson and Luke Irwin notched two early tallies to put the Bucs up 3-1. Topeka tied it up on two straight goals from Vince Bellisimo, the USHL’s second leading goal scorer. The Bucs pulled ahead momentarily with a Ross Carlson goal then Bellisimo notched his third goal of the period to tie the game. Alex Matieroukine scored and the Bucs headed into the final period with a 5-4 lead. Topeka scored early in the third and the teams skated to a 5-5 draw and a scoreless five minute overtime period. In the overtime shootout nine shooters went for each team and Chris Collins scored the winning goal while Jason Brown turned away the final shot and the Buccaneers won for just the third time on the road this season.

TIDBITS: DES MOINES TIED FOR SECOND PLACE
Des Moines is currently 11-7-2 with 24 points, good for a second place tie in the USHL East, trailing Cedar Rapids by 1 point… There’s no place like home… The Bucs are 8-1-0 playing in the confines of the Metro Ice Sports Arena after defeating league leading Sioux City in a dramatic come from behind overtime victory last Wednesday… They have scored 44 goals only allowing 22 at home, yet on the road they are 3-6-2 scoring 38 and allowing 41 goals… Shorthanded woes… While being down a man they have let in a league worst 6 goals… Despite letting in the most shorthanded goals the Bucs are second in the league in penalty killing percentage at 89.64% League leader… Brett Skinner is the league’s top scoring defenseman with 27 points on 6 goals and 21 assists, and has been named the USHL/Let’s Play Hockey Defenseman of the Week… Skinner is tied for second among defensemen with 3 power play goals… Skinner’s 5 points against Green Bay is tied for league best among all players for points in a game… Streaky… Skinner is currently on a streak of four games in a row with an assist dating back to 11/16 with 7 assists in that period… The Bucs have won eight in a row at home dating back to 10/5… Tipping their hats… last weekend the Bucs allowed hat-tricks on back to back nights- Friday to Jordan Pennington of Tulsa and Saturday to Vince Bellisimo of Topeka.


LOOKING FORWARD: Friday November 30th: Bucs at Waterloo
This Friday, Des Moines travels to Waterloo to battle the fellow East Division Black Hawks (5-11-1, 11pts.) who currently are in last place. This is the second meeting of the two teams this regular season with the Bucs losing an overtime game at Waterloo 2-1 on 10/4. Waterloo is currently on a 3 game home losing streak dating back to 11/22. The Black Hawks are 4-8-0 at Young Arena this season. This past weekend they were blanked on Thanksgiving Day 7-0 by Cedar Rapids and on Saturday they lost 4-2, both games being played in Waterloo.

Offensive absence… Waterloo has produced a league worst 29 goals, averaging less then two goals a game… Cole Baron leads Waterloo with 12 points on 3 goals and 9 assists… Ryan Langenbrunner leads the team in goals with 4. Confined… Waterloo is second in the league in penalty minutes with 473, averaging 27.8 minutes in the box a game… Jake Schwan is tied for second in the league in majors with 4…Power play non-production… They are tied for worst in the USHL in power play production with a lowly 10.78 conversion percentage while skating a man up… Between the pipes… Josh Siembida ranks in the top ten in the USHL with a 2.75GAA…He is 4-9 on the year- tied for league’s most losses… Siembida leads the league in shutout wins with 3.

LOOKING FORWARD: Saturday, December 1st: Bucs host Rochester
On Saturday, the Bucs host another East Division rival, the Rochester Mustangs (9-9-0, 18 pts), currently in third place. This is the third meeting on the season with Rochester winning in overtime on 10/2 and then Des Moines winning the next night in Des Moines. The Mustangs are 4-6-0 on the road this season. Last week they won at Green Bay 2-1 in OT on 11/21 and then lost to Green Bay at home 5-2 on 11/24.

Mustang offense… Rochester has scored 43 goals and let in 52… On the road they have only notched 19 goals while allowing 32… Billy Bargon leads Rochester with 11 points on 6 goals and 5 assists… Second period stagnation… Rochester has only scored 9 goals in the second period in games this season- the league’s lowest output in the middle period…Between the pipes… Yen-I Chen has seen the majority of the time in net for the Mustangs and has a 2.68GAA, sixth best in the league, and a 6-5 record… Chen is second in Three Star Standings with 13 points and 3 times being named the first star… Joe Fallon has also seen significant time minding the net with a 2.97 GAA and a 3-4 record.

