Inside the Des Moines Buccaneers...

USHL Futures Draft

2011-04-18T11:27:00.001-05:00

When is the USHL Futures Draft?
The draft will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Who is eligible to be drafted?
Only players born in 1995 are eligible to be drafted.

Do players have to register for the draft?
Players do not have to register to be drafted.

If a player is drafted by a USHL team in the May draft, can they be put on the affiliate list?
Yes. Players born in 1995 that are drafted in the May draft are allowed to be placed on the team's affiliate list.

How many rounds are there in the draft?
The futures draft will consist of a maximum of 6 rounds.

How many players can be drafted by a team?
Each team will select 6 players with 1995 birthdates.

What is an affiliate list?
The affiliate list is a list of 13 players that a team is allowed to protect in addition to their 23-man active roster.

How long does a team retain the rights of a player selected in the futures draft?
It depends on the age of the player. For this year's futures draft, players born in 1993 will remain property of the selecting team for one (1) year. Players born in 1994 will remain property of the selecting team for two (2) years. Players born in 1995 will remain property of the selecting team for three (3) years.

Does getting drafted guarantee that you are on a USHL team?
No, a player that is chosen in the futures draft is not automatically on a USHL team. The player may be placed on the team's affiliate list.

When can a player selected in the futures draft be placed on a USHL roster?
Players on the affiliated list can be moved to a team's active roster at any time and for any reason. If an affiliated player is moved to a team's active roster before the February 10 roster deadline, they will be eligible to play for the remainder of the regular season as well as the post-season. Affiliated players added to the active roster after February 10 will not be eligible to play in the post-season.

How is the draft order determined?
The draft order for the futures draft is determined using a random draw, thus giving every team in the league the opportunity to land the first overall selection (with the exception being expansion years where the new team selects first). Unlike the May entry draft, the process has nothing to do with the order of finish from the previous season.

Can players taken in the futures draft be traded?
Yes. Players that are taken in the futures draft and placed on a team's affiliate list can be traded from that list to another team's affiliated list. If the drafted player has already been placed on a team's active roster, they can be traded to another team's active roster.

How does a player know when he has been drafted?
If a player is watching the futures draft live, he will see his name on the screen at the time of his selection. Following the draft, players will be contacted by a member of the coaching staff from the team that selected him. Coaches are instructed by the league office to contact players that are chosen within 24 hours of the draft.

Is the draft open to the public?
Much like the USHL Futures Draft in May of 2010, the 2011 Futures Draft will be conducted live over the Internet. Interested parties can view the draft on the league's official web site, www.ushldraft.com. Check back to the site in the future for more information on how to watch this year's draft. Public availability of the draft is subject to change.

When will the final draft results be posted?
Upon completion of the futures draft, a draft board will be compiled and the results will be posted as soon as possible, most likely within a few hours of the draft's completion. Results will also be posted on the league web site.

Buccaneers Add Montesano to Full-Time Staff

2011-04-15T09:43:00.001-05:00

Urbandale (IA) - The Des Moines Buccaneers are proud to announce that the team's radio broadcaster Scott Montesano has accepted an offer to join the franchise on a full-time basis beginning immediately. In addition to continuing his role as the team's radio play-by-play announcer, Montesano will add media relations and sales to his list of duties.

Montesano, 29, joined the team prior to the 2009-2010 season as the new radio announcer and thanks to his prior experience, was able to assist in a part-time capacity in various other roles including media relations and sales.

A native of Utica, NY and graduate of Marist College, Montesano previously worked with teams in the North American Hockey League and also in minor league baseball. From 2004-2007 he was the Director of Communications for the Fargo-Moorhead Jets and in 2008-2009 he was the Director of Media Relations and interim general manager for the North Iowa Outlaws both of the NAHL. He most recently spent the past five summers with the Eau Claire Express of the Northwoods Baseball League.

He has also worked in media sales, as a newspaper reporter/sports editor, a substitute teacher and had his book "Call of Life" published in November 2009.

Scott and his wife Anglea will move to Urbandale year round and are expecting the birth of their first child in July.

