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USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

Buccaneers Moving Closer to Full Strength

September 30, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


Urbandale (IA) Playing their first two games of the season with what amounted to being one-hand tied behind their back, the Des Moines Buccaneers are looking forward to seeing some players return to the line-up beginning this upcoming weekend. With suspensions ending and injuries healing, the Buccaneers are likely to still be down some players but will definitely be much closer to resembling the line-up that played so well during the pre-season.

On Friday at Lincoln, forwards Danny Elser and Marcel Godbout, along with defenseman Alec Rauhauser are eligible to return from suspension. Last season's leading scorer, Willem Nong-Lambert, remains on pace to return to the line-up from injury barring any set-backs. In addition, Kevin Antipov, Michael Marnell and Ruslan Rakhmatov may also be able to re-join the line-up.

"It's very important that we are getting many of our players back for this weekend's games" said head coach Jon Rogger. "Each of these players will have an important role this season in making sure we succeed."

Even with getting each of these players back, it still leaves the Buccaneers short-handed but in a much better position than they have been in.

With nine players unavailable last Saturday Rogger was left with little choice but to call upon three affiliate players to fill out the forward lines. Though playing an affiliate player during the season is far from unheard of, needing to use three in a single game is rare and that was the bind the Buccaneers found themselves in.

Goaltender Ryan Ruck played well in goal, making 31 saves, but the lack of warm bodies caught up to the Bucs in a 4-0 home loss to Omaha in their lone game of the week on Saturday. The loss gives the Buccaneers a 0-2 record to start the season, but with 58 more games to go.

"No need to hit the panic button yet" noted Rogger. "It's frustrating to lose the first two games but we are extremely pleased with the talent on our team and once we have our full 23 man roster back I think fans will enjoy what they see."

Bucs Talk Live This Week

Bucs Talk Live is Tuesday from 6-7pm at a new location to begin 2013-2014, The Other Place in Clive. Voice of the Bucs, Scott Montesano returns to host the hour-long program and will be joined by head coach Jon Rogger as well by Tyler Dorantes and Alex Rauhauser.

The Other Place is located on University Avenue in Clive, west of I-35/80. It will serve as the host site through November before the program moves to additional locations including Mama Laconas.

Once again, the program will be broadcast live on 940 KPSZ for those who aren't able to attend the show live.

Early Commitment

Buccaneers' affiliate player Tarek Baker had a memorable week. The 16 year old from Verona, WI announced last week his commitment to the University of Minnesota and then made his USHL debut with Des Moines in the team's 4-0 loss to Omaha on Saturday.

Baker was the second round pick of the Buccaneers in last May's Phase I Draft (formerly Future's Draft) and is currently in his second season with the Omaha AAA midget program.

Buccaneers' West

The Buccaneers open their upcoming weekend by playing their regular season road game when they travel to face the Lincoln Stars on Friday night, and they'll be going up against some familiar faces.

Lincoln's roster features three players who skated for the Buccaneers' last season in forwards Christian Lampasso and Luke Voltin along with defenseman Luke Shiplo.

Buccaneers' Booster Club Meeting

The October meeting for the booster club is Tuesday October 1st at 7pm at Sam and Louies Pizza in the Cobblestone Market on Hickman Road.

Check out the Des Moines Buccaneers Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2013


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