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USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

Christopoulos Stepping up for Bucs

November 18, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


Urbandale (IA) Jon Rogger isn't ready to permanently anoint anyone his so-called "number one" goaltender, but veteran netminder Billy Christopoulos has made his case to serve as the defender of the net. The second-year goalie has been consistently good of late.

"Billy has been excellent for us lately and has really stepped up his game from a year ago" says Rogger. "Billy seems to be extremely focused and wants to be the number one in net and it shows."

Christopoulos was in net for both games this past weekend as the Buccaneers split a two-game home series with the Lincoln Stars. Des Moines won 5-1 on Friday but lost a hard fought 2-1 decision on Saturday and each night Christopoulos did his part. He combined to stop 82 of 85 shots against (.965%) while extending a personal streak to five straight appearances where he's allowed three goals or fewer.

In his last four starts, Christopoulos has a save percentage of .942.

"Anytime you have a goalie who allows only two or three goals a game you go into each game knowing you have a chance to win" adds Rogger.

The head coach also points out that Christopoulos and the team's other goaltender Ryan Ruck push each other to be better. "I believe Billy and Ryan both push each other fighting for the number one job right now in net. They both get along great and support each other."

Unfortunately, Christopoulos' goaltending hasn't translated into many victories as the Buccaneers have struggled to find offense but that is something Rogger sees changing soon.

"We do believe that with all of our veterans returning back to the lineup, I think we will see a lot more offense" explains Rogger. "We have been without our top six forwards in Lambert and Marnell. Both of these players make a big impact and fill huge roles within our top two lines. They will also be key contributors to our power play."

Impact Player

Veteran Willem Nong-Lambert has seen limited action due to injuries but has definitely been a factor when in the line-up as he has 7pts (3g, 4a) in eight games played. Des Moines is 4-3-1 with the Urbandale native in the line-up.

Community Presence

The Des Moines Buccaneers continue their 30-plus year mission of being active members of the community this week with a number of volunteer activities. It begins Wednesday when a contingent of Bucs' players will visit the Blanks Children's Hospital and the pediatric clinics at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. This annual visit brings smiles to the patients while also serving as an eye-opening experience for the players.

On Thursday, the Buccaneers continue a month-long volunteer commitment to the Urbandale Food Pantry which caters to those in need in the suburb of 60,000.

Finally on Saturday, during a rare weekend day off, members of the Buccaneers will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army all day from noon-8pm outside the Scheels at Jordan Creek Town Centre.

Precedent Set

The Buccaneers' position in the standings through the first 16 games of the season isn't enviable but the team need not look to far in the past to see there is ample time to change things. Just last season, the Youngstown Phantoms started the season 5-11-0 before storming off to a 45 win campaign and eventually reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.

In 2011-2012, the Fargo Force were 5-9-2 but finished the season with 31 wins and in fourth place in the Western Conference

The Des Moines Buccaneers are preparing for 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.

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2013


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