Bucs take Clark Cup with 5 - 0 win
Summary: Omaha, NE (4/23/99): The Bucs wasted no time in establishing their claim as Clark Cup champions as Michael Chin scored 3:48 into the first period. Twenty five seconds later Mark Krueger made it 2 - 0 to quiet the crowd and set the tone for a solid first period. The Lancers fought hard during the penalty and fight filled second period, but it was Peter Sejna who scored on a powerplay for the only goal in the period.
As the clock wound down, the Lancers stepped it up but Matt Carney was on his game making save after save. With 8 minutes left, Jim Jackson made it 4-0 on a 2 on 1 break and the Bucs began to take control. Peter Sejna showed his shooting skill making it 5-0 soon thereafter and the Bucs had a shutout and the Clark Cup. Next Stop - Gold Cup!
Chin (unassisted), Krueger (Fregoe, Stodgell), Sejna (PP) (Fregoe, Smrek), Jackson (Sejna, Chin), Sejna (Reinholz) scored for the Bucs.
Pre-Game Rant
First of all everyone already knows what happened and I'm so thankful to a certain person because otherwise I might not have gone down to the game. And to think I almost thought I'd be too tired after work and so wouldn't go! I would have missed the best game I think I've seen the Bucs play all year long. They were just amazing for all the fans that didn't get to go there be proud of how collected they were. Didn't seem to be a whole lot of emotion, they just worked together, were always at the right spot and didn't seem to do anything wrong! When they work together they are amazing! The Omaha fans that stayed after the game were very respectful, among them my relatives and friends (I can't help it if I'm originally from Omaha!!). I was introduced to Eddie and Raffie, and anybody who’s anybody knows who Eddie is. So they say! That one goes out to you Jensen’s…it was great talking to you at the game and can’t wait to see you at the National’s. You know we’ll be at it again! Omaha and Des Moines always do seem to end up that way.
First Period
It was going to be an exciting game, you could tell. The Bucs were sure they'd win, and I was really hoping they would. I didn't want to be in Omaha and have to hear us lose. When the Bucs scored the first two goals of the first period it seemed like an omen for the Lancers. Especially when the end of the period arrived and the Lancers still looked as flat as the beginning of the period. The first goal came 3:48 into the first period and Michael Chin scored the unassisted goal. Mark Krueger got the second goal at 4:13 (assist to Fregoe and Stodg). So the two goals came quick in the first which was really needed if we wanted the crowd to stay out of the game.
Second Period
You know, it’s funny how no matter who’s arena you’re in, no matter what sport…the home team is always right. If the ref calls something on the away team "right on!" if he calls something against your home team it’s ALWAYS wrong. Of course it’s no different in Omaha. We scored again at 7:33, our third goal on the power play from Sejna (assist to Fregoe and Smrek). This was the period that two fights erupted in. I was absolutely sure that Jaworski would get an extra penalty out of the first fight, but no…it was to be Miller with the extra penalty. That was a bad call, considering Miller was on the ice and Jaworski was just pounding him. Even with the ref in between trying to separate and Miller on the ice Jaworski still wouldn’t let go and began to drag not only Miller but the linesmen as well! Before the two got put away into the box Jensen and Ryan Malone were at it. The officials stayed way back for that one and it proceeded to be a very good fight. Omaha fans seemed sure that the fight was won by Ryan, and though it was a pretty even fight, Malone was forced to his knees by Jensen. All of this happened with 10:59 left in the period. I was afraid that out of these two fights and the extra penalty on us that Omaha fans would start getting wild and the Lancers would actually start playing. Though the fans did get wild, the Lancers seemed as dead as before. The score was 3-0.