FUN STUFF:
Fans at Saturday’s game will enjoy a youth hockey game in the 1st intermission, featuring member teams of the DM Youth Hockey Association 8 & under house league. During the 2nd intermission, 1 lucky fan will have the chance to win 4 great prizes (a night at the 4 Points Sheraton North, a $50 gift certificate from Younkers, dinner at Victor’s Sports Club, and merchandise from the Pirates Cove) in the Match Game, a HUGE version of the classic game Concentration.

Also, Saturday’s game marks the first night of a special game-worn jersey auction. Fans at the games on Saturday, December 1st and Saturday, December 15th will be able to bid on the home jerseys worn by each of the Des Moines Buccaneers this season. The auction will take place at tables in the EAST hall of the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Bidding begins when the doors open on December 1st and will continue at the December 15th game. High bidders will receive their jerseys, autographed by the player, after the December 15th game.

For Immediate Release, October 29, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

BUCS HOME, AWAY WITH ROCHESTER THIS WEEKEND

The Des Moines Buccaneers are set to play a two-game series against the Rochester Mustangs this weekend. Friday night, the Bucs head to Rochester for a 7:35 p.m. game at the Olmsted Recreation Center, and Saturday, the action returns to Des Moines for anther 7:35 p.m. game, this time at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. The Mustangs are in the same USHL Division as the Buccaneers, and both share the same play record, with 6 wins and 4 losses each. Both games will be broadcast live on the Jock 107.1 and the Bucs’ official website, www.bucshockey.org.

Saturday’s game at the Metro Ice Sports Arena is sponsored by Lazer 103.3 and Budweiser. The evening will feature the Budweiser Human Puck contest, a Des Moines’ crowd favorite in which two contestants are shot down the ice with a giant slingshot at inflatable targets. The contestant that takes out the most targets wins Bud Light hockey merchandise and a prize package from Lazer 103.3.

Tickets for the game are available by calling 515-278-9757. Ticket prices are as follows: $10 arena level adult, $7 arena level child age 12 & under, $12 for all ice level seating.

BUCS TALK LIVE AT VICTORS

All fans are invited to join the Buccaneers at Victors’, 7500 Douglas Ave, this Thursday from 7-8 p.m. for Bucs Talk Live. Bucs Talk Live is the Buccaneers’ weekly radio show broadcast live on the Jock 107.1. Fans at Victors’ will enjoy $.35 hot wings and $10 buckets of beer. Defenseman Brett Skinner (#24) and goaltender Jason Brown (#1) will be player guests on the show this week with Coach Bob Ferguson and Jock personality Steve Deace.

BUCCANEER NOTES:

• Des Moines split their weekend series with Green Bay this past weekend. The Gamblers took the first game on Friday night, 4-3. On Saturday, the Bucs came out on top, beating Green Bay 9-2. The win improved the Bucs’ record to 6-4.
• The Buccaneer are currently second in the USHL for power plays (26.66 percent) and penalty killing (92 percent)
• Des Moines’ Brett Skinner is currently the league’s top scoring defenseman, with 12 points (3G, 9A).

For Immediate Release, October 28, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Bucs To Hold Fan Entertainment Team Auditions

The Des Moines Buccaneers will hold auditions at the Metro Ice Sports Arena for those individuals interested in becoming members of the CitiGroup Fun Troop, the official promotions team of the club.

The Fun Troop will handle all promotions and contests on the ice as well as interact with fans at the Metro Ice Sports Arena using games and prizes at all Buccaneer home games and other selected events.

The crew is made up of six males and females. Bringing distinct talents to entertain fans such as making balloon animals, juggling, skating, etc. is desirable, but not required. This is not a dance or cheerleading team, but members must be comfortable in front of large crowds and have the energy to entertain fans for three hours on game nights. This paid position does not have to work all home games, but must commit to at least half the remaining schedule. All potential CitiGroup Fun Troop members must be at least 18 years old.

CitiGroup Fun Troop hopefuls should contact the Bucs’ Director of Marketing, Andrea Gengler, at 515-278-9757 to get more information and sign up for an audition time.

For Immediate Release, October 22, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Bucs On The Road For Two This Weekend

The Des Moines Buccaneers will depart Thursday for a two-game road trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they will battle Eastern Division rival Green Bay Gamblers. Green Bay and Des Moines have yet to meet during the 2001-02 season, but both teams sit at the top of the Eastern Division, with Des Moines in first place (5-3) and Green Bay in second (4-3-1). Green Bay will host the Bucs at Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday night and Saturday night; both games are at 7:05 p.m. Friday’s game will be broadcast live on the Jock 96.1, and Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on the Jock 107.1. All games can be heard live on the Buccaneers’ official website, www.bucshockey.org.

