Ralston, Neb. — Forward Ryan Seelinger propelled the Des Moines Buccaneers (11-16-3-4) over the Omaha Lancers (10-23-2-2) in a 4-3 overtime win Friday night at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Seelinger tallied the game-winning goal with just seven seconds remaining in the extra period and extended to an eleven-game point streak, also tallying an assist on the night. Des Moines goalie Alan Lendak (7-8-0-0) backstopped the win with 24 saves, while Lancers goalie Nils Roberts Maurins (3-10-1-2) suffered the loss with 32 saves. The Bucs host the Dubuque Fighting Saints for a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup tomorrow, Jan. 17, at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex at 6:05 p.m.
After a scoreless first period, Lancers leading scorer Kole Hyles netted an unassisted breakaway goal 5:14 into the middle frame to bring Omaha ahead 1-0. Bucs forward Blake Zielinski responded with his first goal of the night, sending a one-time shot from the left-wing circle top shelf to tie the match 1-1. Forward Riley Zupfer and defenseman Nick Koering each had a hand in Zielinski's 10th goal on the season at 8:21. Omaha's Adam Israilov's one-time shot from the right-wing circle on the power play restored the Lancers lead at 2-1 at 9:48. Bucs forward Joey Argentina found the back of the net at 15:13 to even the contest once more at 2-2. Argentina's shot off a pass from forward Henry Major tallied his fifth goal on the season. Israilov responded with his second on the night just 12 seconds later to show Omaha ahead 3-2.
Zielinski netted the lone goal of the final frame and his second on the night just 1:15 into the period. His shot from the point flew past Omaha defenders on the power play to send the match into overtime at 3-3. Zupfer and Seelinger assisted in Zielinski's 11th goal of the season.
At 4:53 of the extra period, Seelinger's wrist-shot from the right-wing circle found its way past Roberts Maurins, ending the matching and giving the Bucs the 4-3 win. Defenseman Keaton Orrey and Major had a hand in Seelinger's 18th goal of the season.
The Bucs return home Saturday, Jan. 17, to 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
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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.
