CHICAGO, Ill. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (1-0-0-0) took a 4-1 win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks (0-1-0-0) in the opening game of the 2026-27 USHL Fall Classic. Defenseman Becker Wenkus scored the game-winning goal with a shot from the left-wing circle early in the second period. Forwards Joey Argentina and Riley Zupfer each tallied two points in the victory. Bucs goaltender Jon Kavcic (1-0-0-0) backstopped the victory with 32 saves on 33 shots. The Bucs finish out their Fall Classic week with a 12:00 p.m. puck drop against the Youngstown Phantoms on Thursday, September 17.

Bucs forward Jakub Dubravík opened the scoring of the match late in the first period, tapping a pass from forward Eli Bimmerle past Jacks netminder Oscar Westman (0-1-0-0). Chris Pinko also assisted on the goal that brought Des Moines the initial 1-0 lead.

Defenseman Becker Wenkus netted the game-winning goal and the lone goal of the middle frame at 4:03. Wenkus' wrist shot from the middle of the left-wing circle flew past Westman to extend the lead to 2-0. Wenkus' first goal on the season was assisted by forwards Riley Zupfer and Joey Argentina.

Lumberjacks forward Aidan Janz cut the Muskegon deficit in half 3:11 into the final frame, trickling a breakaway goal past Kavcic with the lone Jacks goal of the match. Argentina restored the two-goal lead at 15:28 with a short-handed partial breakaway tally assisted by Zupfer. Des Moines forward Mason Jenson capped the scoring of the game with an unassisted empty-net goal at 18:31, showing a final score of 4-1.

The Bucs return to USG Arena tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. to face the Youngstown Phantoms. The Bucs' home opener is just two short weeks away! Opening weekend is PACKED with fanfavorite promos. Join us on October 2 for a schedule magnet giveaway and our first Fireball Friday, Kwik Star Friday, and 2-for-1 beer night! October 3 is Kids' Opening Day, featuring a hat & mitten toss, Signature Saturday, and Tito's Saturday.

2026-27 season tickets available now! More information here.

Purchase your new merchandise from the Bucs Galley today!

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.