West Des Moines, Iowa — The Des Moines Buccaneers (1-0) battled to a 3-2 win over the Lincoln Stars (0-1) in game one of round one of the Clark Cup Playoffs Thursday night at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Bucs forward Cade De St. Hubert led the Des Moines offense with a goal and an assist on the night, and Alan Lendak (1-0) backstopped the win with 18 saves. Stars goaltender Charles Menard (0-1) suffered the defeat with 29 saves. The Bucs and Stars return to the RecPlex for game to of the series tomorrow, Apr. 10, at 7:05 p.m.
Bucs forward Cade De St. Hubert started out the scoring of the match just 3:14 into the opening frame, deflecting Ryland Randle's shot from the blue line for his first playoff goal. De St. Hubert's go-ahead goal was also assisted by defenseman Becker Wenkus, showing a score of 1-0. Forward Rhys Wallin doubled the Bucs lead at 5:46, picking up a pass from Owen Tylec and shooting past Menard from the right-wing circle to bring the score to 2-0. Lincoln forward Griffin Brown cut the Des Moines advantage to 2-1, putting the Stars on the board at 13:45.
Des Moines' Henry Major netted the lone goal of the second period at 5:01, sending his wrist shot from the slot flying to the back of the net. Major's goal came off a pass from De St. Hubert, showing a score of 3-1.
Lincoln forward Layne Loomer brought the Stars within one with a breakaway goal 8:43 into the final frame. The Bucs were able to hold on to their lead throughout the final frame, earning the 3-2 victory.
The Bucs and Stars return to the RecPlex for Game 2 Friday, Apr. 10, at 7:05 p.m., featuring 2-for-1 beer and Fireball Friday and a playoff rally towel giveaway. If the series is tied after Friday night, the teams will return Saturday, Apr. 11, for Game 3 at 7:05 p.m. featuring Tito's Saturday and Coors Mug Club. Don't miss out on the playoff 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.
