Mike Mantua picked up a great honor by being named the USHL defensive player of the week. Last week he stopped over 60 shots for a save percentage of 96%. Speaking of Mantua, I got a few e-mails chastising me for something I didn't do in my last rant... call Mantua stupid. Evidently, some thought the stupid referred to Mantua instead of the penalty. I guess I could see how some could misconstrue what I said. For the record: what I meant to say was that Mantua took a stupid penalty by shooting the puck over the glass and giving the other team a power play. Also, some thought Sarah wrote the rant even though it was signed at the bottom by me. So, hopefully that is cleared up.

But the real buzz around Buc-land is the departure of Kelly Miller, of which I could not get an official confirmation of. If it is true he will be missed, but we know that their must have been good reasons and we all wish him the best of luck. The Guest Book, as always has the latest as insiders post things as they break. Be warned - things you read may not be true; anyone can sign the Guest Book and say whatever they want.

The team has now won two in a row and I think the important word here is team. It is obvious that we have the talent, it is just that for some reason it hasn't been together as a well-oiled machine that Buc fans have come to expect. Tonight is the first home game in two weeks and I am anxious to see how they will play after the humiliating 10-1 loss to Twin Cities several weeks ago.

First Period

The Bucs came out working hard - very hard. The fans were into the game too. The B-U-C-S cheer was heard early. Every line was hustling to the puck and passing with precision. It was over two minutes before the Vulcans even got it into our zone. It took nearly 5 minutes for them to get a shot on goal. Meanwhile the Bucs were playing as a team. It seemed that every line was a threat. The Bucs took a penalty with 7 minutes gone in the period which normally meant the other team would score. Not tonight... the Bucs did a great job on the penalty kill. Their goalie was playing well but it was just a matter of time before the red light went on. With 10:27 on the clock Troy Riddle opened the Buc scoring with assists to Jesse Lane and Tony Tomaino. Matt Weber came right back and nearly scored but was robbed. Sejna too was robbed several times in the period. Mantua was also tested and came up just as big as he lunged, stretched and gloved shots. Troy Riddle struck again with 2:51 left in the period from a perfect pass from Jerrid Reinholz. With just over 2 minutes left in the period the Bucs found themselves down a man again, but this just fired up Alex Kim who stole the puck and got a shot off. This forced the Vulcans to take a penalty as Alex was going after the rebound. With just 5 seconds left the strangest goal I have ever seen was scored by the Vulcans. A Vulcan took a shot from the blue line and it got past Mantua! The period ended and I was sure that this last second goal was going to be good for the Bucs. It was going to make them play even harder. Saves for Des Moines, 9, Twin Cities, 8.

Second Period

The period began with the teams playing 4 on 4 because of penalties. This opened up the ice and both teams knew what to do with it. The Bucs were the first to threaten as Matt Weber nearly scored. Then Twin Cities came back and Mantua had to stand on his head to make a save. The Bucs came back and the initial shot was stopped but the puck lay spinning on the goal line. The goalie swept it out to save it, but unfortunately for him it ended up on Alex Kim's stick who scored. The assist went to a hard-working Matt Weber with 16:49 on the clock. The Bucs were now ahead 3 - 1. Alex was having a great night getting quality shots on net. If Adam Berkhoel was not on his game, the score would have been much higher. The Buc defensive core was playing much better tonight and I was especially impressed with Paul Baumgartner's play.

With 12 minutes left in the period Nathan Berry pushed the puck to Troy Riddle who just blew by the defense and skated in on the net. Everyone thought he was going to shoot and as a result let Jerrid Reinholz sneak in all alone. At the least possible second Troy passed to Jerrid who buried it to make the score 4 - 1. Twin Cities scored less than a minute later on a similar play and Mantua did not have a chance. The goal sparked the hopes of the Vulcans and they were playing wide open. Both goalies made some great saves - both with their skill and by being in the right place at the right time.

The gee-whiz move of the game has to go to Alex Kim who was about two feet from the boards when a defenseman took a run at him. Alex flicked the puck behind him, spun around out of the way, and picked up his own pass off the boards. With 5 minutes left in the period the Bucs got a 5 on 3 power play. The penalty was for "face-masking". After tremendous pressure by the Buc power play unit, Troy Riddle got his hat trick from a great pass from Jerrid Reinholz. Troy is going to play for Minnesota next year, following the footsteps of another Buccaneer, Reggie Berg, who has graduated. The goal gave the Bucs a 5-2 lead. The Bucs ended the period on a power play but were unable to convert. Saves for Des Moines, 6, Twin Cities, 14.

