Bucs Roll Gamblers, 6-2
Published on January 3, 2026 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
West Des Moines, Iowa - The Des Moines Buccaneers (10-13-3-4) ended the Green Bay Gamblers (22-8-2-1) 14-game win streak with a 6-2 victory Saturday night at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. The Bucs top scorers led the surge, as Ryan Seelinger and Blake Zielinski tallied multi-point nights and Riley Zupfer notched the ultimate game-winning goal. Bucs goalie Alan Lendak (6-6-0-0) earned the win with 16 saves in his first appearance with Des Moines. The Bucs host the Gamblers once more Sunday, Jan. 4, at 3:05 p.m. at the RecPlex.
The Gamblers struck first after a scoreless opening frame, as forward William Samuelsson tallied a power-play goal to show Green Bay ahead 1-0 5:27 into the second period. Seelinger responded at 8:28, extending to an eight-game point streak with his 14th goal on the season. Seelinger's power-play tally came off a feed from defenseman Keaton Orrey to the right-wing circle, and was also assisted by Ryland Rooney to tie the contest 1-1. Forward Rhys Wallin pulled the Bucs ahead 2-1 at 10:38, burying Zielinski's rebounded shot. Jakub Dubravik notched the secondary assist on Wallin's sixth goal of the season.
Zupfer shot past Gamblers goaltender Joey Slavick (14-6-2-0) from the right-wing circle for his seventh goal of the season 5:46 into the third period to double the Bucs lead at 3-1. Seelinger buried a wrist-shot for his second tally of the night at 7:45 to extend the lead further at 4-1. Des Moines forward Owen Tylec buried a one-time shot off a back-hand pass from forward Adam Zidlicky for his sixth goal of the season at 10:42. Defenseman Tomas Mikel also had a hand in the goal that brought the Bucs lead to 5-1.
Samuelsson struck again as he capitalized on a short-handed breakaway opportunity 13:36 into the final frame, cutting the Gamblers deficit to 5-2. Zielinski capped off the scoring of the night with an empty-net goal at 17:05, extending his goal streak to four games with his ninth goal on the season.
The Bucs finish off their home weekend tomorrow afternoon, hosting another matchup against the Green Bay Gamblers Sunday, Jan. 4 at 3:05 p.m. It is Youth Sports Night, presented by DMYHA, featuring a youth jersey t-shirt giveaway, $1 hot dog night, and a JP Party Rentals Kids Zone! Don't miss out on the action! Buy your tickets here.
Holiday Hat Trick package available now! Click here for more information.
Purchase your new merchandise from the Bucs Galley today!
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