Jersey Auctions Nets over $11k for Leukemia/Lymphoma Society
Published on February 10, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
Urbandale (IA) Reaching into the closest and putting on a new outfit has a way of energizing someone and if it was economically feasible, the Des Moines Buccaneers would probably consider wearing a new jersey for each of their remaining games. Sporting Olympic-inspired jerseys to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, the Buccaneers shook off their recent offensive frustrations and took it out on the Fargo Force in a 7-0 route at Buccaneer Arena on Saturday night.
A live post-game auction of the jerseys brought in $11,025 to assist the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society in the fight against blood cancers.
"Once again, our fans are amazing in their support" said Buccaneers' Director of Communications Scott Montesano. "Of course, the wallets also open a little more after a win and the players made sure to deliver that."
On Saturday, seven different players scored a goal while goaltender Ryan Ruck made 28 saves to earn his first United States Hockey League shutout. It's the largest margin of victory for the Buccaneers along with their second most goals scored this season.
Coincidentally, prior to Saturday, the Buccaneers' hadn't won at home since they last wore special uniforms over a month ago. The Buccaneers donned special uniforms for the John Stoddard Cancer Center during a 9-5 win over Fargo on January 4th.
"It sounds silly but I know the players get a little more excited to play when they see new jerseys" head coach Jon Rogger said before the game. "I had a chance to see them and they look fantastic."
The jerseys worn on Saturday featured a mostly white uniform with red on the shoulders, blue along the waist and white stars dotting the blue with Buccaneers' long-time logo served as the shield. With the Buccaneers' color scheme already red, white and blue the jerseys weren't a significant detour but the pattern was new.
"I loved the jerseys, they may look better than what we usually wear" added veteran forward Ryan Galt before the game.
The Buccaneers' are slated to wear special uniforms one more time, Sunday March 16th.
Buccaneers Make Move at Trading Deadline
As the USHL trading deadline neared last Thursday night, the Buccaneers made one move in acquiring Sioux City affiliate player Ryan Norman and a draft pick in exchange for veteran defenseman Garret Cockeril.
Norman is a '96 birth year forward from Maplewood, MN who is currently skating with the Shattuck St. Mary's Prep team. This season, he is averaging nearly two points per game with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 39 games.
"Garret was great for us for two seasons, but with him moving on to (Northeastern) in the Fall we had a chance to bring in a talented forward who can help us next season" commented Rogger.
Norman was selected in the first round of the 2012 Future's Draft by the Lincoln Stars before having his rights traded to Sioux City. His father is a former NHL draft pick and University of North Dakota player.
Affiliated with Success
The Des Moines Buccaneers' affiliate list includes 16 players, with two players born in 1995, five born in 1996 and nine born in 1997. One of the players saw significant time with the Buccaneers already this season while fans have gotten a taste of a few of the others at times.
Players on the affiliate list aren't guaranteed roster spots but it's from this list that a team's success is drawn from.
Here is an update on where current affiliate list players are
1995
Kevin Antipov - Forward Rio Grande Valley (NAHL)
Merrick Madsen - Goalie Minot (NAHL) Committed to Harvard
1996
A.J. Greer - Forward Kimbell Union (Prep) Committed to Boston University
Jason Kowalczyk - Forward Chicago Fury (Midget)
Ara Nazarian - Forward Malden, MN Catholic (Prep) Committed to New Hampshire
Paul Vella - Forward New Jersey Hitmen (Midget)
Nicky Wolf - Defense Eagen, MN High (Prep)
1997
Tarek Baker - Forward Omaha AAA (Midget) Committed to Minnesota
Ryan Dmowski - Forward The Gunnery (Prep) Committed to UMass-Lowell
Colin Gallagher - Defense Mendota Heights, MN High (Prep)
Matt Goree - Forward Michigan Nationals (Midget)
Leif Hertz - Goalie Kingston Frontenacs (Midget)
Tom Novak - Forward St. Thomas, MN Academy (Prep)
Nikita Pavlychev - Forward Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Midget) Committed to Ferris State
Austin Rook - Defense The Rivers (Prep)
Tanner Tweeten - Forward East Grand Forks, MN High (Prep)
Buccaneers Partner with Iowa Donor Network
The Buccaneers are proud to once again partner with the Iowa Donor Network in raising money and awareness on the issue of organ donation in the state. Through the end of February, fans may donate money at the Fan Services Table at all home games with 100% of the proceeds going to the Iowa Donor Network.
Donations of $5 and $10 will be recognized with a person's name being placed on a paper stick or paper puck and placed on the arena walls.
On February 21st, fans will be encouraged to take part in a silent auction at the arena with all the proceeds also going to the Iowa Donor Network.
The Des Moines Buccaneers are in 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.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2014
- Lancers Weekly - Omaha Lancers
- Hawks Announce Valentine Plans - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Folin Named Ccm USHL Co-Defenseman of the Week - Omaha Lancers
- Snively, Frye, Folin, and Stewart Earn USHL Weekly Honors - USHL
- First-Place Ice Home Friday and Saturday at Pan Am - Indiana Ice
- Stampede Weekly Update: Herd Return Home for Three Games this Weekend at the Arena - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Waterloo Black Hawks Name Players of the Week - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Jersey Auctions Nets over $11k for Leukemia/Lymphoma Society - Des Moines Buccaneers
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