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A.J. Says "No Way", stopping 56 shots!

Urbandale, IA (9.28.02): The leaves are beginning to break out in fall colors, the air is cool and the sun warm during the day, and the nights dip into the 50's... Yes, Buc fans hockey season is here! While most of central Iowa has been wrapped-up in the Iowa State vs Nebraska and Iowa vs Penn State football games, the faithful were pulling out their Buc gear and heading to the ice arena to get their first glimpse of the team that coach Ferguson has put together.

One thing about the coach is that he really cares about the players and their advancement to the next level. It has been exciting to see how they have come together since the first exhibition game. They look much smoother - more of a team. Because so many USHL teams have returning veterans, it will be challenging for the Bucs, who only have 3 returning players. Tonight we will see how the new team responds to a seasoned Waterloo squad that is 1-0 in regular season play (beating Tri-city 2-1).

Several minutes before the game was to begin, the lights went out and the excitement began to rise as the crowd rose to their feet. The team was introduced and then the starting line-up. The puck dropped and the season had begun!

The Bucs took control and the resulting pressure forced a Waterloo penalty only a minute into play. The Bucs were unable to capitalize on the advantage, although they had several quality scoring chances. Waterloo took another penalty at 5:34 and then again at 6:51. Eric Helstedt took a pass from Evan Stoflet and gave the Bucs their first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. The lead did not last long as 2 and a half minutes later Joe Pavelski of Waterloo knocked in a loose puck to make it 1-1. A.J. had stopped the initial shot, but could not hold onto the rebound.

Eric Helstedt and Evan Stoflet teamed up again 4 minutes later to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead. Eric came to the Bucs from the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the AWHL, and his experience and hustle should result in many more goals for the Bucs. The period ended with a 2-1 lead. Both goalies made 16 saves.

The second period was dominated by Waterloo as they outshot the Bucs 21-14. The Bucs did have some great scoring chances, like when Mike Neilon was robbed at point-blank range by Waterloo goalie Jordan Parise. Mike's shot hit the top of the goalies helmet and went wide. Meanwhile, A.J. Bucchino was getting a workout. A.J. turned away shot after shot, making miraculous saves. This kid is fast and really sees the puck well. When the second period was over the score was tied at 2 each.

The third period Waterloo again put 21 shots on goal. A.J. said "no way!" as he stopped them all. The Buc fans cheered their approval as A.J. made his statement! The Buc offense was not through... 1:55 into the period Joel Kitchen knocked the puck loose from an attacked and then turned up-ice with a Buccaneer trailing on his left. The Waterloo D could not keep up, and Joel lit the lamp to give the Bucs a 3-2 lead. The goal just caused the Black Hawks to intensify their efforts. A.J. did his thing and it was the Bucs who were to score the next two goals. At 11:11 Denny Reagan got an assist from defenseman Travis Anderson to make it 4-2. Waterloo pulled their goalie with a minute and a half, and put a flurry of shots on A.J. Team Captain Marty Guerin let loose a slap shot from the blue-line with 1 second left to make the final score 5-2. The assist went to Jon Rudnick.

The Bucs had won a hard-fought game against a spirited, well-coached team. It is going to be a fun season!

Second Period Slump Dooms Bucs

Urbandale, IA (10.5.02): Cedar Rapids took advantage of a second period Buccaneer slump to score 3 goals and hand the Bucs their first loss of the new season, 5-3. According to Coach Ferguson, the Bucs did not play a bad game, they just made some bad decisions in their own end that the Rough Riders were able to cash-in on. "We have a young team, and these things are going to happen early in the season".

If the Bucs would have played the entire game like they did in the first frame, the outcome of the game would have been different. The Bucs scored their first goal 8:11 into the period when Bryce Anderson won a face-off and then took a quick shot that bounced off of Wes Russell's catching glove into the net. Bryce's goal tied the game at 1 goal each.

The Bucs scored again 8 minutes later when Denny Reagan assisted Jamie Hoffman to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead. It was the first goal of the season for the highly scouted Hoffman, and put him in a 6-way tie for most points on the Buccaneer squad. If you have not yet discovered pointstreak.com, be sure to check it out. They track all USHL stats in real-time.

The period went by fast as both teams were skating fast, without a single penalty called the entire period.

The Bucs had begun the second period with a 2-1 lead, but it was not to last long. Kevin Brooks scored just 2 minutes into the period to tie the game. Cedar Rapids ran it up to 4-2 before the buzzer sounded. The Bucs had 7 shots for the period while Cedar Rapids had 17.

