Triple Crown eludes Bucs
Summary: Lincoln, NE (5/5/99): The Bucs attempt to claim the Triple Crown ended tonight as the Compuware Ambassadors took the Gold Cup with a convincing 3 - 1 win. Compuware was the last non-USHL team to win the Gold Cup, doing so in 1993-94. For the Bucs it was the end of a record setting season, winning the Anderson Cup, the Clark Cup, having the most wins in a season, and the most consecutive wins. It was certainly a year to be proud of.
The Bucs looked flat for the first two periods, and were bottled up in their own zone killing off 5 Compuware powerplays. The loan Buc goal came on a powerplay with 1:34 left in the second period. The Bucs picked it up in the third period, but never seemed to play like the Bucs we know. Matt Carney stopped 32 shots, while the Bucs put 33 shots on goal. In the next week we will have an interview with Coach Owens, Sarah will have her rant, and will be posting movies and pictures from the tournament.
Jensen (PP) (Smrek, Fregoe) scored for the Bucs.
Pre Game
I realize this is a really late rant, and part of the reason is because I didn’t want to even talk about what happened Wednesday. The other reason is when I got back home I had finals and then dance recitals that took up all my time (besides work). So I got a little busy. Of course Sunday was a day I could finally rest, and besides it was Mother’s Day. Are these good excuses? Nah, not really, but it will have to do. Some things got a little more important after Wednesday night and I was attempting not to dwell on the negative. The Bucs had a presentation and autograph session Thursday night at the ice arena. Though not as many people showed up as would have if they’d won the Gold Cup it was still a decent amount. All the radio stations even showed up for the event. The Bucs looked a great deal happier then they had on Wednesday night when most of the fans showed up at the locker room to cheer them players on. I’ve never seen a group of players so disgusted to be supported. I understand, if it was me in that locker room I’d probably hide until it was all over, or sneak out the back. Purely because I wouldn’t want to talk to anybody, but then that’s just me.
First Period
I really wish I had something decent to say about the game in general. I can find a few things, but not many. Carney played very well, there’s one thing. We got one goal, there’s another thing. I’m not going to blast anybody, because there’s no need to. The fans that were there saw what the game looked like, the players who played know what happened, and everyone knows that the Bucs are still the best team in the States. We proved ourselves well enough throughout the entire tournament. Every single player should be proud and so should the coach, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much talent.
Second Period
The Bucs scored the only goal in the second period with a mere minute and a half left, by this time Compuware was already leading the game. Jensen got the power play goal (assist to Smrek and Fregoe). I think perhaps what was getting to be the saddest thing about the whole game is just how quiet our fans were. I realize there wasn’t a whole lot to cheer for, but that shouldn’t have stopped us. I berate myself as much, because I certainly didn’t feel like cheering.
Third Period
During the third period things were looking steadily worse. At least until the very end of the period, when things started to look up as well as down. Chin, who I know is a great person and player, took a very stupid penalty when he slammed a guy from behind. I don’t want to make this any worse then maybe it all is, but that was totally uncalled for. There was no reason to take a running start to check the guy from behind, had that done damage it would have been very sad indeed. Luckily it did not do any great harm. Our boys seemed to spark up a bit after a time out near the end, but it wasn’t going to be enough. We’d dug ourselves a hole that we couldn’t get out of. So we ended up with our first loss of the tournament, the one that was the most important. A happy Detroit team won the Gold Cup, and I do believe they deserved it, not that our guys didn’t. But that’s life.
End Notes: It was a joy to watch this team this past year and a joy to see Owens mold them into what they became. A team that when the played together and worked hard, nobody could beat. We won two out of three cups, had many records, and did an amazing job all season. I want to wish every player and Owens the best of luck for their future careers, whether it be in hockey or not. I also want to thank all the parents of the players who care so much about what we do here with this website. Without your support it wouldn’t be worth it. If in some small way we are able to make your separation from your son easier, then I am happy. It was nice to meet everyone and hope that you will keep in touch!
See everyone next season!
