WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers (5-1-0-0) fell to the Tri-City Storm (4-2-0-0) in a 7-3 matchup Saturday night at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Storm forward Samuel Courtemanche netted a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in the opening period. Storm goaltender Ryan Denes (1-1-0-0) stopped 27 of 30 shots in the win. The Bucs look ahead to back-to-back matchups against the Lincoln Stars next weekend kicking off Friday night at The Ice Box at 7:05 p.m.

Bucs forward Eli Bimmerle opened the scoring of the match 7:20 into the first period, sending his wrist-shot from the right-wing circle flying past Denes for his second goal on the season, unassisted, to show Des Moines ahead 1-0. The Storm responded with two quick goals, the first from Samuel Courtemanche at 8:19, and the second from Matthew Krayer at 8:19.

Tri-City gained momentum, netting three more goals in the first period from Evan Sofikitis at 11:18, Courtemanche at 12:03, and Bode Wise at 17:53 to show the Storm ahead 5-1 after twenty minutes of play.

Riley Zupfer netted the lone goal of the middle frame at 5:25 on the power play for his third goal on the season, assisted by Mason Jenson and Jakub Dubravik to show a score of 5-2. 

Bimmerle's second of the night came early in the third period, as his wrap-around shot found its way past Denes at 1:58. Defenseman Nick Koering assisted on Bimmerle's third goal of the season that showed a score of 5-3. The Storm responded with two goals to end out the final period, as Aleksandr Sokolov and Courtemanche found the back of the net to show a final score of 7-3.

The Bucs face the Lincoln Stars for back-to-back matchups next weekend, kicking off Friday night at The Ice Box in Lincoln at 7:05 p.m. The Bucs host their second game of the weekend, with a puck drop at 6:05 p.m. at the RecPlex. It's Bucs Fight Cancer Night, presented by The Iowa Clinic and Star 102.5. The Bucs will be repping specialty jerseys, which will be up for auction after the game. There will be a pink LED stick giveaway at the door and it's Tito's Saturday. Don't miss out! Get your tickets now.

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.