The Des Moines Buccaneers will be playing their 32nd consecutive season in the United States Hockey League beginning in the Fall of 2011. 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 2011-2012 season is available by calling (515) 278-2827.

2010 - 2011 Player Awards

2011-04-15T09:22:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, April 9th the Des Moines Buccaneers organization handed out their 2010 – 2011 player awards in an on-ice ceremony before the start of the game; specifically honoring individual players who impacted this year’s team.

The Bob McCorkle Award is presented in memory of former Buccaneer Bob McCorkle who died in a car accident in 1982. The award is presented to the player who demonstrates and outstanding level of sportsmanship and dedication the game of hockey. This year’s award was presented to goaltender Michael Shibrowski.

The Bob Punsalan Memorial Award is presented to the player who has dedicated many hours of his free time to help guide youth players in the Des Moines metro and in the Des Moines Youth Hockey Association. This year’s award was presented to goaltender Tyler Bruggeman.

The Vicki Allen Award is presented in memory of beloved Buccaneers supporter Vicki Allen. The award is presented to the Buccaneers player who generously donates his time to perform acts of community service in the Des Moines metro including the Buccaneers’ “Stick with Reading” program and various other events. This year’s award was presented to forward Mitch Cain.

The Curt Hammer Award is presented to the team’s leading scorer in remembrance of the outstanding contributions to hockey in Des Moines by Curt Hammer. Curt was a dedicated supporter of Des Moines hockey and was also a former President of the Des Moines Buccaneers. This year’s award was presented to forward Dan DeSalvo.

The Fan Favorite Award is presented to the Buccaneer player who fans have determined, through online voting and ballots, as their favorite Des Moines Buccaneer player of the season. This year’s voting was so close that this year’s award was presented to both forward Dajon Mingo and goaltender Michael Shibrowski.

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the first-year player who has made an important impact to the success of the Des Moines Buccaneers on, and off, the ice. This year’s award was presented to forward Dan DeSalvo.

The Most Valuable Player Award is presented to the Buccaneer player who demonstrates outstanding on-ice performance with tremendous all-around leadership. The ward is determined by the team and this year’s award was presented to goaltender Michael Shibrowski.

In addition to all of the awards presented on Saturday night, the Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club presented their Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club Scholarship to a deserving Buccaneer player to help them fund their college education. The money for the $3000 scholarship was collected by generous donations from Buccaneer fans including the nightly 50-50 split proceeds, the Tips for Scholarships annual event, fundraisers and other donations. This year’s scholarship recipient was forward Mitch Cain, who is committed to Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota.

2010 - 2011 Roster Released...

2010-09-30T21:12:00.004-05:00

#	Name	POS	DOB	S	HT	WT	Previous Team	Hometown
1	Michael Shibrowski	G	11/15/90	L	6'3"	180	Colorado College (WCHA)	Edina, MN
2	Peter Stoykewych	D	07/14/92	L	6'2"	195	Winnepeg (MJHL)	Winnipeg, MB
3	Connor Kucera	D	05/29/91	L	6'1"	195	Culver Academy	Twin Lakes, IN
5	Austin Coldwell	D	03/01/90	L	6'1"	190	Des Moines Buccaneers	Vancouver, WA
6	Blake Doerring	D	03/04/91	R	6'2"	185	Des Moines Buccaneers	Chanhassen, MN
7	Logan Nelson	F	09/09/93	R	6'3"	190	Russell Stover U-16	Rogers, MN
8	Kevin Irwin	F	07/09/93	R	6'	180	Cleveland Barons AAA	Hinckley, OH
9	Garrett Taylor	F	05/13/91	L	6'1"	200	Prince Albert (WHL)	San Diego, CA
10	Cal Decowski	F	02/04/92	L	5'9"	160	Andover High School	Andover, MN
11	Justin Selman	F	10/02/93	L	6'	185	New Jersey Avalanche AAA	Upper Saddle River, NJ
12	Dajon Mingo	F	05/07/90	R	5'11"	175	Wenatchee (NAHL)	Detroit, MI
14	J.D. Peterson	D	10/12/91	R	5'11"	185	LA Jr. Kings AAA	Orange, CA
15	Andrew Miller	F	06/18/91	R	6'2"	187	Team Illinois AAA	West Dundee, IL
16	Jordan Robertson	F	07/11/91	R	6'2"	190	Rice Memorial Prep	Everett, WA
17	Patrick Kirtland	F	01/22/91	L	6'0"	190	Topeka (NAHL)	Lenexa, KS
18	Luke Sandler	F	06/18/93	L	6'2"	185	Des Moines Buccaneers	Chicago, IL
19	Ray Pigozzi	F	04/03/94	L	5'11"	174	Chicago Mission U-16	Evanston, IL
20	Doug Clifford	F	08/28/90	R	5'11"	185	Traverse City (NAHL)	Woodhaven, MI
21	Zane Popilock	D	06/29/93	R	5'11"	185	Philadelphia (EJHL)	Collegeville, PA
22	Dan DeSalvo	F	03/06/92	R	5'10"	180	Team Illinois AAA	Rolling Meadows, IL
24	Ethan Prow	D	11/17/92	R	6'	180	Sauk Rapids High School	Sauk Rapids, MN
25	Tyler Deresky	F	12/09/92	R	6'	190	Lincoln (USHL)	Flemington, NJ
27	Mitch Cain	F	06/28/91	R	6'2"	200	Des Moines Buccaneers	Fort Frances, ON
35	Tyler Bruggeman	G	03/30/91	L	5'9"	160	St. Louis (NAHL)	North Mankato, MN