Written by Sarah Bendy
Falling Stars light scoreboard
Summary: Lincoln, NE (5/4/99): The sign taped up behind the Buc fans said it all, "We see falling Stars" as the Buccaneers drubbed the Stars 8 to 1. The Buccaneers dominated the game from the first face off and never let up. It only took the Bucs 5 minutes to score as Jim Jackson fed Noah Clarke who tapped it into the open net. Garrett Stafford scored with less than a minute left in the first period for what was to be the game winner.
The Bucs then scored 2 goals in the second period, one coming on a shorthanded breakaway masterpiece by Peter Sejna. The Bucs added 4 more goals in the third period, with Kelly Miller showing his skill weaving through the D and beating Russell on a great deke. Matt Carney faced 35 shots and was outstanding in goal. Matt has only let in 2 goals in 4 games.
The Bucs play Detroit Compuware this Wednesday at 7PM for the National Junior A Championship. For more info, see the complete Gold Cup schedule, scores and standings page.
Day 4
Lets start with the scratches for tonights game: Sarah will not be doing the rant today as she has finals at college and Wade Chiodo will be out with a leg injury. Also, for those of you that can not make it to the game, it will be broadcast on public television. Other than that, the Bucs are ready to go. And when I say go, I mean go. In three games the Bucs have looked unbeatable, allowing just 2 goals in 3 games with a shutout of powerhouse Compuware. The offense is just as potent scoring 18 goals with a balanced attack. In the 3:00 game the Lancers had come back from a 3-1 deficit on two third period 5 on 3 powerplay goals. The game went into overtime where the Ambassadors ended it quickly to advance to the finals. It was a disappointing season end for a talented Lancer team. The Bucs will be playing the Stars, a team that they had swept during the regular season and beat 3 games to 2 in the Clark Cup playoffs. If the Bucs continue with the type of game they have been playing in the Gold Cup tournament, they should advance. Of course, Lincoln has the home ice and crowd on their side. Some of the Stars fans embarrassed themselves, their city, their state, and their country by yelling "Stars!" twice during the national anthem. Don't they realize how many people have sacrificed and died for this country? The national anthem is about this - not celebrating their hockey team.
Period 1
Although the Bucs were the home team, the Stars did their excellent "home" laser and light show, getting the crowd whipped into a frenzy. The Bucs took control of the game early, spreading out and using the entire sheet of ice. Their passing was crisp and the team looked focused. The first goal game at 15:46 when Jim Jackson got the puck at the blue line and faked a slap shot, freezing the D. He quickly passed to Noah Clarke who was all alone on the other side of the net. Noah could have driven a truck into the gapping hole, and had no trouble putting in the puck instead.
With 1:48 left in the period, the Stars took a penalty giving the Bucs a powerplay. Nick Field was coming in on a break and was taken down to save the scoring chance. Pete Fregoe won the face off and got the puck to Peter Sejna. Sejna, who has been playing his best ever, skated with the puck toward the net drawing several defenseman. He passed to Garrett Stafford who was all alone on the other side of the goal. Smack! Red light! Bucs lead 2 - 0. The Bucs were 1 for 2 on the powerplay and killed off 1 Lincoln powerplay. Matt Carney ended up with 10 saves while Russell had 11.
Period 2
With 3 minutes gone in the third period, Nick Field put the Bucs up 3-0 with assists from Mark Krueger and Jerrid Reinholz. Mark Krueger was having a very good game. Five minutes later Lincoln scored what was to be their only goal of the night. The goal was the result of odd man rush, resulting when a Buc D got his skates crossed up and fell. The goal woke up the crowd and it got really loud. The goal did not seem to deter the Bucs at all. They looked cool and calm. The Stars put some pressure on Carney, but he was up to the challenge.
The Bucs next goal came at 4:20 on a Lincoln powerplay. Peter Sejna, poked the puck away at the Buc blue line and raced down the ice all alone. He came in from the right side, got Russell to go down on a fake, and then crossed to the left in front of net and slid it into the wide open net. Peter Sejna raised his stick in celebration and the red light finally came on. The Bucs were ahead 4-1. The Bucs killed off 2 Lincoln powerplays, and Carney had made 8 saves in the period. Russell had 11 saves.
