Youngstown, Ohio — The Des Moines Buccaneers (10-16-3-4) fell to the Youngstown Phantoms (25-8-2-1) in a 4-1 contest Saturday night at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms forward Evan Jardine led the Youngstown offense with the game-winning goalie early in the second period and an empty-net goal to cap off the scoring in the third. Youngstown goalie Tobias Trejbal (16-5-2-0) backstopped the Phantoms win, stopping 20 of 21 Buccaneers shots. Bucs goalie Andrei Nikolayev (0-1-0-0) suffered the loss with 21 saves. The Bucs look ahead to another away matchup this Friday, Jan. 16, in Omaha, facing the Lancers at 7:05 p.m.

Phantoms forward Kazumo Sasaki opened the scoring of the match 14:51 into the first period, sending in his own rebounded shot to bring Youngstown ahead 1-0. Bucs forward Jakub Dubravik responded with a goal for Des Moines at 18:37, sending a one-time shot flying past Trejbal. Defensemen Jason Davenport each had a hand in Dubravik's second goal of the season that showed an even score 1-1.

Youngstown forward Evan Jardine found his way past Nikolayev on the power play 2:39 into the middle frame to pull the Phantoms ahead 2-1. Forward Cal Hutson sent a shot through Nikolayev's five-hole to extend the Youngstown lead to 3-1 at 4:15.

Jardine capped off the scoring of the game with an empty-net goal for the Phantoms 19:41 into the final frame to show a final score of 4-1.

The Bucs head to Libert First Credit Union Arena Friday, Jan. 16, to face the Lancers at 7:05 p.m. The Bucs' next home game is Saturday, Jan. 17, as they host a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup against the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7:05 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. The Bucs will become the Des Moines 6 7s, sporting specialty jerseys for a night full of internet-themed fun! It is also Tito's Saturday, Coors Mug Club 1/2 off beverages and a post-game skate with the players presented by Prairie Meadows. Don't miss out on the action! Buy your tickets here.

Holiday Hat Trick package available now! Click here for more information.

Purchase your new merchandise from the Bucs Galley today!

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 www.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.