West Des Moines, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers (14-17-3-4) took the 4-3 win over the Lincoln Stars (20-17-4-0) in an exciting overtime matchup Friday night at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Bucs forward Ryan Seelinger gave Des Moines the edge with his third overtime game-winning goal in five games 1:22 into the extra period. Lincoln forward Layne Loomer notched a second-period hat trick for the Stars. 

After a scoreless first period, Bucs forward Owen Tylec opened the scoring of the contest 6:22 into the middle frame, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 opportunity to bring the Bucs ahead 1-0. Tylec's seventh goal on the season was assisted by forwards Rhys Wallin and Ryan Seelinger. Stars forward Layne Loomer responded with three unanswered goals to close out the second period. Loomer tallied two power-play goals at 8:08 and 13:40 and completed his hat trick at 15:03, showing Lincoln ahead 3-1.

Bucs forward Blake Zielinski tapped in his own rebounded shot after a breakaway attempt 11:07 into the final frame. Zielinski's 13th goal on the season was assisted by Seelinger and defenseman Barrett Dexheimer to cut the Des Moines deficit to 3-2. Bucs defenseman Ryland Randle erased the Stars lead at 14:34, sending a one-time shot from the righ-wing circle flying to the back of the net for his seventh goal on the season. Randle's game-tying goal was assisted by forwards Cade De St. Hubert and Nathan Hauad, sending the contest into overtime at 3-3.

Seelinger picked up the puck in the neutral zone, skating in and burying a breakaway goal for his third overtime game-winning goal in five games. Seelinger's 21st goal on the season came 1:22 into the extra period and showed a final score of 4-3.

The Bucs look ahead to back-to-back matchups against the Tri-City Storm this Saturday and Sunday at the Viaero Center in Kearney, Neb. The Buccaneers' next home game is February 6, as they take on the Omaha Lancers at 7:05 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Join us for Women in Sports Night, as we celebrate all the women who are shaping the game on and off the ice. The Bucs will be hosting a pregame panel discussion highlighting women working across the sports industry from 5:30-6:15 p.m. at the RecPlex. February 6 is also Buzzballz College Night, with discounted tickets and 2 for $8 Buzzballz for college students. It's a Friday night, meaning 2-for-1 beer and Fireball Friday. Don't miss out on the action! Buy your tickets here.

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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.