Des Moines Stays On Top Of USHL Eastern Division

Des Moines picked up two more points over the weekend, good enough to keep them on top of the USHL’s Eastern Division. Friday night in Sioux Falls, the Bucs were defeated by a score of 5-2 at Sioux Falls Arena. Saturday night, Des Moines hosted the Lincoln Stars, and after being down 2-1 to Lincoln after one period of play, came out on top, beating the Stars 6-4. The weekend split gives Des Moines a 5-3 record.

Bucs To Hold Fan Entertainment Team Auditions

The Des Moines Buccaneers will hold auditions at the Metro Ice Sports Arena for those individuals interested in becoming members of the CitiGroup Fun Troop, the official promotions team of the club.

The Fun Troop will handle all promotions and contests on the ice as well as interact with fans at the Metro Ice Sports Arena using games and prizes at all Buccaneer home games and other selected events.

The crew is made up of six males and females. Bringing distinct talents to entertain fans such as making balloon animals, juggling, skating, etc. is desirable, but not required. This is not a dance or cheerleading team, but members must be comfortable in front of large crowds and have the energy to entertain fans for three hours on game nights. This paid position does not have to work all home games, but must commit to at least half the remaining schedule. All potential CitiGroup Fun Troop members must be at least 18 years old.

CitiGroup Fun Troop hopefuls should contact the Bucs’ Director of Marketing, Andrea Gengler, at 515-278-9757 to get more information and sign up for an audition time.

For Immediate Release, October 1, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

BUCS AT HOME FOR TWO THIS WEEKEND

Friday night, October 5th, the Buccaneers host the Tulsa Crude (0-2) at 7:35 p.m. The Crude were previously known as the Dubuque Fighting Saints; owner Brian Gallagher moved the team to Tulsa for the current 2001-02 hockey season. Friday night is Des Moines Register Family Night at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. Kids at the game get free treats from Wells Blue Bunny, and Pete, the stiltwalking pirate, will be making free balloon hats and animals for children. The whole family will enjoy the on-ice antics of Jumpin’ Jack, a cuddly, crazy entertainer. A special “Family Four Pack” ticket package is available for the game: for just $44, fans receive 4 arena level reserved tickets, 4 hot dogs and sodas, and 2 Buccaneer pennants.

Saturday night, October 6th, the Sioux Falls Stampede (2-0) come to Des Moines. Game time is 7:35 p.m. All fans at the game will receive a free 2001-02 Buccaneer magnet schedule from Budweiser and 95 KGGO.

Tickets for both games are on sale now, and may be purchased by calling the Metro Ice Sports Arena at 515-278-9757. Friday’s game will be broadcast live on the Jock 96.1, and Saturday’s game will be live on the Jock 107.1. All games are simulcast on the Buccaneers’ official website, www.bucshockey.org.

“BUCS TALK LIVE” RADIO SHOW DEBUTS THIS THURSDAY

The Buccaneers new live radio show, “Bucs Talk Live” will debut this Thursday, October 4th, from 7-8 p.m on the Jock 107.1 FM. The show will be broadcast live from Victor’s Sports Club, located at 7500 Douglas Avenue in Urbandale. The show, hosted by Jock personality Steve Deace, will feature live chat with Head Coach Bob Ferguson and two different players each week. This week, defenseman Luke Irwin and forward Andrew Leach join Coach Ferguson. The show will also feature a Buccaneer alumni segment, in which Deace speaks with former players and coaches now in college and professional ranks. Fans that attend the show at Victor’s will enjoy food and drink specials, along with ticket and merchandise giveaways.

BUCS OPEN FIRST WEEKEND OF REGULAR SEASON 1-1

The Des Moines Buccaneers opened the 2001-02 regular season with a win and a loss. Friday night, September 28th, the Bucs traveled to Kearney, Nebraska, to face the Tri-City Storm. Des Moines topped Tri-City 6-4 in the Storm’s home opener. Saturday night, it was back to Des Moines for the Bucs’ home opener at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. The Bucs hosted Cedar Rapids, who won by a score of 3-1.