Third Period
You could tell that five minutes into the period that unless the Lancers actually woke up out of their lethargy we were going to win the game. The fans had nothing to cheer for and after two periods of nothing were as quiet as could be, I don’t blame them one bit and I feel for them. Because if it were me watching my Bucs play like that I’d probably want to get up and leave. Jimmy Jackson got a beautiful goal when after a mistake at the blue line Sejna rushed forward with the puck. Sejna waited until one of the defensemen in front of him went down and snapped it over to Jackson who shot it home. Then with 7:07 left in the period the score became 5-0 from Sejna (Reinholz). The game was over by then, and the Lancers had completely given up. With about two minutes left Buc fans began to get restless and started to cheer "we want the cup." I was one of them. Even among my relatives and fans it was hard not to cheer that. Then with a few seconds left they brought the cup out and things starting getting frantic. By the time the clock ticked down the players poured out of the bench and were jumping all over and us Buc fans ran down to the players bench to get out there and share it with them. It was amazing to see our Bucs come over and pose for us with the cup for pictures. It was something worth seeing and an experience worth feeling. And I can promise you, we do have pictures and they will be up as soon as possible! Congratulations Bucs, one more cup left…I know you can do it!
Written by Sarah Bendy
Bucs come from behind to win 5-4
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/21/99): At the end of the first period things looked bleak for the Buccaneers. They were behind 2-0 and did not seem to be playing with emotion. Midway through the second period Erik Jensen scored on a powerplay to wake up the team and the crowd. The Lancers answered with a goal one minute later, but the Bucs battled back, knotting the score at 3 each at the end of the second period.
The Bucs made it 4-3 on Stafford's powerplay goal but the Lancers answered 3 minutes later to tie the game at 4 each. Less than a minute later Peter Sejna scored the winning goal to give the Bucs a 3-2 lead in the series.
Jensen (PP) (Smrek, Fregoe), Donnette (Fregoe), Sejna (Shasby), Stafford (PP) Fregoe, Sejna) and Sejna (Jackson) scored for the Bucs.
Pre Game
After Tuesday night Michael Chin had earned himself a spot in the starting line-up. We needed to win, well we wanted to win is more like it. I was looking forward to another good game and really expected one…since they have been the entire series. I needed a good game that would keep my mind busy, it had been a rough day.
First Period
The first period was absolutely awful and I was more then ready to go home. The Bucs played without any emotion. The fans when they cheered seemed to be far away, as though the cheer was muffled. Nobody was getting into the game, except for the Lancer fans. The first goal Omaha scored was a breakaway, it was also the first goal of the game. #24 Jim Herron scored that goal and it was unassisted. We still had ten minutes left to endure in the period. We looked awful when the Lancers shoved their second goal home and our crowd has shut up. You might have actually heard a pin drop in that arena. I am not going to say any more about this period, because I have nothing to really talk about. Saves: Des Moines 12, Omaha 20.
Second Period
I really thought this would end up being a really quiet rant, considering how things were going… but before long in the second period things began to change. The first thing that happened was Erik Jensen’s goal (assist to Peter Smrek and Pete Fregoe), we had 12:57 left to go. The fans responded to this goal and were suddenly alive. Santose took his stick to Pete Fregoe at 8:21 and was subsequently called for high sticking. With 7 and a half minutes left Omaha scored a goal after it bounced weirdly behind Carney. It was looking bad and the thought that we would lose in our arena wasn’t a pretty thought. In fact we wouldn’t just lose, we’d lose without really playing in the first place! All this changed pretty quickly when Felipe Larranaga scored off a one-timer from Pete Fregoe at 12:19. It was a beautiful goal. The play got a lot better after this and with just 4:11 left Peter Sejna scored the third goal (assist to Matt Shasby). At the end of the period the game was tied at 3 and the crowd was wild. Saves: Des Moines 11, Omaha 11.