Third Period

Twin Cities got a chance to score at the drop of the puck but Mantua saved the day. The Bucs traded the favor and were also robbed. Landon Bathe was called for a double-minor for high-sticking, but from where I sat, it was no penalty at all. In any case, Baumgartner, Berry and Reinholz were doing a great job on the penalty kill. When the penalty was finally killed off, the crowd roared its approval and both teams turned up the physical part of their play - with some slashing and tripping thrown in for good measure.

With 6:43 on the clock Matt Weber scored with assists to Mark Mullen and Paul Baumgartner to make it 6-2. Thirty seconds later Twin Cities Ryan Johnson was really going after Sejna and #3 was tangled up with Dominic Torretti. Sejna skated away but Dominic and #3 were duking it out. I saw Dominic get in three quick upper-cuts before his opponent fell to the ice. A fight between the players benches nearly erupted but cooler heads prevailed.

Twin Cities scored the final goal with 2:17 left in the game to make it 6-3, but the Bucs had won the game convincingly in a team effort. Good job to the coaching staff and players! Written by Steve Bendy.

Kim, Mullen & Schabes each get 2 goals in win

Des Moines, IA (11/6/99): Thirteen minutes into the first period the Bucs found themselves down 3 - 1. What to do? Score 6 unanswered goals and win it going away 8 - 4. Alex Kim, Mark Mullen and Justin Schabes each scored two goals with Jerrid Reinholz and Matt Weber rounding out the scoring. Morrisey and Mantua shared time between the pipes; both making excellent saves while being peppered with 41 shots. Mullen (Kim), Mullen (Kim, Weber), Kim (Mullen, Weber), Reinholz (Riddle), Schabes (Kirchhoff), Kim (SH) (Sejna), Schabes (Kirchhoff) and Weber (Kim) scored for the Bucs.

Pre Game

Having won last night's game in such a convincing fashion I know the was concerned about a let-down. Even though Cedar Rapids has not won too many games lately, they are a very good team. The Bucs were going to need to play tough to win their fourth straight game in a row.

Rumor has it that Jerrid Reinholz has accepted a scholarship to Minnesota - Duluth. The scholarships seem to be coming early this year and it reminds me of our talented 1996-97 team. Let's hope they don't let down now that they have a college scholarship.

First Period

As soon as the puck was dropped the RoughRiders lived up to their name and were playing physical. From our ice level seats we saw numerous hits, slashes and other antics that should have been called. The fact that they were not called allowed Cedar Rapids to continue the cheap play. Their style of play was working as they had a quality shot on net in just 30 seconds. The Bucs finally got a shot on goal with a minute and a half gone, and the resulting confusion around the net brought a penalty to Cedar Rapids. Thirty seconds later disaster struck as the Buc goalie (Morrisey) cleared the puck onto the waiting stick of a RougRider at the blue line who shot it into the open net for a short-handed goal. They scored again 3 minutes later on a super play that Morrisey did not have a chance at and things were looking bad for the good guys. Morrisey had to make save after save as the Bucs were back on their heels.

Finally near the middle of the period the Bucs began to get some momentum. Mark Mullen scored his first goal of the season on an assist from Alex Kim. The Buc goal only made Cedar Rapids work harder, and Morrisey was being peppered with shots. Morrisey was finally beat on a slick centering pass from behind the net and the Bucs were now behind 3-1. Jesse Lane was getting mugged as were other Bucs and no calls were being made. The Bucs began to fight back and scored the first of six unanswered goals. With 4:34 on the clock Mark Mullen got the goal with assists to Alex Kim and Matt Weber. Alex Kim scored again 2 minutes later on a wrap-around goal with assists to Mark Mullen and Matt Weber. With 8 seconds left, Tom Sloan, a Cedar Rapids player, took a run at a Buc after the play was over and picked up a penalty. What a cheap shot... what was he thinking? This is how guys get hurt. The period ended with the scored tied at 3 each. Saves for Des Moines, 15, Cedar Rapids 8.

