Bucs Come up One Short in Youngstown, 4-3
Published on January 9, 2026 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
Youngstown, Ohio - The Des Moines Buccaneers (10-15-3-4) fell to the Youngstown Phantoms (24-8-2-1) in a tight 4-3 matchup Friday night at the Covelli Centre. An even-keeled contest for the clubs, Youngstown's Jack Hextall found a wide-open back door for the game-winning goal late in the final frame. Both goaltenders faced 26 shots on net, Phantoms' Tobias Trejbal (16-5-2-0) backstopping the win with 23 saves and Alan Lendak (6-8-0-0) ending the night with 22 saves. The Bucs face the Phantoms once more Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6:05 p.m. EST at the Covelli Centre.
After a scoreless first, a wrap-around attempt for forward Cade De St. Hubert found its way into the net for his first USHL goal 7:50 into the middle frame. De St. Hubert's unassisted goal gave the Bucs the initial 1-0 lead. Forward Cooper Simpson tied the contest for Youngstown at 9:37, shooting past Lendak from the right-wing circle to show a score of 1-1. Simpson brought the Phantoms ahead 2-1 at 19:31 with a power-play goal from the left-wing circle.
A one-time shot from Bucs forward Jakub Dubravik showed a tied match again 7:42 into the third period. Dubravik's first USHL goal came off a cross-ice pass from forward Joey Argentina to show a score of 2-2. Jakub Hes pulled the Phantoms ahead again 3-2 at 10:25, but was met with a goal by Bucs forward Ryan Seelinger just 18 seconds later at 10:43. Seelinger's deflected a pass from defenseman Ryland Randle in front of the net for his 17th goal of the season, extending his point streak to ten games and evening the contest 3-3. Youngstown forward Jack Hextall closed the scoring of the match late in the final frame, giving the Phantoms the ultimate 4-3 victory at 16:37.
The Bucs and Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre for their second matchup of the weekend tomorrow, Jan. 10, at 6:05 p.m. EST. The Bucs' next home game is Saturday, Jan. 17, as they host a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup against the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7:05 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. The Bucs will become the Des Moines 6 7s, sporting specialty jerseys for a night full of internet-themed fun! It is also Tito's Saturday, Coors Mug Club 1/2 off beverages and a post-game skate with the players presented by Prairie Meadows. Don't miss out on the action! Buy your tickets here.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2026
- Fighting Five: Saints Host U17s to Finish Series - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Phantoms Outlast Des Moines, Win 4-3 - Youngstown Phantoms
- Third Period Comeback Falls Short. Jacks Fall, 7-4, in Sioux Falls - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Wild 6-5 Win over Musketeers Snaps Streak - Chicago Steel
- Lancers Battle to Win in Shootout Friday - Omaha Lancers
- Frank and Top Line Lead to Big Saints' Win - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Herd Cut Down Jacks in 7-4 Win - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Henriquez Stops 34 Shots in 5-1 Win over Fargo - Green Bay Gamblers
- Rohloff's Goal with Six Seconds Left Hands Tri-City Thrilling 3-2 Friday Victory over Lincoln - Tri-City Storm
- Heil Returns in Style - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Stars Lose Heartbreaker to Storm - Lincoln Stars
- Bucs Come up One Short in Youngstown, 4-3 - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Fighting Saints Acquire Forward Trevor Theuer - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Bucs Complete Trade with Chicago, Acquire Major - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Cruthers, St. Clair Named Head Coaches for Chipotle All-American Game - USHL
- Storm, Stars Shift Weekend Series to Viaero Center on Friday - Tri-City Storm
- St. Clair Leads Four Lumberjacks Staff Members to Chipotle All-American Game - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Fighting Five: Saints Host U17s to Begin Series - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Stars Drop Weekend Opener at Home to Storm - Lincoln Stars
- Strong Third Period Lifts Tri-City to 5-3 Thursday Night Victory in Lincoln - Tri-City Storm
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