Third Period
We got a big goal from Garrett Stafford at 5:57 (assist to Pete Fregoe and Peter Sejna). The ice began to get foggy at this time. Ortmeyer, at 8:51 got a short handed goal (assist to Lucci). Did anybody else see a Lancer in the crease? Oh well, it wouldn’t end up mattering because the winning goal came soon enough. This goal came from Peter Sejna (assist to Jim Jackson). It was getting to be an emotional game and the two teams were playing hard. It was certainly ending up being an exciting game. Around this time a Lancer player got checked into the NorthEast corner of the arena and his stick went flying over the boards into the crowd unscathed. I was absolutely appalled when one of OUR fans picked up the stick and actually broke it! That was not called for in the very least! Can you please have a little more respect then that?! It gives the rest of us Des Moines fans who actually respect the boys who play this game a bad name. I was ashamed to say that this even happened in our arena. I apologize for that and can assure you that there are plenty of fans who do not condone this one fans action! Omaha took a time out and the fog began to get worse. With just a minute left in the period Lucci got hit in the ear with the puck and instantly dropped to the ground. He flopped all over the ice and eventually sat still when the Omaha trainer came onto the ice. Doc Berg eventually went out as well and then Coach Hastings was out there as well. I was proud of how loud our fans were when Lucci was eventually able to get up. It was good to see Lucci Friday night able to play and nothing seriously wrong with his ear. Saves: Des Moines 7, Omaha 8. Total Saves: Des Moines 30, Omaha 26.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Lancers even series at two each
Summary: Omaha, NE (4/20/99): The Lancers beat the Buccaneers 5 to 2 in a must win situation to even the series at two games each. The Lancers scored first but goals from Mark Krueger and Pete Fregoe gave the Bucs a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period. The Lancers then took control of the game as the Buccaneers were unable to light the lamp. Game 5 will be played tomorrow (Wednesday) night in Des Moines.
Krueger (Donnette, Field) and Fregoe (Clarke) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
The Bucs will be without the services of Jim Jackson and Rob Novak, who both are injured. Wade Chiodo had to return to his high school classes so we will be without his excellent play also. I have got to think that this game is a must win for the Lancers as they do not want to give the Bucs a chance to win the series in Des Moines this Wednesday night. You can be sure that Omaha will be giving it everything they have tonight.
First Period
The Lancers were to score first after only 2 1/2 minutes gone in the period. The Lancers had controlled the puck from the beginning and continued to put pressure on Carney until the middle of the period. Carney was really seeing the puck well as he stopped shot after shot. At 9:15, Nick Field and Dan Donnette assisted Mark Krueger as he used the backhand to beat Zasowski. The goal fired up the Bucs and they scored again less than two minutes later. This time Noah Clarke set up Pete Fregoe to make it 2-1. The Bucs had a powerplay with three minutes to go, but were unable to score. The Bucs killed off one penalty during the period. Saves for the period, Des Moines 14, Omaha 7.
Second Period
The Bucs came out smoking and put sustained pressure on the Lancer goal. Two minutes into the period the Lancers scored, but there was confusion right away as it was thought to be kicked in. After much discussion, it was determined that there was no goal much to the dismay of the Lancer faithful. The goal that was waved off fired up the Lancers and several minutes later the Lancers scored to tie the game at 2 goals each. The fans began to throw things on the ice, and soon thereafter the Bucs were called for a penalty. This was not good. The Lancers have a good powerplay unit and the Bucs can't keep them off the board forever. The Lancers did score a powerplay goal and took the lead 3 to 2. The Bucs had a powerplay but were unable to convert. In fact, it was not a good period for Bucs getting only a couple of quality scoring chances. Saves for the period, Des Moines 12, Omaha 7.
Third Period
The Bucs seemed to be struggling as the Lancers would get the puck into their zone and take a shot as soon as possible. The Bucs had a few chances by Dan Donnette, Noah Clarke and Michael Chin but were unable to score. With 5 minutes left, the Lancers scored as Carney had the glove on the puck but it sneaked in. The play wound down and the Lancers were just dumping the puck out to keep the Bucs from putting on the pressure. Coach Owens called a time out to talk things over, but the clock was against the Bucs. The Bucs taking chances were caught and scored one more time. With 53 seconds to go the Lancers were called for a penalty but it was all over and the series had been tied at two games each.
Written by Steve Bendy
Bucs win 3-2, lead series 2 - 1
Summary: Omaha, NE (4/18/99): Noah Clarke scored two first period goals to give the Bucs a lead that they never relinquished to beat Omaha 3 - 2. The Lancers tied the game early in the third period before Peter Sejna got the game winner on a powerplay goal from a perfect Pete Fregoe pass. The Bucs were 2 for 5 on the powerplay. The Bucs killed off all 5 Lancer powerplays.
