Buccaneers to stay in Des Moines; Team sold to Des Moines group

The purchase of the Des Moines Buccaneers and lease of the Metro Ice Sports Arena was finalized today by a group of Des Moines area business people which includes Minnesota-based Central Ventures, Inc. The transaction with Beal Bank and the Greater Des Moines Ice Sports Association brings resolution to a situation that pushed the team to the brink of financial ruin.  The new owner of the Buccaneers is Buccaneers Hockey, LLC.

The sale ensures that the longtime members of America’s Tier I League will participate as members of the USHL in the coming season.   ?The league is pleased that Buccaneers Hockey LLC was able to consummate an agreement to insure the future of the Buccaneers,? said USHL Commissioner Gino Gasparini. ?Obviously, our concerns have been relieved now that this historic member of the USHL will be operating in the 2003-04 season.?

Negotiations stalled for a period when an amicable agreement could not be reached on a long-term land lease.   ?The Buccaneers belong in Des Moines,? said Buccaneers Hockey representative Brian Schoenborn. ?We hope the community and the people who support hockey in the area will rally behind the Bucs to make sure this is a solid USHL member.?

USHL training camps are set to open later this month. The league will kick off its 25th Anniversary season in traditional fashion at the 2003 Buc Bowl Preseason Tournament, in Des Moines, Iowa., beginning Sept. 11.