Period 3
As the period started, the Bucs continued their quick pace and at 13:15 Peter Sejna crossed the blue line with the D in hot pursuit. The puck was on end and Peter had to wait till the last minute to pass to Michael Chin who had slipped by the D unnoticed on the other side of the ice. Michael slapped the puck into the net and the Bucs were up 5-1. The goal quieted the fans down big time.
At 7:46, Matt Carney cleared the puck to KC Caudill who passed to Kelly Miller who took the puck on his own blueline. Kelly raced by several Star forwards and was picke up by 2 Lincoln defenseman at the Star blueline. Kelly danced around both of the D, came in on Russell, faked him out too, and made the score 6-1. The first thing you heard from the crowd was a collective "wow" in response to Kelly's moves, and then the cheers from the Buc fans. As I looked out into the stands, you could see the Stars fans leaving. Within minutes the place was half full. Two minutes later Nick Stodgell scored on a blue line blast, assisted by Mark Krueger and Dan Donnette. Several Buc fans held up a 12 foot banner that read "We see falling Stars", drawing boos from the Star fans and a huge B-U-C-S cheer. The Bucs final goal came when Nick Field got the puck to Mark Krueger who was at the top of the circle. Mark let loose a blast and Russell left a juicy rebound that Dan Donnette pounced on. The Bucs were up 8 to 1 with 2 minutes left in the game. The Stars fans were leaving in droves, leaving the true Star fans to cheer their team when they accepted their award at the end of the game. Matt Carney had a game total of 34 saves, and the Bucs had a total of 37 shots on goal. Next stop, the Gold Cup.
Written by Steve Bendy
Bucs blank Compuware 3 - 0
Summary: Lincoln, NE (5/2/99): The Des Moines Buccaneers advanced to the top seed of the Gold Cup semifinals with a 3-0 shutout of the NAHL champions, the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors. Matt Carney stopped all 19 shots in the game and has only allowed 1 goal in 3 Gold Cup games.
Matt Shasby opened the scoring in the first period with a shorthanded goal on a one-timer from Noah Clarke. Wade Chiodo scored goal number 2 with a blast from the blue line that the goalie never saw. Jerrid Reinholz went top shelf to score the Bucs third and final goal when Peter Sejna put a perfect pass on his stick. The Bucs ended the game with 34 shots on goal. The Bucs play Lincoln this Tuesday at 7PM, for more info, see the complete Gold Cup schedule, scores and standings page.
Shasby (Clarke, Fregoe), Chiodo (Clarke, Fregoe) and Reinholz (Sejna) scored for the Bucs.
Day 3
When people start emailing me and complaining in the guestbook about what a terrible person I am and how awfully wrong I am, I know I'm doing a good job. Because normally you hear the negative side of things, not the positive side. And as Ranfranz had said, whether it's negative or not, it's attention. So thank you everone, for all your wonderfully terse comments. They spur me on to even greater feats of vituperation. At the very least, remember this, even if you do hate me...if I had nothing at all interesting in my Rant, there would be no reason to read it. It's always fun to hate something, to disagree, to assert your own opinion and I encourage you all to do that. As I do here.
I know a lot of people are very interested in what's happening with the coaching position. Though I haven't got all the details, and that won't happen until it's made public... I've had it from an unidentifiable source that the possible candidates are not Bob Ferguson or Ellis Moose. The decision should be made in about 10 days, seeing that all the candidates are too busy right now thinking of other things. Like the Stanley Cup. No Red Wing is being left unturned. Also, you didn't hear any of this from me.
The weather in Lincoln turned ugly on Sunday. It had been so nice the whole time and now it was rainy and damp. No sun for our 11 a.m. game. Since we were inside for it though, it really had no impending difference on the game itself. This was the one game many of our fans were a bit worried about. Also it was the one game that would probably be more exciting then the rest of the series had been so far. It proved to be a little better, but we still dominated a tired Compuware team. Neither team played rough, at least at first. The ref was determined to call more then had been previously called, to keep anything from really happening.
Omaha would go on to play the Sting later in the day, and Billings got the spot with Lincoln. Which had to be dissapointing, because it seemed Lincoln was assured to win against the Bulls. I have nothing but respect for the Bulls fans who traveled all the way down to cheer on their team! That's not a small distance. If there were Compuware fans in their, they kept quiet, of course there wasn't much to cheer for either. Plus Lincoln fans were busy cheering for Detroit as well...anybody but the USHL I suspect.
