West Des Moines, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers (23-24-4-4) battled through overtime, ultimately falling 4-3 to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (30-16-3-6) Tuesday night in a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. A tightly contested battle, the Bucs held the lead through the majority of the contest, but RoughRiders forward Grant Young tied the match 3-3 with 51 seconds remaining in regulation. Thomas Corneille netted the game-winning goal for Cedar Rapids with 25 seconds remaining in overtime. Bucs goalie Alan Lendak (17-10-1-0) fought off 31 shots in the defeat. The Bucs return home for a matchup against the Fargo Force Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at the RecPlex.

The RoughRiders opened the scoring of the contest with a power-play goal from forward Justin Graf 13:48 into the first period to show Cedar Rapids ahead 1-0. Bucs forward Blake Zielinski responded with a power-play goal for Des Moines at 15:20, sending his back-handed shot top-shelf to tie the match 1-1. Zielinski's 21st goal on the season was assisted by forward Riley Zupfer and defenseman Ryland Randle.

Bucs forward Cazimiro Carlson netted his first USHL, tipping in defenseman Jason Davenport's shot from the blue line 1:20 into the middle frame. Carlson's goal was also assisted by forward Luke Norcross and showed the Bucs ahead 2-1. Connor Davis tied it up again for Cedar Rapids at 7:58, tipping in a shot from a RoughRiders defenseman to bring the score to 2-2. Forward Joey Argentina restored the Bucs lead at 18:30, skating the puck in from the neutral zone and shooting past defenders for his ninth goal of the season. Argentina's goal was assisted by defenseman Keaton Orrey and forward Adam Zidlicky to bring the Bucs back ahead at 3-2.

Cedar Rapids forward Grant Young tied the match with a 6-on-5 goal 51 seconds left in the final frame, forcing in a rebounded shot to show a score of 3-3. Defenseman Thomas Corneille netted the game-winning goal for the RoughRiders 4:35 into the extra period, tapping a rebounded shot into an open back door for a final score of 4-3.

The Bucs host the Fargo Force for back-to-back matchups this Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. March 20 is Fireball Friday and 2-for-1 beer night, followed by a post-game skate with the team. Saturday, March 21, your Bucs will come out swinging for Bucs at Bat, featuring $1 hot dogs, Tito's Saturday, and Coors Mug Club 1/2 off beverages, followed by Signature Saturday! Don't miss out on the action! 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.