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USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

Veterans Step up Despite Season-Opening Loss

September 23, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


Urbandale (IA) A sales team without its entire proposal package in hand is going to be handicapped at the pitch meeting and a construction crew without all of their tools needs to adjust. This is the situation the Des Moines Buccaneers were pressed into on Saturday night with their season opener against the Sioux Falls Stampede as seven players weren't available due to injury or suspension.

Playing with a shorthanded bench, the Bucs dropped a 6-4 decision at home to a Sioux Falls team that is a popular early-season pick to contend for the Clark Cup Championship.

Despite the loss, the Buccaneers are quick to recognize the situation. It's only game one of a 60-game slate and while the coaches and players don't want to make excuses, the team was without many players who are expected to make an impact this season. The list included 2012-2013 leading goal scorer Willem Nong-Lambert and veteran offensive playmaker Michael Marnell who were both out with concussions.

Other players were out due to league suspensions as a result of altercations during the Sept. 10th pre-season game against Tri-City. So as the Buccaneers took the ice against Sioux Falls, many of the players head coach Jon Rogger had been excited to use all summer were limited to the role of being a fan sitting in stands

Even with the loss, the Buccaneers did see the veterans who were able to dress step up led by Ryan Galt who potted a hat trick. Ankeny native, and New Hampshire recruit, Patrick Grasso also had a goal and an assist.

Of the 10 statistical points accumulated on Saturday (goals and assists), returning players accounted for all but two of them. Josh Couturier (who played in a couple late season games) and Kevin Antipov had assists, but otherwise it was veterans who produced the points.

Galt's hat trick is the team's first since Joe Gambardella had a pair of them last November.

Fluid Roster

With injuries and ongoing suspensions from the Sept. 10th pre-season game, the Des Moines Buccaneers have already opened the season with a roster than bleeds over the 23-player limit. Returner Roman Uchyn is out through October with an upper-body injury meaning the Bucs announced more than 23-players on their roster right away and with the bench short-handed on Saturday the team utilized affiliate player Kevin Antipov.

Additional affiliate players may be called upon this weekend when the Buccaneers are home Saturday night against Omaha.

Bucs Talk Live Debuts

The season debut of Bucs Talk Live is Tuesday from 6-7pm at a new location to begin 2013-2014, The Other Place in Clive. Voice of the Bucs, Scott Montesano returns to host the hour-long program which includes an interview with head coach Jon Rogger along with player guests each week.

The Other Place is located on University Avenue in Clive, west of I-35/80. It will serve as the host site through November before the program moves to additional locations including Mama Laconas.

Once again, the program will be broadcast live on 940 KPSZ for those who aren't able to attend the show live.

Early Start

Until recently, the weather in Iowa had people thinking more about swimming in a pond rather that sliding on its frozen surface but ready or not the season is here. If it feels like the 2013-2014 season is getting off to an early start that is because it is.

This is the earliest the Buccaneers have started a regular season since September 24, 2005.

Officially, the earliest the Buccaneers began a season was September 19, 1998 at Waterloo with the earliest home opener the next night, September 20, 1998 vs. Dubuque.

Out and About

Whether it's serving up pasta and playing games with kids, or Winger high-fiving participants at a fundraising walk the Des Moines Buccaneers have been active in the community since the start of September. Last week, Winger made appearances at the Over the Edge fundraising event for Special Olympics, the Walk to End Alzheimer's and the Rock-n-Run in Clive.

Select Buccaneer players put their people skills to work by volunteering at the St. Anthony's Church Fall Festival. Players served pasta dinners and played with the congregation's kids at the carnival.

This upcoming week, the Buccaneers will be at the Fight for Air Walk to benefit the American Lung Association and the Walk the Talk Bully Prevention event, both on Saturday.

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 is available by calling (515) 278-2827.

Check out the Des Moines Buccaneers Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2013


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