GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (6-5-0-1) finished their weekend against the Green Bay Gamblers (3-7-0-0) with a 4-1 win Saturday night at the Resch Center. Des Moines forward
Riley Zupfer tallied two goals for the Bucs in the final period, and Bucs goalie
Kimi Saffran (3-1-0-1) backstopped the win with 23 saves. Gamblers goaltender Joey Slavick (3-4-0-0) faced 42 shots in the defeat. The Bucs look ahead to a pair of home games against the Youngstown Phantoms next weekend at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.
Bucs forward
Christopher Pinko opened the scoring of the match 9:02 into the first period, accepting a pass from
Bradley Whang in the neutral zone and sending his wrist-shot from the left-wing circle past Slavick's glove. Pinko's first USHL goal brought the Des Moines the initial 1-0 lead. Forward Jakub Dubravík doubled the Bucs advantage at 19:17 with a power-play goal off a pass from defenseman
Becker Wenkus.
Joseph Argentina also assisted on Dubravík's fourth goal of the season that showed a score of 2-0.
After a scoreless middle frame, Des Moines forward
Riley Zupfer's shot from the top of the crease found the back of the net 5:51 into the third period. Zupfer's fifth goal of the season was assisted by
Bradley Whang and Wenkus, bringing the score to 3-0. Zupfer netted his second of the night on the power play at 11:06, also assisted by Whang and Wenkus, to extend the lead to 4-0. Gamblers forward Reece Gault put Green Bay on the board at 17:38, to bring the final score to 4-1.
The Bucs return home for Halloweekend against the Youngstown Phantoms, kicking off Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Stop by and trick-or-treat with Bucs staff stationed around the rink on both nights! Friday will be a (human) costume contest, so dress your best and show off your Halloween spirit! We'll have our regular Friday and Saturday night specials, plus $1 hot dogs while supplies last Friday night. Saturday the Bucs will be hosting our annual Mutt Strut, presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka, and a dog costume contest! Sign your furry friend up for the Mutt Strut here. Stick around after the game on the 31st for Signature Saturday. Don't miss out! Buy your tickets here.
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.