The third period began like the first, but the Bucs gradually began to regain some composure. With 5 minutes left in the game Cedar Rapids was called for a penalty and Marty Guerin brought the Bucs within a goal, 4-3. The goal was scored after a flurry in front of the net. Kyle Bushee dug the puck out and passed to Marty who was off to the side, just a few feet from the boards. He took the tough-angle shot and buried it. The crowd, which had been very quiet the whole game began to come to life. The Bucs pressed and were caught. Troy Brummett came in all alone on A.J. Bucchino and went top shelf to make the score 5-3 with a minute left in the game. The Bucs were unable to recover and the game ended in a Rough Rider victory.

Bucs Fall to Topeka, 3-1

Urbandale, IA (10.11.02): The Buccaneers fell to Topeka 3-1 Friday night, losing their second game of the young season. Buccaneer goaltender A.J. Bucchino again had another work-out as the Bucs again gave up 40+ shots on goal. Had A.J. not been sharp in the net, the score would have been much worse.

Coach Ferguson commented after the game that it was the first time he sensed that the team was struggling mentally with the game. The struggle showed up on the ice as the Bucs were unable to make clean passes and made numerous assignment mistakes. The sparse crowd did not help matters, as the cheering was few and far between. It is not that people are avoiding hockey games, it is just that they go for "Football Friday" in a big way (Friday in central Iowa is called "Football Friday" because of the Friday night high school football games).

The Bucs were down 3-0 before finally scoring early in the third period. Casey Russell and Tomas Jasko assisted Jon Rudnick in the lone goal for the Buccaneers.

Bucs Beat Lancers in Shoot-Out, 6-5

Urbandale, IA (10.12.02): The name may have changed from Omaha to River City, but the rivalry is as strong as it has ever been, and it took a shoot-out to decide the outcome of the first meeting of the two teams this season. As it should be, the home team prevailed, 6-5.

Before the game, the coach had talked to the team about their performance against Topeka last night, and how they seemed to be "forcing" things, wanting to play so well for the home crowd that they ending up making mistakes. Tonight, he wanted them to remember that hockey was a game, and that games are supposed to be fun.

As it is in so many areas of life, the right attititude makes all the difference in the world. When the puck dropped at the start of the game, the Bucs were playing with an intensity and freshness that was fun to watch. The Bucs were skating the puck out of their zone (instead of just icing it like last night) and making good passes up the ice.

Six minutes into the game the pressure on the Lancer net paid off as Jamie Hoffman fed Ryan Dingle to make the score 1-0. The crowd roared their approval. Four minutes later Mike Franks made it 2-0 on an assist from Kyle Bushee. At the end of the period, the Bucs held a 2-0 lead, even though the Lancers had 2 more shots on goal.

The second period was a fast-paced affair as momentum shifted in favor of the Lancers. The Buc defense made mental mistakes with the puck, giving the Lancers 19 shots on goal compared to just 5 for the Bucs. Ryan Dingle scored first for the Bucs on a breakaway (see photo above). Ryan has the moves and speed, and he blew past the defense and left the highly-rated Vicari wondering what happened as the Bucs made it 3-0. Less than a minute later the Lancers scored to make it 3-1. The Lancers scored on a powerplay to make it 3-2, but Buccaneer captain Marty Guerin went top shelf on a breakaway to make it 4-2. The Lancer connected on another power play to make it 4-3 at the end of the period. The Lancers had outshot the Bucs 19-5 in the period.

Buc goalie A.J. Bucchino was getting a work-out, and the third period was no better as he faced 23 shots! The Bucs seemed to be on their heels the entire period as they were only able to get off 3 shots. Even so, the Bucs were able to score at 15:47 when our two "imports" hooked up. Joel Kitchen (Orillia, Ontario, Canada) assisted Tomas Jasko (Bratslavia, Slovakia) to give the Bucs a 5-3 lead.

The Lancers pulled thier goalie and scored at 18:06 to pull within a goal. Now, I don't want to sound like a whiner that resorts to complaining about the officiating, but what happened 28 seconds later was too much for me. The Lancers had a pile of guys on top of our goalie in the crease and the puck was buried in the mess. Long after the whistle should have blown the puck squirted from the pile past the blue-line, to tie the game at 5 each, and send the game into overtime. After the game the coach commented that it was a good lesson for the Bucs on what not to do when you have a 2 goal lead on the Lancers.

