RALSTON, Neb. — The Des Moines Buccaneers (4-0-0-0) took a weekend sweep over the Omaha Lancers (1-3-0-0) with a 3-2 victory Saturday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena.
Becker Wenkus gave the Bucs their first lead of the game 16:55 into the final frame, after Des Moines trailed or tied for the better part of the match. Bucs goalie
Kimi Saffran (2-0-0-0) earned his second win of the season with 14 saves on the night, while Anthony Sciere (1-1-0-0) defended the Lancers net with 28 saves. The Bucs and Lancers look ahead to a third matchup, this time at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, next Friday at 7:05 p.m.
Lancers forward Tommy Spencer opened the scoring of the match 14:20 into the first period, slipping the puck past Saffran to give Omaha the initial 1-0 lead. Bucs foward
Joseph Argentina tied it 1-1 at 19:36, tallying his fourth goal on the season.
Mason Jenson started the play with a centering feed to
Riley Zupfer, who sold the shot before slipping the puck behind the net to Argentina for a backdoor finish past the Lancers' netminder.
Just 17 seconds into the middle frame, Omaha forward Thaddeus McMahon restored the Lancers lead at 2-1 for the lone goal of the period.
Zupfer tied it up again 13:47 into the final frame, shooting the puck five-hole for his second goal of the season. Chris Pinko assisted on Zupfer's goal that showed a score of 2-2. Bucs defenseman
Becker Wenkus netted the game-winning goal at 16:55, as his shot from the blue line trickled past Sciere for the ultimate 3-2 win. Wenkus' goal was also assisted by Chris Pinko, who tallied two assists on the night.
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.