Second Period

Mike Mantua replaced Morrisey at the start of the period. Coach Carroll said that he did not change goalies because of the way Morrisey was playing. He said he is liable to do this again to try to spark the team. Well, it worked. The Bucs held the RoughRiders scoreless and scored a goal to boot. The Bucs goal came with 12:47 on the clock as Troy Riddle got a break away and missed. He was so mad that he checked a man with the puck behind the net, stole the puck and centered it to Jerrid Reinholz who was wide open in front of the net. The Bucs led for the first time in the game. With 24 seconds left in the period a Cedar Rapids player took a golf swing at the puck and nailed Larranaga. The ref finally called one and the Bucs would have a power play for 24 seconds. Saves for Des Moines, 11, Cedar rapids, 11.

Third Period

After 5 minutes of play Maxwell announced that Omaha was being shut-out by Twin Cities and the crowd roared its approval. The team roared its approval with a goal by Justin Schabes and an assist by Ryan Kirchhoff. The Bucs were now leading by 5-3 but the game was far from over as Cedar Rapids would not let up. One of the prettiest plays I have ever seen was pulled off by Peter Sejna and Alex Kim. Peter and Alex had a 2 -0 short-handed break. Peter had the puck and skated in with Alex on his left. Peter forced the goalie to commit and I swear Peter was behind the net when he passed to Alex. Alex put the puck in the wide open net to make it 6 to 3. The replay on the big screen was a sight to see. Just a minute later the Bucs scored again as Justin Schabes got his second goal of the night (assist to Ryan Kirchhoff). The period was half over and the Bucs had now scored 6 goals in a row and built a 7 to 3 lead.

Cedar Rapids came back with a goal just 30 seconds later but it was all over. The Bucs added one more goal with 3 minutes left in the period. The goal was scored by a hard working Matt Weber and the assist went to Alex Kim. This line (Weber, Kim and Mullen) was on fire tonight. The clock ticked down and the Bucs had worked hard to overcome a determined and talented Cedar Rapids team. The Bucs were now on a 4 game winning streak and playing like a team again. Written by Steve Bendy.

Pre Game

We have a new forward on the team - Ryan Bennett, who come to us from Danville / Cleveland in the Kelly Miller trade. Coach Carroll is excited about him and what he will add to the team. I will have more information on Ryan in the next week. We have also begun the player interviews and have added a little twist this year - a short video and audio clip of each player. Our first interviews were with Travis Doan and Justin Schabes, and I think you will enjoy seeing and hearing the players along with the written interview. Look for the interviews in a week or so.

Tonight we will be playing a very good Sioux Falls team. Last night they lost by one goal to Thunder Bay at home, and they are likely to be upset and ready to take it out on us. The Bucs are on a 4 game winning streak, but will be without Alex Kim, Felipe Larranaga and Troy Riddle who are playing in the Four Nations Tournament.

First Period

When the puck was dropped the Stampede got 2 quick shots on Mantua who came up big and then just as quickly the Bucs were on the scoreboard. Jerrid Reinholz waited until he was far enough over the line to avoid a two-line pass and then hit Peter Sejna who beat David Bowen for the goal. With less than a minute gone the Bucs had grabbed the lead. Ryan, our new forward was already out on the ice making his presence felt as he almost scored. Defenseman Jesse Lane was having a good game keeping the Stampede forwards away from scoring chances.

The Stampede tied the game with 5 minutes gone in the game when Dave Iannazzo got a goal just seconds into their second powerplay of the night. The Bucs returned the favor a minute and a half later when the powerplay line of Peter Sejna, Justin Schabes, Ryan Kirchhoff, Jerrid Reinholz and Matt Weber converted. Jerrid Reinholz scored with an assist to Peter Sejna to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead. With a minute left in the period Rob Novak took an elbow to the head and left the ice early. The Bucs ended up being outshot 15 to 8 in the period.

Second Period

The Bucs looked a lot better this period, playing better defense and getting numerous scoring chances. Landon Bathe and Nick Dimella both barely missed lighting the goal lamp. Even Mike Mantua got a shot on goal! With 5 minutes gone in the period, Matt Weber found himself all alone with the puck after a face-off and scored to make it 3 -1. Assists went to Justin Schabes and Mark Mullen. Matt Weber stayed on the ice and seconds later got another goal, again being assisted by Justin Schabes and Mark Mullen. The Bucs were up 4-1. The Bucs were on a roll. Three minutes later Peter Sejna passed to Jerrid Reinholz who had a full head of steam next to the boards. Reinholz put on the brakes, the defense kept on going and Jerrid skated in and scored a short-handed goal! The score was now 5-1 and the Bucs looked to have put the game away. The Stampede changed goalies and began a determined comeback that began with a powerplay goal just one minute later.

