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USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

DM Bucs Wednesday Notes

November 26, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


Series History with the Omaha Lancers

Omaha has won the first two meetings this season by a combined 11-0 margin. Goaltender Cole Bruns has turned aside all 47 shots he has faced and in his career is 4-1-0 has a .958 save percentage against Des Moines (113 on 118). Offensively, Jake Randolph leads the Lancers with 8pts (2g, 6a). Tyler Vesel has a team-high 3 goals.

Since 2002-2003, the Buccaneers are 22-35-7 against Omaha.

Chri-stop-a-lotta-pucks!

Second year goaltender Billy Christopoulos has found a groove in November. The Raleigh, NC native hasn't allowed more than three goals against in each of his last five starts and has a save percentage of .937 this month.

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 nine games.

Precedent Set

The Buccaneers' position in the standings through the first 17 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 6-11-0 before storming off to a 45 win campaign and eventually reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. They actually didn't reach .500 (16-16) until mid January.

Movember Night Guests attending Saturday's game will have the opportunity to shave their favorite player while donating to the American Cancer Society home game. During the game, via a silent auction, fans will be able to bid on the chance to shave their favorite player. All monies collected will go to the ACS.

In honor of "Movember" and raising awareness for men's health, Buccaneer players have joined thousands of other men worldwide in forgoing the razors this month.

Improved Defense

Defense and goaltending has been a sore spot for the Buccaneers in some recent seasons but so far this year, the team has been much improved in this area. While there have been a couple games that skew the statistics in a negative direction, the Buccaneers have managed to allow three goals or less in 11 of their 16 games played.

This includes allowing no more than three goals against in five of the last straight (and Nov. 22nd was only due to an empty net goal).

The Buccaneers' are on pace to allow 191 goals, which would be a 54 goal improvement from last season and their second fewest allowed since 2006-2007.

Early Comebacks

The Buccaneers have rallied for three wins when trailing after the first period.

Working Overtime

Since the USHL elevated to Tier I status in 2002-2003, the Buccaneers have averaged 10 overtime games a season. Des Moines has played two overtime games so far this season.

Elder Statesman

Third-year Buccaneer Tanner Karty is expected to play in his 99th career game tonight.

Barring any missed games, he would reach his 100th career game on Dec. 29th at Chicago.

Since the start of 2009-2010, only eight players have appeared in at least 100 games with the Buccaneers. Cal Decowski (130), Austin Coldwell (117), Mitch Cain (116), Ethan Prow (115), Gasper Kopitar (107), Patrick Kirtland (106), Luke Voltin (104), Anthony Greco (100).

Home for the Holidays

Beginning Wednesday, the Buccaneers play six of their last seven games before the holiday break at home.

November Stats

Tanner Karty leads the Bucs with 5pts (1g, 4a), while Patrick Grasso and Michael Marnell have two goals each this month.

Check out the Des Moines Buccaneers Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from November 26, 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.

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