Youngstown, Ohio — The Des Moines Buccaneers (10-15-3-4) fell to the Youngstown Phantoms (24-8-2-1) in a tight 4-3 matchup Friday night at the Covelli Centre. An even-keeled contest for the clubs, Youngstown's Jack Hextall found a wide-open back door for the game-winning goal late in the final frame. Both goaltenders faced 26 shots on net, Phantoms' Tobias Trejbal (16-5-2-0) backstopping the win with 23 saves and Alan Lendak (6-8-0-0) ending the night with 22 saves. The Bucs face the Phantoms once more Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6:05 p.m. EST at the Covelli Centre.

After a scoreless first, a wrap-around attempt for forward Cade De St. Hubert found its way into the net for his first USHL goal 7:50 into the middle frame. De St. Hubert's unassisted goal gave the Bucs the initial 1-0 lead. Forward Cooper Simpson tied the contest for Youngstown at 9:37, shooting past Lendak from the right-wing circle to show a score of 1-1. Simpson brought the Phantoms ahead 2-1 at 19:31 with a power-play goal from the left-wing circle.

A one-time shot from Bucs forward Jakub Dubravik showed a tied match again 7:42 into the third period. Dubravik's first USHL goal came off a cross-ice pass from forward Joey Argentina to show a score of 2-2. Jakub Hes pulled the Phantoms ahead again 3-2 at 10:25, but was met with a goal by Bucs forward Ryan Seelinger just 18 seconds later at 10:43. Seelinger's deflected a pass from defenseman Ryland Randle in front of the net for his 17th goal of the season, extending his point streak to ten games and evening the contest 3-3. Youngstown forward Jack Hextall closed the scoring of the match late in the final frame, giving the Phantoms the ultimate 4-3 victory at 16:37.

The Bucs and Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre for their second matchup of the weekend tomorrow, Jan. 10, at 6:05 p.m. EST. 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.