Third Period

The Bucs came out strong for the first two minutes as Peter Sejna, Matt Weber and Ryan Kirchhoff put pressure on the Stampede goal. However, it was the Stampede who were to score the next 3 goals, two of them powerplay goals, with Gorman getting a hat trick in the process. The Bucs had their chances, but were unable to put the puck in the net. Halfway through the period Landon Bathe got speared and decided to drop the gloves and pummel DeMars. DeMars got a bloody nose and an extra two minutes. I am not sure what was going on out there, but two minutes later Jesse Lane was ready to drop the gloves but could not get anyone to play.

With three minutes left the Bucs had a powerplay and nearly scored but the game was destined to go into overtime. The Bucs are 2 and 1 in overtime play this year.

Overtime

In the first 45 seconds Reinholz, Sejna and then Bennett got quality shots on net as the Bucs put on tremendous pressure. The Stampede took a blatant penalty that could not be overlooked and the Bucs were on the powerplay. Mullen, Kirchhoff, Schabes, Lane and Baumgartner took the ice. For 1 minute the Bucs continued the pressure until Peter Sejna ended the game with a powerplay goal - assists to Ryan Kirchhoff and Jerrid Reinholz. The Bucs had pulled it off in overtime! Written by Steve Bendy.

Pre Game

After getting back at 3 a.m. Sunday morning from Sioux Falls the Bucs were ready to take on Thunder Bay, or were they still tired? Morrisey was in goal and would be going for his first win as a Buccaneer.

First

Unfortunately the Bucs did not score first. Patrick Sharp of Thunder Bay did, 1:23 into the first period. The Bucs looked tired in the first period, so it seemed that the long previous night had an effect. The Bucs soon found themselves down by another goal. This came at 10:05 from Derrick McIver. However, Sejna would turn it around at 12:53 (assist to Ryan Bennett). This would be the beginning of a night Sejna would rule. Thunder Bay got one more goal in the first at 13:38, which made the score 3-1 leaving the period. Shots: Des Moines 14 - Thunder Bay 23.

Second

The Bucs came out strong in the second and never looked back. Kirchhoff via a backhand got us the second goal (assist to Sejna and Weber). This goal came at 1:29 and was a power play goal. Weber tied the game about three minutes later (assist to Kim). Unfortunately Thunder Bay would strike one more time, and this came at 10:51. They were again leading 4-3, with six minutes left. Before the period would end the Bucs would find themselves ahead. The tying goal came with about a minute left in the period. Troy Riddle got the goal off a quick wrist shot (assist to Sejna). The period seemed like it had gotten as good as it could get, but Peter Sejna showing a streak of pure talent caught the puck off a slip-up and surged forward with a roaring crowd to stuff it beyond the goalie and up high into the net. We left the period ahead 5-4 with 12 shots and 11 for Thunder Bay.

Third

The third period was destined to be something of a joke and also a little wild and out of hand. It started out sane, but soon became confusing. Reinholz started it out right a mere 1:07 into the period with our sixth goal (assist to Sejna, at this point who else did you expect? Did I not tell you he was on fire?!). We had shut down the Flyers and the team responded with a puerility that even manifested itself in the coach. Soon the few penalties that had been called turned it to many penalties being called. I couldn't keep up anymore. The coach ended up getting ejected after shoving a linesman, or perhaps two? and Thunder Bay ended up taking a needed time-out at this point. Think that calmed the guys down out there? The game was already gone though by this time and the only remaining goals that were gotten were from the Buccaneers. Our newest member Ryan Bennett, from Queensbury NY, got his first goal about halfway through the period on a power play (assist to Sejna). Bennett who just joined the team this weekend has done well, already notching an assist and goal. Then at 11:14 Mullen got the eight and final goal (assist to Larranaga and Kirschhoff). There were a few more game ejections, one of these because a Flyer and Larranaga got in a fight (let me just add that Felipe nailed the guy!). It was down right sloppy, but I think our Bucs played well, without losing their heads too much. They won the game 8-4, but the amazing points are the amount of penalty minutes the Flyers took in the third...40 minutes...count that! It was Morrissey's first win for us, and thank goodness he did so well. Total saves for Morrissey ended up being 39. Written by Sarah Bendy.

