Middleton, Wis. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (19-20-3-4) fell to the Madison Capitols (26-17-0-3) 2-1 Friday night at Bob Suter's Legacy20 Arena Middleton. Caps forward Jackson Nevers netted the game-winning power-play goal 6:48 into the final frame. Bucs goaltender Andrei Nikolaev (2-4-0-0) stopp 23 of 25 shots in the defeat, outdueled by Caleb Heil's (18-7-0-3) 25 saves. The Bucs face the Caps once more tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. at Bob Suter's Legacy20 Arena Middleton.

After a scoreless first period, Bucs forward Blake Zielinski opened the scoring of the match 2:43 into the middle frame with his power-play wrist shot from the right-wing circle off a pass from defenseman Barrett Dexheimer. Zielinski's 17th goal on the season was also assisted by forward Ryan Seelinger and saw Des Moines ahead 1-0.

The Caps struck back with two power-play goals in the final frame, the first from defenseman Jet Kwajah at 1:11 to tie the match 1-1. The second came from forward Jackson Nevers at 6:48, as his wrist-shot from the left-wing circle found its way past Nikolaev to bring the Caps ahead 2-1.

The Bucs look ahead to another matchup against the Capitols tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. at Bob Suter's Legacy20 Arena. They then return for a 3-in-3 home weekend February 27 - March 1 at the MidAmerican Eenrgy Company RecPlex. Friday, February 27, the Bucs host the Omaha Lancers at 7:05 p.m. with 2-for-1 beer and Fireball Friday specials. Saturday, February 28, is the Bucs' annual Guns N Hoses game, benefiting Easterseals Iowa, featuring specialty jerseys and a post-game jersey auction. The Bucs will host the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:05 p.m., and it is also Mug Club 1/2 off beverages and Tito's Saturday. Sunday, March 1, is Winger's birthday! Featuring a specialty Winger bobblehead giveaway at the door and dollar dog night. It is a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup against the Waterloo Black Hawks at 2:05 p.m. Don't miss out on the action! Buy your tickets here. 

2026-27 season tickets available now! More information 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.