The first period itself was slow, but it didn't look like Compuware had any edge, because they looked as slow as we did. Nothing really started happening until the end of the period. When Jensen got called for high sticking at 17:50 it gave us an oportunity that we hadn't expected. Shasby got himself a short handed goal (assist to Clarke and Fregoe). This goal was beautiful, the passing was excellent and Kowalski didn't stand a chance.
Right away in the first period the play stayed right where it was supposed to be, at least from a Buc perspective. Carney was basically in the arm chair and our guys were working their butt's off. Clarke, Miller, and Krueger all had an excellent period and were proving their worth. The music in the arena was really great, I have to hand it to them for the eclecticness of it. I think we could learn a thing or two from the variety that was played there. Chiodo, who has had a good tournament, got himself the second goal (assist to Clarke and Fregoe) with 14:10 left in the period. With just two minutes left Reinholz got the third goal off of a feed from Sejna. Unfortunately Chiodo got hurt at the end of the period and ended up limping to the bench favoring his knee. Bum luck for that to happen at a time like this, hopefully he'll be back on soon, he's done us a great deal of good. So far everything that happened in the games seemed to be at the end of the periods. Because after this Jensen and #25 got into a fight. Jensen who was respectful for this fight had a very cheap opponent. However if you keep Jensen going long enough he'll get the better of you. Which he did, that guy had to be hurting after some of the punches Erik got to the poor guys head. Needless to say Jensen left the ice bloody and mad as anything, storming the entire way to the locker room.
It was a rather long third period, but of course I was busy trying to take pictures as well. So I didn't get much worth anything for notes. The score stayed the same from that point on and we ended up winning 3-0. Becoming the only team that had remained unbeaten throughout the series. We had dominated every team and taken even Compuware with an easy stride. Now we go on to play Lincoln at 7 on Tuesday and we'll just see what happens then. If we can play as we have all along and play our way, not losing our head, we'll be just fine. Because it's obvious we have the talent and the means. We have a title to defend and only one more cup to go. Why not send Owens out with a bang?
I will unfortunately not be at the game on Tuesday, so I expect everyone to cheer extra loud for me. I can't escape all my finals and I certainly can't miss any dress rehearsal's either. I have a recital coming up and I think I'd be shot by my fellow performers if I didn't make it to that. Everyone's already telling me hockey is more important to me...my response? "Is that a problem?"
Written by Sarah Bendy
Billings falls to Bucs 8-1
Summary: Lincoln, NE (5/1/99): The Bucs again started out slow, taking 14 minutes before Nick Field set up Matt Shasby for a tip-in on a power play. The Bucs scored again with 5 seconds left in the first period to lead 2-1. The Bucs increased the lead to 4-1 at the end of period 2 and then opened it up in the third period scoring 4 more goals.
Matt Carney made 10 saves in 2 periods before turning the net over to Frank Berenguer. The Bucs had a total of 45 shots on Marc Ranfranz, who was outstanding in net.
Shasby (PP) (Field, Jackson), Chiodo (Fregoe, Clarke), Fregoe (Clarke), Stafford (PP) (Sejna, Smrek), Sejna (PP) (Fregoe, Stafford), Fregoe (Sejna, Chin), Donnette (Caudill, Field) and Donnette (Field, Larranaga) scored for the Bucs.
Day 2
Today at 11 a.m. we played Billings. Omaha having played them the day before we had an idea of what they played like. Perhaps, it was a bad thing, because it was expected that we would win. The fans were once again gathered on the stage and were only gathering in numbers as well as getting louder. This of course, was a very good thing, and I think almost amusing to many of the Lincoln fans. Of course all these fans gathered there had to be watched over again by the arena staff, which I might add could be very rude. Oh, I heard a little rumor yesterday, don’t quote me on it, because it’s just that…a rumor. Anyway here goes, I heard that Hastings might possibly be going to CC to be assistant to Owens. It sounds a bit outlandish to me, but it’s very possible it could happen. We’ll see after the National’s what will happen. Still have no word on the possibility of our coach status.