The Bucs came out smoking for the overtime, not allowing the Lancers a single shot on goal. Although they came close they were not able to put it away, so the game went into overtime. Both goalies were supurb in the shoot-out, and Matt Burto was the only one able to score. His shot beat Vicari cleanly and puckered the back of the net as the red light went on and the crowd jumped to their feet. Omaha's last shooter was ex-Buccaneer Tom Kolar. When he failed to score, the crowd went crazy and the Bucs mobbed Bucchino. Before the Bucs were able to get to Bucchino, Kolar congratulated A.J. - Kolar has real class.

The Bucs had defeated the Omaha, I mean River City Lancers in another classis battle between the two USHL teams. What a game!

Bucs Drop First Road Game, 3-2

Lincoln, NE (10.15.02): Period 1: The Bucs started off the period early, killing off a two-man power play for Lincoln. Lincoln was able to move the puck around, then feed to point and with A.J. Bucchino screened, Mike Eickman gave the Stars the early 1-0 lead at 4:58. The period finished with chances with both teams, but Lincoln having the upper-hand in SOG 12-7 and the 1-0 lead, heading into the locker room.

Period 2: 0:28 seconds into the period, Lincoln was on the power play. The Bucs almost killed it off, but Chris Porter gave the Stars the 2-0 at 2:27 mark. Bucs were able to crack Philippe Lamoureux at the 8:59 mark as Matt Burto feed the point man, Evan Stoflet, who threw a shot at the net, that Eric Helstedt re-directed to the 5-hole to cut the lead to 2-1. Then at the 13:53 mark the Bucs were on a 2 man advantage power play. About 0:30 seconds into the power play, the Bucs tied the game 2-2, Jamie Hoffmann was credited with the goal an assist to Travis Anderson at the 14:23 mark. The period ended 2-2.

Period 3: Dan Irmen re-claimed the lead for the Stars at the 1:08 mark with a wrap-around to make it 3-2 Stars. Both teams had their chances in the 3rd to either to pad their lead or tie the game in the 3rd, but both goalies were up to the task. With about a minute left, the Bucs pulled Bucchino, but were not able to sustain an offensive attack as the Stars were able to clear the puck and win 3-2. Written by Kevin Kasel

Bucs Beat Green Bay in Shoot-out, 6-5

Green Bay, WI (10.18.02): Period 1: 2:30 into the game the Gamblers draw first blood with a goal from Kelly Plude with assists to Nate Higgins and Kyle Klubertanz. About 4 minutes later, while on the power play, Nate Higgins increases the lead to 2-0 with assists to Nate Hansen and Brandon Longley. About a minute an half later Evan Stoflet throws a shot on net that finds its way in the net to cut the lead in half, 2-1. About four minutes later Tomas Jasko ties it up on the power play with assists to Jamie Hoffmann and Ryan Dingle at 12:23. As the game reaches the final minute, Jasko is coming in for a shot, but fans on the shot; Ryan Dingle was trailing and scored the go-ahead goal at the 19:05 mark. Period ends 3-2 in the favor of the Bucs.

Period 2: The Bucs have their chances early on the power play, but Eric Pfligler and the Gambler defense keep it a 3-2 game. Ryan Dingle then goes off for holding to killing off the remaining 0:17 seconds of the Bucs' power play. On the Gamblers' ensuing power play, Josh Hansen ties it up with assists to Wes O'Neill and Longley at 8:31. With about 15 minutes gone, Bucs get caught on a change and Bob Kenworthy goes off for tripping and on top of that, the Bucs were called for too many men on the ice to give the Gamblers a 2-minute 5-on-3 power play. At 16:33 mark, Adams re-claims the lead for the Gamblers with assists to once again O'Neill and Longley. The Gamblers are currently 3 for 9 on the power play. The period ends with the Gamblers leading 4-3.

Period 3: Bucs start off early with a power play, but is negated a short time later by a penalty called on Mike Neilon. The Gamblers once again cash in on the Buccaneers' failure to play "smart road hockey", the Gamblers' Plude scores their 4th power play goal to make it 5-3 Gamblers. Bucs catch somewhat of a break; there is problems with the net and there is a 5-7 minute break in the action while the maintenance fixes the problem. Soon after Bryce Anderson brings the Bucs within 1 with assists to Mike Franks and Kyle Bushee at 5:27 mark. Then at the 7:41 point, the Bucs thought they tied it from Neilon, but there was a penalty on Joel Kitchen to wave off the goal. Then we give the Gamblers their 3rd 5-on-3 opportunity, this is a short 5-on-3. We kill off the first of the penalties. Bushee feeds Jasko comes in the zone an somehow Kenworthy scores his second of the night, this one short-handed to tie it 5-5 at 10:04 mark. The period ends 5-5 a side.

