Sports stats



USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

DM Bucs Opening Weekend Notes

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


Series History with the Sioux Falls Stampede

Des Moines had their issues with Sioux Falls last season with the Stampede winning five of the six meetings, including all three of the games played at Buccaneer Arena. The most noteworthy game of 2012-2013 was a 7-1 Sioux Falls win at Buccaneer Arena on Jan. 11th remembered more for the 200+ penalty minutes accumulated by the teams than the score. Danny Elser had 4-pts (2g, 2a) and Ryan Galt had 3-pts (1g, 2a) to lead the Bucs in the series. Sioux Falls' Zeb Knutson had 9pts (7g, 2a) followed by C.J. Franklin's 8pts (2g, 6a). Since Sioux Falls entered the lead in 1999-2000, the Bucs are 25-41-5 all-time against the Stampede.

Building Blocks in Place

The Buccaneers return 14 players from a season ago, fulfilling the coaching staffs plan that began at the start of 2012-2013. Not only are players back, but many were impactful players as youthful rookies.

Willem Nong-Lambert led the team in goals (17), while Ryan Galt and Mike Marnell had 26pts and 25pts respectively.

Trimmed at the Top

Though the Buccaneers return many familiar faces from a young 2012-2013 team, they will have to replace their top three point getters in Axel Wemmenborn (38), Joe Gambardella (35) and Eric Martinsson (33).

Those three accumulated 43% of the team's points.

Playoff Format Unchanged

Despite initial plans to increase the number of postseason teams, the USHL announced in July that the postseason format will remain the same as in 2012-2013. The top four teams in each division will advance with all series being a Best-of-Five.

Early Start

The September 21st season opener for the Buccaneers is their earliest regular season opener since their Clark Cup Championship season of 2005-2006 (Sept. 24th).

The earliest a Bucs season started was 9/19/98 at Waterloo and the earliest home opener 9/20/98 vs. Dubuque.

Bright Future

At the end of last season, the Buccaneers' roster featured 11 Junior A rookie skaters and combined those players had 72 goals, 100 assists. These "pure" rookies accounted for 36% of the scoring for the Bucs.

This doesn't include affiliate players who played only a handful of games

Ending Strong

Rookie Jack Jenkins hada good end to his first season with 6pts (1g, 5a) in the last six games.

Most Penalty Minutes

The Des Moines Buccaneers set a franchise record with 1,570 penalty minutes last season, surpassing the previous record of 1,482 set during the 48-game 1993-1994 season.

The Buccaneers' led the league in penalty minutes as well.

Winning at Home

If the Buccaneers are to make the postseason, the run must begin at home. Last season, the eight USHL playoff teams averaged 20 wins at home.

The Buccaneers went 14-16-2 at home last season.

Des Moines opens the season playing three of their first four games at home.

Playing in Front Of their 64 games played last, the Buccaneers held a lead in 40 games.

International Presence

The Buccaneers have six players on their opening night roster who were born overseas. They include Kevin Antipov (Russia), Niklas Kumpu (Finland), Marcel Kurth (Germany), Jarkko Parikka (Finland), Ruslan Rakmotv (Russia), Sandis Zolmanis (Latvia)

Young and Talented Defenseman Jarkko Parikka is one of the youngest players in the history of the United States Hockey League having turned 16 on September 7th. The Finnish born player spent last season in the Finnish Junior A league and also has played for his nation's U-16 and U-17 teams in international competition.

Due for a Home Opener Win

The Buccaneers haven't won a home opener since a win in their first home game for the 2007-2008 season. Des Moines is 0-3-2 in their last five home openers.

Coaching Staff Stability

The entire Des Moines Buccaneers' coaching staff returns for a second season led by head coach Jon Rogger along with his assistants Ryan Bennett and John Devereaux.

Check out the Des Moines Buccaneers Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from September 18, 2013


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.

OurSports Central