Des Moines Buccaneers

The Dupaco Cowbell Cup returns again for its 15th season, beginning on Thursday, October 30, as the Des Moines Buccaneers take on the Dubuque Fighting Saints at ImOn Arena in Dubuque, Iowa. The Cowbell Cup features the four eastern Iowa teams — the Des Moines Buccaneers, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Dubuque Fighting Saints, and Waterloo Black Hawks — as they compete to gain the most regular-season points against participating opponents. Twenty-four United States Hockey League games will count toward the series standings. Last season, the Dubuque Fighting Saints claimed their sixth straight Cowbell Cup victory with 38 points and a 19-5-0 record. 

"We're proud to support local hockey through the Cowbell Cup partnership—where community spirit meets friendly competition," said Dupaco Marketing Communication Specialist Tara McDermott. "Sponsoring this event gives us a unique way to connect with four great teams representing the communities in which we serve. It's more than just branding—it's about showing up for our communities, celebrating local talent, and creating memorable experiences for our members and staff. Last year, Dollar Dog made appearances at Dupaco Night in each city, and we're excited to cheer everyone on again this season."

During the preseason, fans can take a look at several Dupaco Cowbell Cup previews: Waterloo hosts an exhibition game against Cedar Rapids on September 9th, then the Hawks visit Des Moines September 11th. Meanwhile, the RoughRiders and Fighting Saints meet for a home-and-home preseason series on September 12th and 13th.

"The Dupaco Cowbell Cup brings out the best in our players and our fans," said President of Business Operations & Alternate Director Eric Grundfast. "These Cowbell Cup rivalries are built on pride, tradition, and community, and every matchup feels like a playoff game. We're grateful to be part of such a great, long-standing Iowa and USHL tradition."

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Founded in 1948, membership has grown to more than 175,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations.

The four contending teams will each play six home games and six road games which count toward earning the Dupaco Cowbell Cup. Wins will earn two points toward the trophy, with one point resulting from overtime or shootout losses. Fans are the real winners during the Dupaco Cowbell Cup series; a special giveaway is planned for each market throughout the season, and those in attendance should be on the lookout for Dupaco Cowbell Cup t-shirts thrown into the crowd during each designated game.

 

Team	Points	Record
Dubuque	6	3-0-0
Des Moines	3	1-1-1
Cedar Rapids	0	0-0-0
Waterloo	0	0-0-1

2025-26 DES MOINES COWBELL CUP GAMES (Home Games in Blue)
*Note: not all games against Cowbell Cup opponents count towards Cowbell Cup Standings
 

Date	Time	Opponent	Location
10/30/25	7:05 p.m.	Dubuque	ImOn Arena
11/15/25	6:35 p.m.	Waterloo	Young Arena
11/26/25	7:05 p.m.	Dubuque	ImOn Arena
12/13/25	7:05 p.m.	Waterloo	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
1/17/26	6:05 p.m.	Dubuque	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
2/13/26	7:05 p.m.	Cedar Rapids	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
3/1/26	2:05 p.m.	Waterloo	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
3/6/26	7:05 p.m.	Dubuque	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
3/13/26	6:35 p.m.	Waterloo	Young Arena
3/17/26	6:35 p.m.	Cedar Rapids	MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
3/25/26	7:05 p.m.	Cedar Rapids	ImOn Ice Arena
3/27/26	7:05 p.m.	Cedar Rapids	ImOn Ice Arena