Matt Carney was solid in goal, making quality saves all night. Matt's record is now 8 and 3 in the Clark Cup series. The Bucs play in Omaha Tuesday and then play in Des Moines this Wednesday.
Clarke (PP) (Field, Larranaga), Clarke (Stafford), Sejna (PP) (Fregoe) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
Having recovered from the stupification caused by a puck to the head last night, I was ready for more Clark Cup action. What a game it was Saturday night! The arena was as loud as it has ever been! I have a feeling that the Lancer fans would be just as loud as it is their first home game against Des Moines of the series. We would be without the services of Jim Jackson, having been injured last night and Rob Novak. It is a good thing Matt Shasby is ready to go. We will also have KC Caudill back tonight, who has recovered enough from the flu to play. The Lancers would be without Paul Caponigri having been given a one game suspension for his antics last night. The starting lineup would be Reinholz, Sejna and Chiodo, Stodgell and Stafford with Carney in goal.
First Period
The first couple of minutes the action was fast and furious. Pete Fregoe nearly got a clean breakaway, but was ridden off at the last moment. Matt Carney was tested early, being called on to make several difficult saves in a row. As a result, the Lancers were on the powerplay. We have been taking more penalties during the playoffs than we did during the regular season. Carney made several key saves, one of which some of the fans thought was in the net. Dan Donnette picked up the intensity and the Bucs killed off the penalty. Less than a minute later the Lancers were called and the Bucs were on the powerplay. The Bucs put on tremendous pressure as Smrek let loose with several horrendous shots. The Lancers killed off the penalty and KC Caudill was involved in a stick fight with Shaun Endres that turned into a fight, bringing the crowd to their feet. After the fight was over the Lancers took another penalty and the Bucs went right to work. Tonight on the powerplay the Bucs were shooting right away rather than passing it around, the Lancer killed it off but less than a minute later somebody slashed Stafford and the Bucs were on the powerplay again. The Bucs appeared to score on a rebound but it was waved off. The Lancers were not so lucky the second time. At 12:34 Nick Field centered the puck and Noah Clarke one-timed it past Zasowski (additional assist to Felipe Larranaga).
No sooner had another minute ticked away when the Bucs were called for a penalty. What is with all the penalties? Both teams were playing a little rough and the ref was not going to let things get out of hand. The Bucs did a great job on the penalty kill and allowed the Lancers only one shot on goal. At 17:39, Garrett Stafford made a great move by faking a shot and then passing to Noah Clarke who scored easily on the surprised Zasowski. The period ended with the Bucs leading 2 - 0. Saves: Des Moines 8, Omaha 12.
Second Period
The second period picked up where the first had ended - the play was fast and furious. Matt Carney has really been on his game and at the 6 minute mark he proved it again as he robbed Malone of what seemed a sure goal. The Lancers lucked out on a terrible call as Clarke was called for a double-minor and Ortmeyer got a minor; it should have been the other way around. The Bucs killed off the penalty but seconds later the Lancers scored on a rebound to make it 2 - 1. The period was half over. This seemed to wake up the crowd and the Lancers as they put pressure on Carney. Carney kept us in it by stopping everything that came his way. The Bucs had trouble getting it out of the zone and finally had to ice it to get a line change. The Bucs were able to recover and the play went up and down the ice for the rest of the period. The period wound down and saves for the period were Des Moines 17, Omaha 4. The shots on goal look bad for the Bucs, but that was because many of the Lancer shots were long range and not scoring chances.
Third Period
So we had 20 minutes left to decide this game, and neither team wanted to lose and were playing like it. The Bucs were playing well, and Clarke almost scored early on a great move to get between two defenseman. With 4 minutes gone in the period, Mike Lucci scored on a wraparound and we had a new game. Forty seconds later the Lancers were called for a penalty and the Bucs had their fourth powerplay. The Lancers put some pressure on and it took some work for the Bucs to get it into the Omaha zone. As soon as they did, Pete Fregoe skated in, the Lancers rushed towards Fregoe and Pete passed to Peter Sejna who was wide open and scored at the 5:12 mark. The Bucs were in the lead again. This time the Bucs took a penalty seconds later giving the Lancers their fourth powerplay. The Lancers had some quality scoring chances but could not light the lamp on the man advantage. Jaworski had a chance seconds later, but Carney was really on top of things. It is a good thing that he was, because the Lancers were giving it everything they had.
