Des Moines Bucs Weekly
Published on January 13, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
Urbandale (IA) The Des Moines Buccaneers are coming off a weekend in which they dropped two games and never led for a single second.
By any form of measurement it's a disappointment, so why is there as much optimism as though that record were flip-flopped? It's because of recent additions, and returns, that have the coaching staff feeling as though the roster is poised for a strong run.
Buccaneer fans caught their first glimpse at the team's Phase II Third Round draft pick Oskar Norlov, and saw a familiar face in Connor Schmidt make his return to Des Moines. Norlov is a highly talented forward from Sweden who had averaged more than a point per game in three years in the Swedish Elite League. Meanwhile, defenseman Schmidt played in 54 games for the Buccaneers in 2011-2012 before spending the last season and a half at Division I Ferris State.
Head coach Jon Rogger is encouraged by what he has seen and the potential down the line.
"I thought that Connor was terrific in both games this weekend. He plays hard and with a lot of energy every shift out. He is tough to play against and makes simple plays. He is definitely an upgrade on our blue line" said Rogger, who had scouted Connor when he was property of the Green Bay Gamblers prior to coming to Des Moines.
Rogger also likes what he has seen thus far from Oskar.
"He has to adjust to the speed and physicality of the USHL but we feel he will be an impact player for us" noted Rogger. He has great hands and sees the ice as well as any of our forwards"
This weekend also marked the return to the line-up of defenseman Alec Rauhauser, who had missed two months and 17 games due to an upper-body injury. The rookie from Bismarck, ND played on Friday before sitting out Saturday as the team eases him back in.
And far from an afterthought, the Buccaneers are hoping that Urbandale native Willem Nong-Lambert will be back in the line-up as early as this weekend. The team's reigning rookie of the year has been limited to only 11 games due to injuries this season but is close to a return.
"Anytime you get your leading scorer from a year ago back into your lineup you will see a difference in our team" said Rogger. "Willem plays a very important role for us as we plan to use him on both the power play and penalty kill. I feel he will continue where he left off and put up points right away."
Getting Willem back could definitely assist the power play which has struggled since the holiday break. While the Buccaneers' penalty kill was perfect over the weekend, the power play failed to take advantage of opportunities that would've brought the team back into games.
"Right now we have to put the right pieces together for our power play. With Lambert likely coming back this week, we feel he will have an impact right away with our special teams" commented Rogger. "We will focus a lot at practice this week on special teams and getting more quality shots to the net."
Buccaneers Partner with Iowa Donor Network
The Buccaneers are proud to once again partner with the Iowa Donor Network in raising money and awareness on the issue of organ donation in the state. Through the end of February, fans may donate money at the Fan Services Table at all home games with 100% of the proceeds going to the Iowa Donor Network.
Donations of $5 and $10 will be recognized with a person's name being placed on a paper stick or paper puck and placed on the arena walls.
On February 21st, fans will be encouraged to take part in a silent auction at the arena with all the proceeds also going to the Iowa Donor Network.
The Des Moines Buccaneers are in their 34th consecutive season in the United States Hockey League. Since 1980, the Buccaneers have produced hundreds of NCAA Division I players and dozens of professional alumni. Season Ticket Packages and Corporate Partnership information for the 2013-2014 season are available by calling (515) 278-2827.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 13, 2014
- Pecararo Is Co-Forward of the Week - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Connor, Pecararo, Nelson, and Pawloski Earn Weekly USHL Honors - USHL
- Kyle Connor Named USHL CCM Forward of the Week - Youngstown Phantoms
- Jerseys for a Cause Benefits Make-A-Wish - Tri-City Storm
- Des Moines Bucs Weekly - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Ice Weekly - Indiana Ice
- Two Phantoms Named to 2014 NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking List - Youngstown Phantoms
- Pair of Lumberjacks Land on NHL Central Scouting's Midterm Rankings - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Stampede Weekly Update: Replica Jersey Night Giveaway Highlights Weekend Homestand - Sioux Falls Stampede
- NHL Central Scouting Eyes Five Black Hawks - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Waterloo Black Hawks Name Players of the Week - Waterloo Black Hawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