I think in some respects that Billings expected to get slaughtered, but the Bucs didn’t play their best at first and it took them awhile to really get a grip on the game. It did come though, and we were able to beat the Bulls by a higher score then Omaha had the previous day.
I had gotten to the game a little late to begin with, because I had driven to Omaha to watch my cousin’s hockey game. Something I had to do at no costs, even if it meant missing some of the Bucs game. I had helped coach this team when I spent some time in Omaha and it had been too long since I’d seen them last. The weather had improved to even warmer temperatures since yesterday and it was nothing but enjoyable.
The real story of the game was Ranfranz and the crowd. The game would have been completely boring if not for the excitement provided here. I hope that I can truly say that many of our fans had real respect for that goalie, I know that the fans I knew were truly respectful. I got the chance to interview Ranfranz after the game, click here.
The first period was a slow start and for a short time Billings was able to tie us at one. However that all changed when with 5.6 seconds left in the period we scored our second goal. So we left the period on top. Shasby, who started out in Lincoln, got a power play goal (assist to Field and Jackson) and the first of the game. It would be Hartman for the Bulls who would tie up the game with a mere 36 seconds left and also on a power play (assist to Kolasa and Bellmore). But with that 1/2 seconds left Chiodo got his second goal of the tournament (assist to Fregoe and Clarke).
The second period we scored only two goals, these came from Pete Fregoe and Garrett Stafford. Pete’s came at 11:49 (assist to Clarke). Clarke, who by the way, is leading in the points so far in the tournament. Stafford’s goal was a power play goal and came at 8:27 (assist to Sejna and Smrek).
In the third period the Bucs took a drastic lead. Though I didn’t necessarily want it to be a slaughter I did want to have enough goals that we could use it as an advantage. This wish was granted when we scored four goals in this last period. It was all over for Billings. The first of the period was another power play goal five minutes into the third from Peter Sejna (assist to Fregoe and Stafford). Pete Fregoe got his second goal and fourth point of the period with 12:07 left (assist to Sejna and Chin). The last two goals belonged to Dan Donnette. The first at 10:33 (assist to Caudill and Field) and the second with 3:35 left (assist to Field and Larranaga).
The rest of the day was as thrilling, but was also very unpredictable. Omaha went on to lose in overtime to Detroit, however they got an extra point out of it because of that overtime. Lincoln just barely held on for a win in overtime as well to the Sting. Tomorrow (5/2) we will play Detroit, which could be hard, because they are the only team so far unbeaten (besides us). Billings is the only team that is for sure out of the race, so far Des Moines is on top, but that could all change tomorrow.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Bucs beat St. Louis Sting 7-1
Summary: Lincoln, NE (4/30/99): It took the Bucs 15 minutes to get on the score board, but once Noah Clarke broke the ice, it was clear sailing for the pirates from Des Moines. At the end of the first period the Bucs lead 2-0, and ended period two with a 6-0 lead. The Bucs looked sharp in their Gold Cup opener with crisp passing and solid defense.
Matt Carney had 12 saves for 2 periods before turning the net over to Landon Luther. Noah Clarke had 2 goals and 2 assists on the night. The Bucs had a total of 39 shots on goal while the Sting had 17.
Clarke (PP) (Reinholz), Chiodo (Fregoe, Clarke), Donnette (Caudill, Field), Fregoe (Clarke, Chiodo), Clarke (unassisted), Reinholz (Sejna, Jackson) and Caudill (Miller, Stafford) scored for the Bucs.
Day 1
The Gold Cup round robin is well on it’s way. The weather is beautiful and Lincoln has been gearing up for this "celebration." At the banquet Lincoln was ready to show us how great they can host this, trying to prove something I suppose. The banquet was very nice and had to be hard for the people who staffed it. Handing out the salads, prime rib, and potatoes. The dinner was very good, except for the chocolate-like dessert that was in place before we sat down. That was rather, interesting. Chuck Grillo gave a nice speech and though it seemed like it was oriented towards the players more then the rest of us. Which was fine, the odds were definitely in their favor. Had the pleasure of sitting with the Caudill’s, Clarke, and Ty Hennes’ parents. The general consensus was that I have to step up my Rant’s to their old insulting level. So…no apologies folks! Although, I’m not sure I really had a whole lot to complain about in this first day, I was too excited just to be here and have fun (all my finals and the end of school has really gotten to me, time for a break!).