The Bucs were called for a penalty and the Lancers had their fifth powerplay but were not able to score. Their were 5 minutes left in the game - at least I think so as the main scoreboard clock had gone out. When they finally figured things out, 3:42 was put on the clock. Nobody was happy with the time put on the clock.
The Lancers were on the attack giving it everything they had, knowing it was score or lose game 3. With 2:42 left in the game, Sandrock took down Wade Chiodo - it was too obvious for the ref to ignore and he called the penalty. What a break for the Bucs! The Bucs played a conservative powerplay and the Lancers killed it off. With 20 seconds left Zasowski left the net and the Lancers had the extra attacker. Their was a pileup in front of the net and Carney got mugged with 3 seconds left. Both teams were called for a penalty and the Lancers called a time-out. The face-off was tied up and time expired. The Bucs had won game three!
Written by Steve Bendy
Bucs even series with 5 - 3 win
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/17/99): The Buccaneers evened the Clark Cup playoffs at one game each in an intense, solid performance Saturday night. The boisterous crowd and every Buc player contributed in the decisive victory, with Pete Fregoe picking up 2 goals and 2 assists. Nick Stodgell blasted the puck from the blue line to get the game winner. Matt Carney was stellar in goal, coming up with 46 saves on the night.
The Lancers scored first, but the Bucs were leading 2-1 at the end of the first period. The Lancers tied the score, but Mark Krueger got the go ahead goal and the Bucs never trailed.
Fregoe (PP) (Sejna), Fregoe (Chiodo), Krueger (unassisted), Stodgell (Fregoe) and Clarke (Fregoe) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
It was the second game of the series, also the second time we were playing in Des Moines. We wouldn't be playing in Omaha until Sunday. The Cubs game had been snowed out Friday night and was going to be Saturday night, which we did not want. But we still had a big crowd on hand and plenty of Lancer fans that made the trip up. Including some of my die-hard Lancer relatives. Now if it wasn't a humbling experience to walk into the arena side by side with them, holding my lil cousin's hand (who had Lancers plastered all over her) I don't know what is! Now don't get me wrong, I'm completely loyal to my team, but I love my family too! Besides a little healthy rivalry is always a good thing! I do have a problem with people calling the Lancers Prancers. Do we really have to stoop to the level of Sioux City fans? Please people; let's have a little more class!
First Period
Of course Zasowski was in goal for Omaha and we had Carney in our net. I think the story of the game was the idiotic ref. I'm sorry, Meinel was just... not altogether there! Needed to have another obvious lynching. The game started a little slow, I mean there was a lot of action and you could tell it was going to be an exciting game, but the Lancers scored first. This goal came at 15:31, but you know... who cares who scored it!? What really turned the game around was when Paul Caponigri cross-checked Miller too many times and the two ended up fighting. Miller was so psyched for that one, you could see him out there yelling, he won the fight and there was definitely a different atmosphere after that. At least Meinel made a good call on that one. Then with 43 seconds left on that penalty Omaha went down another man and we had a two man advantage. Though we wouldn’t score during this, we would score during the second penalty. We ended up tying the game not long after this. Pete Fregoe getting that goal for us (assist to Sejna) at 9:16. Fregoe was hot and ready to go because he broke the tie at 11:10 and got his second goal of the night (assist to Chiodo). By the end of the first period I was pretty worn out, just getting over the flu I wasn’t sure how much I could handle. Saves: Des Moines 18 – Omaha 12.
