Cedar Rapids, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers (24-26-4-4) fell 6-1 to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (33-16-3-6), who extend their point streak to 15 games, in a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup Wednesday night at ImOn Ice Arena. Jason Musa led the RoughRiders' offensive efforts with two goals on the night, and Cedar Rapids was able to convert on four of nine power-play opportunities. Ryan Cameron (23-10-2-3) backstopped the Cedar Rapids win, stopping 18 of 19 shots on the night. The Bucs return to ImOn Ice Arena Friday night for their final Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup against the RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m.
Riders forward Ruben Westerling opened the scoring of the match with the lone goal of the first period at 17:58, shooting just past Lendak's shoulder to place the puck top-shelf and bring Cedar Rapids ahead 1-0.
The middle frame saw four power-play goals, three from Cedar Rapids and one from the Buccaneers. Forward Jason Musa brought the Riders the 2-0 lead at 7:03 with a goal from the right-wing circle. The second power-play goal for Cedar Rapids came from Connor Davis just 41 seconds later to extend the lead to 3-0. Riley Zupfer put the Bucs on the board on the power play at 10:19, sending his wrist-shot from the slot off a pass from Ryan Seelinger flying to cut the deficit to 3-1. Ryland Randle tallied the secondary assist on Zupfer's 16th goal on the season. David Bosco netted a late power-play goal for the Riders at 19:01 to restore the three-goal lead at 4-1.
The RoughRiders tallied two more unanswered goals in the final frame, the first from Musa at 10:10, and the second from Braiden Scudieri on the power play at 13:07 to show a final score of 6-1.
The Bucs look ahead to three more games on the road, as they face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders once more this Friday, Mar. 27, at 7:05 p.m. at ImOn Ice Arena. They then head to Sioux Falls for a matchup against the Stampede next Tuesday, Mar. 31, at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The Buccaneers' road streak ends in Sioux City on Friday, Apr. 3, as they take on the Musketeers at Tyson Events Center. The Bucs return for their final home game of the regular season on Saturday, April 4, as they host the Sioux City Musketeers at 6:05 p.m. It is Fan Appreciation Night, featuring a team photo magnet giveaway at the door and a post-game autograph session with the entire Bucs team! The Bucs will also be hosting their annual Doxie Dash in partnership with the Animal Rescue League, a shoot-to-win competition for the chance to win a prize from Off Course Golf Carts, and another intermission game for the chance to win a lawnmower from Clive Power Equipment. It's also our final Coors Mug Club and Tito's 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.