Bucs defeat Dubuque 3-2

Des Moines, IA (11/20/99): With 1 minute left in the second period the Bucs found themselves behind 1-0, despite dominating most of the game. How did they respond? Eighteen seconds later Mark Mullen scored to serve notice that the Bucs were not about to lose this game. The Bucs scored the next two goals to stretch the lead to two goals as Morrisey came up with some brilliant saves to keep the Fighting Saints off the board. Dubuque did score with 32 seconds left in the game, but it was too little, too late. Mullen (Weber), Reinholz (Sejna) and Sejna (PP) (Reinholz, Riddle) scored for the Bucs.

Pre Game

Losing in Rochester on Friday night we were on home ice against Dubuque on Saturday night. Dubuque had beaten Omaha in a shoot-out Friday night, which had to be an emotional high for them. So here we were facing Dubuque for the second game of a three-game weekend. Morrisey had gotten himself a start, whether because of the loss in Rochester or because of the long weekend of games I don't know. Either way, he looked ready to play. The arena was packed and it seemed every available seat was taken. Which was really a good sign, since it hopefully meant a large crowd.

First

The first period was almost uneventful. Morrisey sent the puck flying over the ice without meaning to (ok, so I don't know if he meant to or not, but why would you want to really?). So we got an interference call for that. Of course it was a legitimate call and within reason. Most of the calls made that night seemed justified and well done. Saves for Dubuque were 12 in the first period and 12 for Morrisey.

Second

We started the period out very well I felt. Came close to scoring and then began to dominate. Though it got sloppy, and it seemed like we weren't as sharp as we could be we were definitely shutting down Dubuque. Because Morrisey might as well have brought a magazine with him onto the ice. When we were on the power play over halfway through the period it was going to be disappointment as we hit the post and then missed a few shots. It certainly wasn't for lack of effort that we hadn't scored. Then amazingly with a minute 3 left in the period Dubuque scored. Hardly seeing anytime in front of the net and barely down there a few seconds they had gotten the first goal of the game. However we answered quickly before the period ended to once again tie the game, this time at 1 a piece. Mark Mullen got that goal at 19:15 (assist to Weber). Morrisey in this period had 6 saves and Dubuque's goalie had 11.

Third

Our first lead of the game came at 2:32 when Jerrid Reinholz scored (assist to Sejna). Peter Sejna would get the third goal at 5:09 on a power play (assist to Reinholz and Riddle). When Dubuque got a two man advantage for a full minute they took their time-out and prepared for it as best they could. The Bucs however killed off both penalties and remained unscathed, for the time being anyway. If the fans had not been into the game before killing off those two penalties, they were now. However Dubuque scored with 32.8 seconds left in the third period. It wouldn't be quite enough for the Fighting Saints, the game would end with the Bucs ahead by one point. Morrisey this time notching 6 saves and Dubuque's Ayer's coming away with 8. Total Saves: Des Moines 24 - Dubuque 33. Written by Sarah Bendy.

Mantua solid in 4-2 Buc win

Des Moines, IA (11/21/99): Mike Mantua made 43 saves to secure a 4-2 Buc win over the first place US National team. Jesse Lane opened the scoring for the Bucs stuffing in his own rebound, and Travis Doan got his first goal of the year on a great pass from Justin Schabes. Alex Kim got the next two goals to win it for the Bucs. The game winner was a wrist shot that the goaltender was screened on and the final tally came from a mid-ice shot that looked as if it was laser-guided. Lane (PP) (Unassisted), Doan (Schabes), Kim (PP) (Lane) and Kim (EN) (Unassisted) scored for the Bucs.

Pre Game

On the third game of the weekend Mantua was put in goal and he looked ready to go. Not ,uch else to report.

First

Team USA was the first to score in the game when they put the puck right over Mantua's shoulder. The game was getting slightly frustrating. A few power play opportunities, but we couldn't manage to score. With about four minutes left we even had a two man advantage. We got the power play goal at 17:26 from Jesse Lane. He just skated right in and put the loose puck into the open net. Saves: Mantua 13 - Bonk 9.

