CHICAGO, Ill. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (9-6-0-1) took the weekend sweep against the Chicago Steel (5-5-2-1) with a 5-4 overtime win Saturday night at USG Arena. Bucs defenseman
Kalib Capecci netted the OT winner for his second goal on the season, while forwards
Riley Zupfer and
Joseph Argentina each registered a three-point night.
Des Moines forward
Riley Zupfer sent his back-handed shot past the Chicago netminder for his eighth goal of the season 10:09 into the opening frame. Zupfer's goal was assisted by forward
Mason Jenson and defenseman
Nick Koering to show the Bucs ahead 1-0. Forward
Stepan Rezvyi found another top-shelf breakaway goal to double the Bucs lead at 13:03. Rezvyi's fourth goal on the season came off a play from forwards
Eli Bimmerle and
Joseph Argentina to extend the Des Moines advantage to 2-0. Steel forward Patrick Tolan cut the Chicago deficit in half just over a minute after Rezvyi's goal to show a score of 2-1.
Argentina netted the lone goal of the middle frame on the power play at 4:40 for his eighth tally of the season, assisted by Chris Pinko and Zupfer, bringing the score to 3-1.
Tolan sent home his second of the night to bring the Steel back to a one-goal deficit at 3-2 5:38 into the third period. Zupfer's second of the night and ninth of the season came unassisted on the power play at 11:09, as he sent his own rebound past the Chicago goaltender to widen the advantge to 4-2.
The Steel capitalized on two power-plays to send the match to overtime late in the final frame. The first came from forward Benson Grande at 15:22 and the second from Jayden Kurtz at 18:35 to show a score of 4-4.
Des Moines defenseman
Kalib Capecci picked up pass from
Riley Zupfer and skated into the low slot to bury his second goal of the season to secure the overtime win. Pinko notched the secondary assist on the goal 3:38 into the extra period that showed a final score of 5-4.
The Bucs return home on Friday, November 13, for a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup against 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.
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.
