West Des Moines, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have signed a tender agreement with Samuel Wooten ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The 2008-born, right-handed forward is a Apple Valley, Minn., native, who has spent the last three seasons with Eastview High in the Minnesota State High School League. This year, Wooten has posted 40P (18G, 22A) in 27GP at the high school level. He has also spent time with Team APX of the Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League, putting up 30P (14G, 16A) in 20GP.
"We are really excited to get a player like Sam Wooten committed to us," said Head Coach and President of Hockey Ops
Derek Damon. "Sam fits our style of play perfectly and he also brings an offensive upside that will help our forward group next season."
The Buccaneers are excited for the opportunity to add Wooten to the list of talented Minnesota-born forwards who have developed with the organization. Wooten follows in the growing pipeline of high-end talent advancing from the Minnesota high school level to the USHL.
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.
