CHICAGO, Ill. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (8-6-0-1) pulled out a 4-2 win over the Chicago Steel (5-5-1-1) Friday night at USG Arena. After a back-and-forth matchup with both teams tallying a goal in each of the first two periods, Bucs forward Luke Norcross netted his first goal on the season to give Des Moines the final lead of the match. Bucs goaltender Elias Hopeman (1-0-0-0) stopped 23 of 25 shots by the Steel in his first USHL start. The two teams faceoff at USG Arena again tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m.

Des Moines forward Stepan Rezvyi opened the scoring of the match, sending his breakaway shot top-shelf 12:31 into the first period for his third goal on the season. Former Steel defenseman Max Dessner set up Rezvyi in the neutral zone for the lone assist, showing a score of 1-0. Chicago defenseman Cal Grilz sent a one-time shot past Hopeman to even the match at 18:14, bringing the score to 1-1.

Bucs forward Eli Bimmerle deflected defenseman Alexander Kiønig's shot from the blue line on the power play 3:18 into the middle frame for his fourth goal on the season. Forward Mason Jenson notched the secondary assist on Bimmerle's power-play goal that restored the Bucs lead at 2-1. The Steel evened the match once again at 9:53, as Steel forward Cade Strom erased the Bucs lead, showing a score of 2-2.

Des Moines forward Luke Norcross netted the game-winning goal 10:28 into the final frame, as his one-time shot from the low slot slipped past the Chicago netminder's far shoulder. Dessner and forward Samuel Wooten assisted on Norcross' first goal of the season that brought the score to 3-2. Jenson capped off the scoring of the night with an empty-net goal at 17:55, assisted by Jakub Dubravík, to show a final score of 4-2.

The Bucs and Steel face off again tomorrow, Nov. 7, at 6:00 p.m. at USG Arena. The Bucs return home on Friday, November 13, to face the Dubuque Fighting Saints for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. It's Veterans Appreciation and Scouts Night, featuring specialty jerseys that will be available for auction post-game and a specialty hat giveaway. We'll also have our regular Friday specials — 2-for-1 beer, $3 off Fireball drinks, and Kwik Star BOGO tickets. Don't miss out! 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.