Second

At 5:10 of the period Travis Doan got his first goal of the season (assist to Justin Schabes). I wonder if he kept the puck. If I had failed to mention up until now how well Mantua was playing, let me do so now. He was doing an outstanding job in net. When #81 got a penalty for elbowing and a ten minute misconduct it gave us a power play opportunity that we would capitilize on. Alex Kim would get this goal, putting it cleanly over Bonk's shoulder and into the back of the net (assist to Lane). After this Mantua made three great saves after two rebounds. It had the crowd on their feet. Mantua had 18 saves in that period. The period ended with USA getting another penalty. It meant we'd start the third on a power play.

Third

It seemed like everyone was just falling all over the place about halfway through the period. Team USA got one more goal at 12:46. It seemed that all night the pushing, shoving, words would result in some sort of fray. With a little less then three minutes left it happened. Three USA players seemingly jumped one of our players and instantly our own players ran to help him. Everyone paired off and there was a lot of congenial "hugging" going on. The fans were completely unhappy that it was a wash. Two players aside were put away for slashing, high sticking, roughing, delay of game, etc. etc. etc. Oh well, we were ahead so no big deal. USA called a time out and the goalie stayed off when they all went back onto the ice. Kim then scored an empty netter at 19:19. Saves: Mantua 12 - Bonk 5. Total Saves: Mantua 43 - Bonk 25. Written by Sarah Bendy.

Pre Game

Well now that Thanksgiving is officially over and everyone has hopefully had plenty to eat I'll attempt to write this rant. I unfortunately did not get any pumpkin pie, but I did have some wonderful duck. I think I may also have watched too much X-Files. Had my family groaning about it by the end of the day. Let's talk about the game now...Paul Morrisey got the start for the weekday game and the arena was pleasantly packed.

First

When Larranaga got the first penalty of the game it only took Sioux City fifteen seconds to get a goal out of it. Frustrating?...Definitely. However at 9:27 Novak got the first goal for the Bucs and the game was tied (assist to Ryan Bennet and Jesse Lane). The rest of the period would all be goals from special teams. With 9:03 left the puck did an odd flip into the air and landed right in front of Morrisey, who was still looking behind the net (where the play had been). Though a Buc seemed to have noticed it was there and started to make an effort to get the puck out of there, he wasn't quit quick enough and Sioux City was able to take advantage of the situation and jam it home. The Musketeers were leading 2-1. The forever eager fans were appeased by the first fight at 11:04. Landon Bathe and Brendan McCartin were the two that faced off first for the night. I think Bathe came out on top. On yet another penalty Sejna got the tying goal (assist to Reinholz and Weber) at 15:46. Then the final goal of the period came from Bennet when he lifted the puck up and over the goalie during another power play (assist to Kim). A few other tidbits for the period...Morrisey broke his stick and did an amazing job without batting an eye...saves for Sioux City 7 and Morrisey 6.

Second

Sioux City changed goalies for the second period, in favor of Betz. Anyone interested in the jersey's that are being auctioned off? Cole, Parillo, Fregoe, Jackson, Nightingale...hopefully I didn't miss anyone. Sejna all night long had been shadowed by at least two men. Then when he finally was able to get a break he hit the post. Morrisey came up big in the second period when he got bombarded. He ended up rolling on the ice with the puck safely stowed. It only made sense that after all the pushing and shoving there would be another fight to break out. The two players facing off after throwing off the gloves and helmets. This time it was Troy Riddle and Trent Mozak who fought with less then a minute left in the period. So the two were able to be escorted off the ice for the few seconds. Saves for Betz 9 and for Morrisey 13.

Third

When Hale tripped one of our boys right in front of the net and got called for the penalty who would have thought it would result in another goal for Sioux City? Well Chris Olsgard waltzed into our zone with Reinholz not far behind and snapped the puck right into the net to tie the game at 3. The rest of the period remained scoreless and it became obvious that we would be going into overtime. We all got very excited with 7:52 left in the period, because we thought we had scored our fourth goal. However the puck bounced across the pipes and never actually crossed the line. Saves for Betz 8 and for Morrisey 11.

