RALSTON, Neb. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (3-0-0-0) outscored the Omaha Lancers (1-2-0-0) to remain undefeated in a 4-2 victory Friday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Bucs forward
Nash Paine netted his first USHL goal early in the final frame that proved to be the game winner for Des Moines. Bucs goalie
Jon Kavcic (2-0-0-0) stopped 26 of 28 Omaha shots on net in his second win, while Lancers goalie Nils Roberts Maurins (0-2-0-0) turned away 32 shots by the Buccaneers. The two teams face off again tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. at Liberty First Credit Union Arena.
Bucs forward
Riley Zupfer opened the scoring of the match just 19 seconds into the first period. Zupfer's wrist shot from the left-wing circle off a backhanded pass from
Joseph Argentina flew past Maurins for his first goal on the season to make the score 1-0.
Argentina netted his third goal of the season 8:33 into the middle frame unassisted, skating the puck through the neutral zone and shooting from the right-wing circle to show a score of 2-0. The Lancers battled back, with Ryan Aaronson's rebounded shot tapped in off a Buccaneer stick to cut the Des Moines lead in half at 2-1 at 13:16 short-handed. Omaha forward Yegor Kim tied the match 2-2 at 17:38.
Bucs forward
Nash Paine restored the Des Moines advantage with his first USHL goal 2:05 into the third period. Paine and Chris Pinko found a 2-on-1 chance, as Pinko faked out the Lancers netminder, passing the puck to Paine at the last second, who tapped it straight in to show a score of 3-2. Forward
Eli Bimmerle notched the secondary assist on Paine's first of the season. At 17:10,
Camden Zaporzan capped off the scoring of the match, capitalizing on another 2-on-1 chance with
Bradley Whang. The two outpaced the Lancers defenseman, and Zaporzan finished out the play for his first USHL goal.
Henry Major also assisted on the goal that showed a final score of 4-2.
The Bucs finish out their weekend on the road with another matchup against the Lancers tomorrow, Sept. 26, at 6:05 p.m. at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. The Bucs' home opener is next week! Opening weekend is PACKED with fan favorite 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. Don't miss out! Get your tickets now.
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.
