2001 Clark Cup Game Commentary
Bucs Drop Game 1
Omaha, NE (3.30.01): It was everything an Omaha - Des Moines playoff game should be, as the Lancer faithful saw their home team win 4-1. It was a hard-fought game, with both teams playing as if they were playing in the last hockey game they would ever play.
The Buccaneers opened the scoring when Gus Groslie scored his 24th goal of the season. The opening goal came one minute into the second period, right after the Bucs had killed off their third powerplay of the game.
The Lancers tied it up with 5 minutes remaining in the second period on a powerplay. They scored again one minute later. The Lancers scored two more goals in the third period.
With less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, a Lancer appeared to shoot the puck at the Buccaneer coaching staff, causing quite a stir. Cooler heads prevailed, but the tone for game two was set.
Groslie (Campbell) scored for the Bucs. Mantua was in goal and faced 31 shots.
Jeff Yurecko's shot slips past the Omaha goalie.
Game 2 To Lancers
Des Moines, IA (3.31.01): The Buccaneers lost game two of the Clark Cup playoffs, 5-2, making next Tuesday's game in Omaha a must win situation. .
In the photo , the puck is on its way to the back of the Lancer net. Jeff Yurecko's goal brought the Bucs within one goal of the Lancers, but the Lancers would run it to 5 -1 before the Bucs would score again. The Lancer was lead was just too much to overcome as the Lancer defense was able to keep the Buc's from scoring on the few shots they were able to get.
Yurecko (PP) (Groslie) and Klema (unassisted) scored for the Bucs. Mantua was in goal and faced 38 shots.
Season Ends For Bucs;
Preparation Begins for Next Season
Omaha, NE (4.3.01): Last year in round 1 of the Clark Cup playoffs, The Buccaneers knocked off Omaha winning 3 of 4 games; this year the Lancers repaid the favor by winning all three games. The loss ended the season for the Buccaneers and sent Omaha on to round 2.
The Buccaneers peppered Omaha goaltender Fraser early, but could not get the puck past him, and as the game went on his play just kept getting stronger. In an attempt to get something going, the Bucs took chances and the Lancers took advantage, scoring 2 goals in the first, three in the second, and two in the third to win 7 - 0. Brown and Mantua teamed up for 35 saves.
We wish the Buccaneers all the best as they head back home. Have a great summer and thanks for choosing to play with the Buccaneers.
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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.