OT

Ok, this really cooked my kettle, because that idiot of a ref Nelson actually called an overtime penalty! One that was questionable at that. Sioux City's Olsgard then got the final goal of the game winning another game for themselves. Morrisey really had a good game, but the minute that puck went over his shoulder he was off the ice and into the locker room. Total Saves: Morrisey 30 - Betz 24. Written by Sarah Bendy.

Bucs rob Waterloo 5-4 - again

Des Moines, IA (11/26/99): The Bucs have played Waterloo twice this season. Both times they have won 5-4 in overtime. Both times they have come from behind to do it. Troy Riddle slapped a rebound in on a 5 on 3 Buc powerplay to tie the game and send it into overtime with just 2 minutes left. Mark Mullen ended up with the puck all alone in front of the goalie and went 5-hole to win the game just 1:35 into the overtime. Torretti (Lane, Riddle), Schabes (kirchhoff), Bennett (PP) (Kirchhoff), Riddle (PP) (Kim) and Mullen (Weber) scored for the Bucs. Mantua was in goal.

Pre Game

As if I hadn't had enough pumpkin pie that I had to have some more this morning (Sunday). Our Thanksgiving celebration was on Saturday, so I was saved the stuffing for a few days. I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday and was able to spend plenty of time with family and friends! Speaking of friends I was happy to hear that Jimmy Jackson's jersey was bought for his mom, Cheryl. Wonderful lady and I know she'll appreciate it.

I am not completely sure whether I should bother to respond to anything that has been said in the guestbook. The Waterloo fans probably were not happy about Friday night. They were all prepared for us to eat a little humble pie. There were quite a few Waterloo fans there to watch the game with quite a few cowbells. It was amazing how loud those bells were. I'm sure I wasn't the only one tempted to go give them some money for the holiday season and Salvation Army.

First

Everything that I was going to say about Friday night now means very little after last night. That's a good thing of course. Anyhow, I'll try and treat this as though I had no clue what would be coming. The Bucs had Thanksgiving off and plenty of parents were in town and that was followed by a light practice on Friday morning. I tell you, we've had so many games this last week that it seems like they're all running together.

Mantua got the start for the night and we started out with the first goal as well. The goal came at 1:45 from Dominic Toretti (assist to Lane and Riddle). There were quite a few penalties called and eventually when the Black Hawks had a two man advantage it took them only fifteen seconds to get the goal. Our Buc fans immediately started up a cheer after this. Saves for Hanna 7 and Mantua 6.

Second

We started the second period with a 26 second power play that had carried over from the the first. Waterloo started early at 1:31 in the second period and they were leading the game. Then once again the Black Hawks got a goal, this came from a slap shot. The Bucs were behind 3-1. The second period was rather frustrating to watch and I think since I wouldn't have much good to say it would be better to say nothing. Justin Schabes did get a goal at 11:17 (assist to Kirschhoff) and we were only behind by one now.

One funny thing I noted during the second period was when Bennet fell backwards onto Galvin of the Black Hawks...it wasn't funny that he fell backwards, it was funny that Galvin actually picked Bennet back up and righted him. From the look on Ryan's face it seemed unexpected. Saves for Hanna 13 and Mantua 7.

Third

Waterloo was leading 3-2, but they would get one more goal before the night was over. This goal came at 5:55. It was looking ugly and I thought of the Buc fans who have always called Waterloo, Waterlosers and always said how great we are/were. How would it look in the guestbook tomorrow? However Ryan Bennet changed the atmoshpere for us (assist to Kirschhoff) at 15:14 when he got a power play goal. The Bucs were beginning to crash the net and with about three minutes left we were putting out four forwards to get something done. We had one Black Hawk in the penatly box and another one had just gotten called, that meant we'd have a two man advantage for 24 seconds. Taking a time out at this time the Bucs were getting ready to tie up the game. Troy Riddle did us the great honor of tying up the game and putting us into overtime (assist to Alex Kim). The Bucs looked like the tried to get one more goal before the overtime period, and why not, but it wasn't destined to be. Instead we went into another overtime period. Saves for Hanna 13 and for Mantua 7.

OT

It took us a mere 1:35 to get the game winning goal. It came from Mark Mullen (assist to Weber) and went right through the five-hole. We had stolen the game from Waterloo and it took us only the last half of the third period and a little extra. I'm not sure we deserved the win, but you take what you can get. And I for one was proud with how they came back and fought for something that had slipped out of their fingers. Written by Sarah Bendy.

