Los Angeles, Calif. — Des Moines Buccaneers forward Ben Kevan was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft, 63rd overall. Kevan spent two seasons with the Bucs and will head to Arizona State University for the 2025-26 season to continue his hockey career.
As a member of the Bucs, Kevan totaled 110 games played for 37 goals and 63 assists. During the 2023-24 season, Kevan led all USHL rookies in scoring with an average of .97 points per game and was named to the 2024 USHL All-Rookie Team.
In the past year, Kevan has competed with Team USA in various international tournaments, including the 2024 Hlnka Gretzky Cup, 2025 World Junior "A" Challenge, and 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. He led Team USA to their bronze-medal finish in the IIHF U-18 World Championship, netting the game-winning overtime goal against Team Slovakia.
"The Buccaneers are incredibly proud to see Kevan taking the next step in his hockey career by being drafted to the New Jersey Devils," Managing Partner Michael Devlin said. "The Buccaneers and the USHL are built on nurturing young talent and preparing them for a future career in hockey. Kevan's growth since coming to Des Moines in 2023 is both a testament to his determination and our organization's dedication to player development. We are excited to have Ben join a long list of distinguished Bucs alumni who have had outstanding professional hockey careers, and we cannot wait to see where the future takes him."
About the Buccaneers
Founded in 1980, the Des Moines Buccaneers are a proud member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's premier junior hockey league. The Bucs have a history of success in the USHL, including 4 Clark Cup Championships, 4 Anderson Cup Championships, and 54 alumni drafted to the National Hockey League, including Stanley Cup Champions Kyle Okposo, Alex Chiasson, Trevor Lewis, Davis Drewiske, and Erik Cole. The organization is committed to developing young players on and off the ice, preparing them for a future in collegiate and professional careers. Known for their passionate fan base, the Bucs play their home games at The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, a multi-sport complex in West Des Moines, Iowa.
To learn more, visit bucshockey.com or follow the Bucs on social media: @bucshockey on X and Instagram, @desmoinesbuccaneers on TikTok, and Des Moines Buccaneers on Facebook. For more information about ticket packages, including season and group outings, please contact (515) 278-2827.
