Kearney, Neb. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (14-18-3-4) fell 3-1 to the Tri-City Storm (20-17-3-2) in a hard-fought battle Saturday night at the Viaero Center. Tri-City's leading scorer Carson Pilgrim extended his point streak to ten games with the set up on the game-winning tap-in by Oliver Ozogany early in the final frame. Storm goalie Owen Nelson (6-8-1-0) backstopped the win with 29 saves. The Bucs look ahead to another matchup against the Storm tomorrow at 3:05 p.m. at the Viaero Center.

After a scoreless first period, Bucs defenseman Ryland Randle gave Des Moines the initial 1-0 lead 3:46 into the middle frame, shooting from the right-wing circle for his eighth goal on the season. Forward Blake Zielinski notched the lone assist on Randle's third goal in three games. Storm forward Lincoln Hjelm evened the contest late in the second period, trickling the puck past Nikolaev to bring the score to 1-1 at 19:04.

Oliver Ozogany netted the game-winning goal, bringing the Storm ahead 2-1 on a set up by Carson Pilgrim in front of the net 3:20 into the final frame. Bode Laylin capped the scoring of the game for Tri-City with an empty-net goal at 18:54 to show a final score of 3-1.

The Bucs finish out their weekend with another matchup against the Storm tomorrow, Feb. 1, at 3:05 p.m. at the Viaero Center. 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.