Overtime: This is the first overtime period for Gamblers this season and this will be their first point for the season. The Gamblers have a golden opportunity off a face-off, has a Gambler walks in, but is tied up by Jasko and clears the zone. The period ends 5-5 and we go into a shoot-out. Written by Kevin Kasel.

Gamblers Get Revenge, 3-1

Green Bay, WI (10.19.02): Period 1: Bucs has a power play about 7 minutes into the period and apply the pressure during the power play. The Gamblers defense and goal-tending was up to the challenge. At 10:43 Kelly Plude feeds Brett Colburn, who gives the Gamblers the early 1-0 lead. 3 minutes later the Bucs are on the power play again, but are unable to convert. At 15:21 Travis Anderson goes off for high-sticking, which the Bucs are able to kill off. The period ends 1-0 Gamblers favor.

Period 2: 4:22 into the period Jake Taylor gets a rebound and gives the Gamblers a 2-0 lead. Then while on the power play Tomas Jasko scores at 6:26 point to make it 2-1 Gamblers, with assists to Mike Neilon and Joel Kitchen. The Gamblers are able to increase the lead to 2 goals at the 13:47 mark with the goal credited to Troy Lother and assists to Jonathan Ralph and Bret Adams. The period ends with the Gamblers leading 3-1.

Period 3: Bucs have the chances in the period, but before you know it, we have completed 10 minutes of play with the score still 3-1. At the 16 minute mark, the Bucs get their 6th power play opportunity of the night. The Bucs are unable to convert and the game ends with the Gamblers winning 3-1 and avoiding the Lancers' "infamous" record. Written by Kevin Kasel.

Bucs Win Another Shoot-out

Urbandale, IA (10.25.02): Coach Ferguson would have preferred to win in regulation time Friday night, but when it came to a shoot-out to decide the outcome of the game, he had to like the Bucs' odds... two of the last three Buc wins have been in shoot-outs. The Bucs kept the streak going and made it three of four when Ryan Dingle and Mike Franks scored in the shoot-out, giving the Bucs a 5-4 win.

After the game, the coach commented that he thought it was one of the best 57 1/2 minutes the Bucs had played this season. The forwards were forechecking and the majority of the game was played in front of the Cedar Rapids net. Unfortunately for the Bucs, the few breakdowns they did have resulted in Roughrider goals.

Despite controlling the flow of the game, the Roughriders took a 1-0 first period lead, then stretched it to 2-0 just 22 seconds into the second period on a power play.

Captain Marty Guerin got the Bucs on the board on a tough angle shot that surprised Cedar Rapids goalie Wes Russell. Assists went to Bob Kenworthy and Bryce Anderson. Marty is improving every game as his knee gets stronger (he was out part of last season with a knee operation). Cedar Rapids made it 3-1 early in the third period when Tyler Howells went top shelf on a breakaway.

Two and a half minutes later Jon Rudnick (Matt Burto) scored the first of three unanswered Buccaneer tallies to give the Bucs a 4-3 lead. Less than a minute later Jamie Hoffman tied the score at 3-3. Hard-working Mike Neilon (Kyle Bushee) completed the scoring flurry when he scored a power play goal at 10:59.

The Bucs seemed to have things under control, and when the Roughriders were called for a roughing penalty at 17:23, their victory seemed assured. According to the coach, the team seemed to go into a defensive posture, trying hard to not to make a mistake - which of course led to a mistake. Tyler Howells scored a short-handed goal to tie the game with 37 seconds remaining. The game went into overtime and then into a shoot-out.

A.J. Bucchino was solid in net stopping all but one shooter. Ryan Dingle shot first for the Bucs and scored. Tomas Jasko and Matt Burto were stopped, but Mike Franks blew the top of the net out to give the Bucs the win. The Bucs had played a solid game and showed what was possible when they played the system the coaching staff is teaching them. Also see 11 photos in the photo section.

Disclaimer
This is a game summary and commentary from a Buccaneer fan's point of view, and the viewpoints expressed in this column DO NOT necessarily reflect those of the Des Moines Buccaneer's organization.