Second Period
The Lancers started out the period right by scoring their second goal at 2:31 right after their power play had expired. Derek Eastmen got the goal. Most of the play in the beginning of the period was down on the wrong side of the ice and our Bucs had a bit of a slow start. But at 6:41 Mark Krueger got an unassisted goal. Instantly after this a fight broke out and what do you think happens? We get an extra penalty out of it! Excuse me, Mr. Referee, but normally after you score a goal you celebrate. You don’t normally go rough up the first face you see on the other team do you? Do you think we actually started that and provoked it? Gee, and I thought it was Summerfelt! The extra penalty was on Birrenkott for roughing. There was a lot of good hockey at this time and we wouldn’t rush ahead until 14:06 when Stodg got the game winner (assist to Fregoe). Things got a little rough from this point on. Saves: Des Moines 15 – Omaha 8.
Third Period
The biggest thrill of this period was when the puck hit Steve and then deflected off to hit James as well. I was very grateful to James, because if he hadn’t leaned forward it would have hit me right in the side of the head. Needless to say this took up almost half the period after this and for most of it I was laughing so hard I was crying. Because it wasn’t that serious that I had to worry, but it took a good chunk of hair and skin off of Steve’s head and then he didn’t even get to keep the puck! Plus when he went to get ice the paramedics had to come and make sure he was ok. It was all very funny, but you probably had to be there. I suppose the worst part of it was when Steve put the ice pack on his head and had his hat gingerly perched on top of this. It didn’t work to ignore this outlandish look either. All of this subsided and the ice began to melt and play near the end of the period started to perk up. I couldn’t believe the last goal that the ref called, you had to either be blind or just decide that it was a mercy goal. Because the Lancers scored on Carney while one of the guys was actually in the crease. Because we’re leading and you want to make the game more exciting you allow this goal? Is that the deal? Or do you need to go back to midget (or below) level and continue your career there? Anyway Caponigri got this goal, but we would end up getting our final goal with 4:09 left in the period from Noah Clarke (assist to Pete Fregoe). Omaha would take a time-out in the last minute or so of the game and it would do absolutely nothing for them. Rob had a nice gesture for the Lancer fans who made the trip all the way up, he thought he’d make them feel a little more at home by playing "The Heat is On" in their honor! Only I’m not sure they appreciated it! Saves: Des Moines 13 – Omaha 11. Total Saves: Des Moines 26 – Omaha 31.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Lancers win defensive struggle 2 - 0
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/15/99): The first of the seven game Clark finals was a defensive battle from the beginning as both teams struggled to put the puck in the net. The Lancers scored in the first period and then scored an empty net goal with 14 seconds remaining in the game to take game one.
The Bucs played well, but not well enough to overcome the excellent Omaha defense. It was the first time the Bucs had been shutout since January of 1997, and the first time they have been blanked at home in over 7 years. Game two is this Saturday in Des Moines at the Metro Ice Sports Arena.
Rantings
We might as well start with the hottest topic of the last couple of days, namely the speculation of our coach leaving for Colorado College. Now, I may have a little inside information, but it would not be ethical to share. So, what follows is only my opinion - please no more e-mails asking me for what I know! It is no secret that Colorado College is looking at coach Owens as their new head coach; some say he is their number one choice while others say it is already a done deal. All I can say is that it is a personal decision for Scott, and if it seems like a good fit for both sides, we would probably hear something official after the playoffs. In any case, you can be sure you will read about it here if it does happen.
So on to the game at hand. The Bucs head into the game tonight a little bruised and somewhat tired. Matt Shasby is still out as is KC Caudill. The Lancers are well rested and I am sure are more than ready to go. Game one between the two best teams in the USHL was about to begin. I also need to say that this is going to be a VERY brief rant as my work schedule has been hectic.
Before the first minute was gone the Bucs had been whistled for a penalty. Pete Fregoe got a breakaway and was thwarted on his shorthanded attempt. It was going to be that kind of night for the Bucs. Coach Owens said that the team looked emotionally drained. The Lancers did not score on this or any other of their numerous power plays. In fact, it seemed like the Bucs were in the box most of the second period. The Lancers seemed to be playing with more intensity. They were really working hard to get to every loose puck. They were also playing excellent team defense and were determined not to let shots get through. Their strategy worked as the Lancers got a shut-out. The Bucs pulled Carney for the extra attacker for the last 40 seconds but the Lancers picked up an empty-net goal to make it 2 - 0.
Written by Steve Bendy