For Immediate Release, September 24, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Bucs Open Regular Season

The Des Moines Buccaneers will kick off 2001-02 regular season play this weekend. On Friday, September 28th, the Bucs travel to Kearney, Nebraska, to take on the Tri-City Storm (7:05 p.m.), then it’s back to Des Moines for the big home opener on Saturday night, September 29th, when the Bucs host Cedar Rapids. Game time Saturday is 7:35 p.m.. The Bucs, led by Head Coach Bob Ferguson, begin the 2001-02 season with a 7-1 record in pre-season play, and 7 returning players.

Although game time Saturday is at 7:35 p.m., fans will want to get to the game a bit early to catch the pre-game light show and starting line-ups. Every fan will receive a 2001-02 Des Moines Buccaneers team poster at the door, courtesy of Lazer 103.3. In between periods, fans will enjoy the ever-popular Budweiser Human Puck challenge, and one entire section of fans over the age of 21 will win free lottery bucks from the Iowa Lottery. After the game, fans are invited onto the ice for a Meet-the-Team autograph session.

Tickets for the home opener (and all home games) are now on sale. Fans may purchase tickets by phone at 278-9757, or may stop by the box office, located at 7201 Hickman Road in Urbandale. Tickets prices are as follows: Arena level adult: $10, Arena level child age 12 & under: $7, Ice level seating: $12. All seating is reserved. Special group rates are available.

Buccaneer Practice Schedule

The Des Moines Buccaneers, led by Head Coach Bob Ferguson and Assistant Coaches Tim Ferguson and Craig Hagkull, will practice each day this week, Monday through Thursday, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Practices are held at the Metro Ice Sports Arena, and players and coaching staff will be available each day after practice for interviews. For more information, contact Director of Marketing Andrea Gengler at 278-9757.

For Immediate Release, September 13, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

BUC BOWL WILL BREAK FOR "DAY OF REMEMBRANCE"

(Grand Forks, ND) - The United States Hockey League announced this afternoon that play in the Buc Bowl Preseason Tournament will be suspended on Friday, Sept. 14, to observe President Bush's "Day of National Prayer and Remembrance."

The tournament will resume on Saturday.

USHL Commissioner John "Gino" Gasparini, in Des Moines, Iowa, for the Buc Bowl, met with league general managers today to decide the fate of Friday's schedule.

"In light of today's declaration by the President, it's fitting that we suspend play on Friday to honor those who were lost," said Gasparini.

Play will resume on Saturday with the schedule remaining the same. Friday's games will be played on Sunday and the championship game has been canceled. On Sunday, Friday’s 11 a.m. game between Sioux Falls and Topeka will be played at 9 a.m. The 2 p.m. game between Omaha and Chicago has been rescheduled for noon.

Complete Buc Bowl Information...

For Immediate Release, September 4, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

HyVee Buc Bowl

The annual HyVee Buc Bowl pre-season tournament will be held Thursday, September 13 through Sunday, September 16 at the Metro Ice Sports Arena and the Metro Ice Sports Facility. The Buccaneers will host 11 fellow USHL teams and nearly 100 NHL and Division I college scouts for the four day tournament. The Buc Bowl features 5 games each day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; The Bucs play each evening at 7:35 pm. Sunday's only game will be the tournament championship, which takes place at 3:00 pm.

Special $1.00 general admission tickets will be available (for Thursday, Friday and Saturday games) at Des Moines area HyVee stores beginning Sunday, September 9th. Tickets will also be available for $5.00 at the door of Metro Ice Sports Arena during the Buc Bowl. All seating is general admission; your ticket will get you into all games played on the day for which your ticket is purchased. For more information, call the Metro Ice Sports Arena at (515) 278-9757. Come out to the HyVee Buc Bowl for a little "advance scouting" of all the USHL talent we will be seeing this season!

For Immediate Release, September 2, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

IMPORTANT SEASON TICKET PICK UP INFORMATION!

It's almost time to pick up your season tickets! The Bucs are hosting a special "Season Ticket Pick Up Party" this Wednesday, September 5th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Metro Ice Sports Arena. This party, open to 2001-02 season ticket holders, is a great opportunity to pick up your tickets, socialize with your fellow ticket holders, and meet the team! From 6-7, you can hit the stands and check out all the new Buccaneers as Coach Ferguson leads the team in a one hour practice. From 7-8, head upstairs to the lounge to meet the entire team and coaching staff, and enjoy free munchies, $.50 pop and $1.00 beer!