Pre Game

This may possibly come as a surprise to some people out there, but I'm going to defend Jamie. Resolutely staying away from anything remotely close to this subject I have said little about anything in the past. And now God-forbid I say something, especially about someone who's possible reputation is anything at all to which I have such a strong aversion too. However, I cannot but say something this time, because my own sense of justice comes strongly to call...

How dare you be so slanderous and so disrespectful. Jamie, no matter who or what she may be, does not deserve to be treated in such a manner. Does she as a human being deserve less respect than you would treat your beloved demigod Bucs? Or for that matter does any girl in the arena deserve to be treated with any less respect? As human beings we...the Coach, the Bucs, fans, are equal and deserve the respect due to any human being. I may be all for free speech and having the freedom to express one's opinion, but the lack of any real feeling for anybody else's feelings that has been so strewn in the guestbook is literally appalling. I know that I, as much as anybody else, have my own downfalls and that I am not always as loving as I should be to my fellow brother...but is there such a thing as mutual respect anymore?

The folks from any other team come onto our guestbook and get the impression that we are whining, back-stabbing, and fair weather fans. I for one am not happy to have that to show for our fine fans that I do know. All the good, honorable, and respectful fans that live in this city and cheer for this team take a stand! We are the ones that have stuck with this team year in and year out and love the game of hockey and have come to love the organization as much. We are lucky to have such a wonderful organization and I for one am proud of the people who are behind it, they truly love what they do and are wonderful people! I am as proud of the team and the coaching staff. No matter what you may think of me, or how awful you think I am, I will always cheer for them, even when they're down, even when they're losing...I have the utmost respect for the drive, determination, and focus that they all have...yes and even the raw talent. Respect for the dream they pursue and the love that they have for this game.

It's supposed to be a time of Thanksgiving and all we do is whine? Where is our consideration, our courtesy, and even our deference?

First

Ok, let's talk hockey...

This game was going to be the strongest one we had yet to see in the previous entire two weeks. A blast to watch and definitely the best hockey I've seen in awhile. Rochester had beaten us just one week before on their home ice Friday night and we looked ready to do the honors in our own rink. We only had to face Adam Coole again, but this time he wouldn't give us quite the stone wall he had before. Paul Morrisey was in front of our net ready to get himself the win he'd only been able to taste on Wednesday. From the very first period we seemed in control of the game. We got the first goal from Troy Riddle at 7:13 (assist to Sejna [wow, he must've passed that puck on huh?!] and Reinholz). It only took a few seconds more for us to get the second goal, this was from Sejna this time (assist to Riddle and Torretti).

Rochester scored their first goal with 5:27 left in the period and the Bucs were now leading 2-1. Saves for Coole 11 and for Morrisey 12.

Second

For the first five minutes it was a rather quiet game, but Reinholz kicked it up a notch and scored us a goal with 15:22 left to go (assist to Riddle and Sejna [Hey...another assist...must've passed that puck off again!]). I think I'll take the time to mention that Reinholz was having a good game, he really played well getting himself four points for the game. It seemed fated that Rochester would get one more goal, they were fighting hard. This goal came with about six minutes left in the second. We were still leading 3-2 and hoping not to have to go into another overtime. Saves for Adam Coole were 12 and for Morrisey a mere 4...not bad at all, very good for us.

Third

The second Reinholz goal came with 17:37 left in the third period (assist to Sejna [I'll decline any comment this time]). We were ahead 4-2 and it was just starting to get good. What a completely exciting period. I don't know if my excitement stemmed from watching a good game, or from seeing the Bucs win! Sejna got an unassisted goal at 11:12, snapping the puck into the back of the net and back out from behind Coole. It was certainly a night for the Reinholz's, not only did Jerrid have an awesome night, but Rick won the 50/50 split ticket pot and the money was supposedly going towards a new pair of skates for Jerrid. It was so good to see Alex Kim get himself a goal at 12:27 (assist to Weber). There was a goalie change at this time, Coole must have been losing his cool. Just so this new goalie knew he wasn't going to be able to compete with a hot team we got one more goal at 13:51 Riddle tipping in the puck (assist to Larranaga and Kim). Saves for both teams an even 11. Total Saves: Des Moines 24 - Rochester 34. Written by Sarah Bendy.