At the games, the crowds were on the low side, which was completely expected. I’m not sure that Lincoln was expecting that though, they seemed to hope that there would be phenomenal amounts of people there. I don’t doubt that the 7 p.m. game would be crowded though. Ranfranz played for Billings in the first game (11 a.m.) against Omaha. He did a very good job, but it’s hard when you’re faced with over 50 shots. Billings would end up losing to Omaha
The Bucs played at 3 o’clock against the St. Louis Sting, who were making their first appearance in the National’s. This too seemed bound to be a blow out, and was until the Sting finely got a goal with the last five minutes in the game. Matt Carney would be in goal for all but the last period, when Landon Luther would take over. It was good to see Luther get some playing time during the National’s.
The beginning of the game was a bit slow, you could see the two teams feeling each other out. It would be a losing battle for the Sting though, who tried to intimidate by force. When the Bucs just turned away from the roughing, St. Louis had nothing to fall back on. The Bucs began to score with less then five minutes in the first period and they wouldn’t stop until the third period where they would get their seven goal tally. Colorado College bound Noah Clarke would start the scoring off of a one-timer with 4:30 left (assist to Reinholz). Noah had been completely open and accepted a solid pass from Reinholz. The second goal was all Chiodo’s (assist to Fregoe and Clarke).
I realize that Lincoln is probably excited to host this year’s National’s… and I also realize that they are a good organization, but who made the stupid rule about no air horns? And do you really consider a conch shell an air horn? My brother blows a conch shell at every home game when we score, it should be no different here, but the event staff at this wonderful arena (sarcasm, since it’s been awhile since I’ve used it) decided to take the shell away. I suppose Lincoln feels they have to get back at the rest of the league for refusing to let that silly string crap into their arena’s… so they ban the use of air horns. Obviously it’s any horn except for that big old siren that section K totes to the games. So tell me this, is it ok for some fans, but not for us? Another bone to pick is against the arena staff again. Did they really feel that the contingent of Buc fans that were all gathered on the stage had to be watched over? As though we were a bunch of rowdy children? Please, don’t insult us by watching over us as if we’re some terrible plague you’re afraid to let have too much control!!
Ok that’s enough, I’ve had my say for now, though there might be more down the stretch. On to hockey. At the end of the first period Krueger went to the ice and it took awhile for him to get up. Which he did do, but didn’t play much after that and ended up sitting out a decent amount of the game. The second period was all ours, four goals were scored throughout this time. Donnette got the third goal with 14:55 left (assist to KC Caudill and Nick Field). About two minutes later Pete Fregoe got himself a garbage goal after a lot of hard work by the team (assist to Clarke and Chiodo). Some of our fans and parent’s thought that Smrek had helped with that goal, just thought that info might be appreciated. The score became 5-0 when Noah got his second goal (unassisted). The final goal of the second period came with 5 1/2 minutes left and this was directly from Reinholz (assist to Sejna and Jackson).
The third period was a bit slower and things were becoming boring. It wasn’t much of a game, the Bucs completely dominated and thus it became boring hockey. I was glad that we had the amount of goals we had, but I wanted a few more. Selfish you think? Nah, I wanted to be able to have more goals that Omaha, because in the end it would help us out should we need it. We would just end up tying them in that area, because we got our seventh goal with 12:14 left in the period. This was KC Caudill’s goal (assist to Kelly Miller and Stafford). At least the Sting were able to get a goal in at the end of the third period. They didn’t get shut-out at least. However it would have been nice for Luther to have not gotten scored on at all. Final shots on goal for Des Moines were 39 while St. Louis only had 17. It seemed that the USHL was going to be dominating the National tournament once again.
I opted not to go to the Lincoln game. Didn’t quite feel like dealing with crowds and was dead beat. Instead I thought I’d get this done for all of you folks who are reading this! Anything in particular anybody would like me to look for while I’m down here? Any requests? Email me and let me know. Until tomorrow… this is Sarah… signing off.
Written by Sarah Bendy