You'll be able to pick up your season tickets and the special items that accompany your package: window sticker and ID card, and your Bucs ball cap (if you're a Tier 1 ticket holder). Remember, if you paid in full for your tickets by July 1st, you'll be receiving your pre-season tickets at no extra charge! (Just in time for the first pre-season game against Sioux City on Sept. 8) The Pirates Cove will also be open during the entire party, so be sure to stop in and check out the new merchandise. Don't forget your new season ticket holder discount ID card!

A few notes on picking up your tickets:

Please bring your photo ID! We want to make sure that we're not giving your tickets to the wrong person. If you need someone else to pick up your tickets, call our office at 278-9757 and give us that individual's name.

If you can't make it to the party, season tickets will be available for pick up in our front office from September 5th on. Stop in anytime the office is open! Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can also pick up tickets at our first exhibition game on Saturday, September 8th.

For Immediate Release, September 1, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HY-VEE BUC BOWL

Are you interested in volunteering to help out with the Hy-Vee Buc Bowl? The tournament will be held at both the Metro Ice Sports Arena and the Metro Ice Sports Facility from Thursday, September 13th through Sunday, September 16th. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Chuck Stanton at the arena: 278-9757. Thanks!

For Immediate Release, August 20, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Midget Buc Bowl - October 12 - 14.

The Buccaneers have accepted 13 teams for the Midget Buc Bowl on October 12th-14th. Teams participating in the tournament include: St. Louis Sting, Clevland, Chicago Young Americans, Eagle River Mustangs, Team Ohio, Alaska All Stars, Minnesota Bandits, Walpole Stars Midgets, Washington Totems, Team Wisconsin, Pikes Peak Miners, Rochester Wells Fargo, and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. Applications for the remaining 3 spots are under consideration.

For Immediate Release, July 26, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Fourth Annual Golf Tournament - Scholarship Fund Raiser September 2, 2001

Join the Des Moines Buccaneers for the fourth annual golf tournament and scholarship fund raiser. This four person, best-ball tournament helps raise money for players' college tuition and expenses. It's also a great time and it gives you a chance to meet the 2001-2002 team.

Not only will we try to place a player or coach with every foursome; we will be serving dinner at the clubhouse and giving away door prizes!

You don't golf? Join us for dinner anyway. There's plenty of fun food and prizes for everyone!

Please join us as we kick off the new season and welcome new and returning team members to Des Moines. Let's show them that the Buccaneer fans are truly the best fans in the USHL! For more information call Mark Fallis at 262-5243 or Greg Jones at 967-2709.

For Immediate Release, June 16, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

TWO BUCCANEERS MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

The Des Moines Buccaneers announced today that 2 Buccaneer forwards have made college commitments for fall of 2001.

David Klema, a native of Roseau, Minnesota, has received a scholarship to attend and play hockey at Boston University beginning this fall. Klema joined the Buccaneers in the spring of the 1999-2000 season, and spent the entire season on the team this past ‘00-’01 season, earning 53 points in 56 games.

Ryan Kirchhoff, a native of Fairway, Kansas, will be attending school and playing hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this fall. Kirchhoff was a member of the Buccaneers during the ‘99-’00 and ‘00-’01 hockey seasons. This year, he had 29 points in 54 games.

For Immediate Release, June 11, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

BUCS TO OPEN 2001 RECRUITING CAMP WEDNESDAY

Just three weeks after announcing the return of Head Coach Bob Ferguson, the Des Moines Buccaneers are holding their 2001-02 Recruiting/Evaluation Camp. Buccaneer coaching staff expects around 60 players to be in attendance for camp, which begins this Wednesday, June 13th and runs through Saturday, June 16th. The format of the camp includes morning practices followed by evening games. The evening games are open to the public, and take place at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s game will take place at 6:30 p.m. Admission is just $1.00; concession and beverage stands will be open.
Six veteran Buccaneers will be in attendance at camp:

Defensemen:
Luke Irwin (Bloomington, Minnesota)
Jim Scatchell (Carol Stream, Illinois)

Forwards:
Ross Carlson (Duluth, Minnesota)
Mark Langdon (Rochester, New York)
Andy Nelson (Superior, Wisconsin)

Goaltender:
Jason Brown (Red Deer, Alberta)

Prior to Saturday night’s game, a special “thank you” tailgate party for season ticket holders only will be held in front of the Metro Ice Sports Arena. From 4-6:00 p.m. ticket holders will be treated to free hot dogs, brats, and soda, and will enjoy $1.00 draws of beer. The party will feature special appearances by Head Coach Bob Ferguson and former Buccaneer goaltender Scott Clemmensen, an Urbandale native who played for this year’s NCAA Frozen Four Championship Hockey Team, the Boston College Eagles. Clemmensen was recently signed by the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. All season ticket holders received post cards in the mail that will serve as their admission ticket to the party.

For Immediate Release, June 6, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

Attention season ticket holders:
Bob's Back! Come to the celebration on June 16th!

6.6.01: It's a thank-you tailgate party for Buccaneer season ticket holders on Saturday, June 16th, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.! Former Head Coach Bob Ferguson is back to lead the Bucs this season, and all season ticket holders are invited to welcome him to Des Moines! Bob will stop in at the party, along with former Buc goaltender and member of this year's NCAA Div. 1 Championship Hockey team, Scott Clemmensen!

This party is a thank-you for our season ticket holders and their families! All season ticket holders will be getting a postcard in the mail this week to use as an admission ticket, since the party is a season ticket holder exclusive.

The party will be held in the Metro Ice Sports Arena front parking lot (if rain, party will be inside) on Saturday June 16th, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. This is the final day of the 2001 Recruiting/Evaluation Camp…come to the tailgate party, then stick around for the 6:30 p.m. game!

- FREE HOT DOGS, POLISH & SODA, $1.00 BEER DRAWS
- LAST CHANCE TO RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKET SEATS FOR 2001-02!
OFFICE WILL BE OPEN DURING PARTY FOR LAST MINUTE RENEWALS.

For Immediate Release, May 23, 2001
Contact: Andrea Gengler (515-278-9757)

BUCS ANNOUNCE RETURN OF BOB FERGUSON TO HEAD COACH POSITION

In a dramatic move, the Des Moines Buccaneers today announced the return of the most popular and successful head coach in the team's storied 22-year history. Bob Ferguson, who led the Des Moines Buccaneers to two national championships in the mid ’90s, has been re-hired for the 2001-2002 season.

Bob Ferguson was the coach of the Buccaneers from 1990-91 through the 1994-95 seasons and was elected to the Buccaneer Hall of Fame in 2000. The return of Ferguson is sure to delight fans who packed the Metro Ice Sports Arena to overflowing and watched Des Moines win the regular season Anderson Cup twice (93-94 and 94-95). The team finished no lower than second-place during his first tenure while compiling a record of 170 wins, 57 losses and 13 ties. Also during the first Ferguson era the team won the Clark Cup in 1992 and 1995 as United States Hockey League playoff champions and the Gold Cup for winning the USA Hockey Jr. A National Championships in 1992 and 1995.

Ferguson was named USHL Coach of the Year four times and General Manager of the Year four times during his 14 years in the USHL. (He spent nine seasons coaching the Sioux City Musketeers before being lured to Des Moines. He is the only person to coach two different USHL teams (Des Moines and Sioux City) to national junior championships.

Since leaving Des Moines following the team’s Triple Crown Championship in 1995, Ferguson led the Indianapolis Ice of the International Hockey League (AAA affiliate of the National Hockey League Chicago Blackhawks) to 127 wins, 98 losses and 21 ties and one conference championship in three seasons. Following those winning campaigns he helped establish a very successful new East Coast Hockey League franchise, the Florida Everblades (Ft. Myers, FL), an affiliate of the NHL Carolina Hurricanes, where his record was 135-61-51 with one division and one conference championships. Ferguson was selected ECHL Coach of the Year in both of his first two seasons with the Everblades.

“My family and I are very excited to be returning to Des Moines. We have missed the area, the fans and the enthusiasm of junior hockey very much. The Buccaneers are one of the most respected organizations in all of hockey, and it is an honor for me to continue my career in the USHL,” reports Bob Ferguson.

“The Buccaneer Advisory Board felt that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring Bob back to Des Moines. We expect him to ‘fan the flames’ of excitement that Tom Carroll and Scott Owens have kept burning during his absence,” explained Ellis Moose, board president. “Bob is a proven winner; Buccaneer fans and players will love his approach to the game. We would definitely like to express our gratitude to Tom Carroll for his service to our organization.”

Current Buccaneer assistant coaches both played for Ferguson, Nick Krueger, 1991-93; and Craig Hagkull, 1994-95. Both earned national championship rings for their efforts.

Former head coach Tom Carroll, who was 67-41-6 in his two seasons while extending the Buccaneers string of consecutive playoff appearances to fifteen, is currently pursuing other opportunities.