2010 Tryout Camp Rosters

2010-06-18T11:10:00.001-05:00

Click here to download the 2010 Tryout Camp Rosters.

Tryout Camp 2010

2010-06-14T10:16:00.002-05:00

The Buccaneers will hold their 2010 tryout camp starting on Thursday, June 17th at Buccaneer Arena. Approximately 100 players will take part in the camp, which begins on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday teams will play morning and afternoon games - with camp concluding in a top prospect game on Sunday morning.

Most prominent among the camp participants are returning players T.J. Tynan, Luke Sandler, Blake Doerring, Mitch Cain, Colton Saucerman, Cal Decowski, Garrett Orhn, Connor Frick, Taylor Wolfe and Charles Williams. The Buccaneers will also be bring their affiliate players to camp including Justin Selman, Max Gardiner, Kevin Irwin, Joe Faust, Kyle Sucher and Zane Popilock.

This weekend will also present Bucs fans with their first chance to watch Peter Stoykewych and Brendan O'Donnell, the team's first and second round picks in the recent United States Hockey League Entry Draft, as well as Miles Koules and Ray Pigozzi, the Riders top two picks in the USHL Futures Draft. Also in attendance from the USHL Drafts will be Nicholas Kulmanovsky, Patrick Kirtland, Andrew Miller, Daniel Milan, Christian Frey, Connor Kucera, Gavin Tufte, John Olen, Joagn Nelson, Luke Veitch, David Jacobson, Willie Faust, Ian Spencer, Connor Wood, Eric Sade and Liam McDermott.

Details on teams and rosters will be available online prior to the start camp. Teams will get the opportunity to practice with the Buccaneers coaching staff Thursday evening. Games will be played Friday morning and Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday evening. The All-Star game is scheduled for Sunday morning - with the roster being available at the arena prior to the game.

This year, fans can again have the chance to enter a Pick-the-Best contest on Saturday. Ballots listing all of the players participating will be available in the Pirate's Cove, Blackbeard's Lounge and the front office for fans, who will then be able to choose who they feel are the best players in the game. The fan who picks the most players who make the Buccaneers' post-camp roster will win - with the prize being announced during camp. In the event of a tie for the most correct choices, the winner will be drawn randomly from among the tied ballots.

Buccaneer merchandise will be available for sale during the weekend, with a schedule for times being posted early next week.

All tryout camp sessions are free and open to the public. The Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club will be on hand at the ice arena throughout camp and Blackbeard's Lounge will be open during camp as well.

2010 - 2011 Des Moines Buccaneers Tryout Camp Schedule

Thursday, June 17th
6 p.m.
Practices begin

Friday, June 18th
9 a.m.
Morning games begin
4 p.m.
Afternoon games begin

Saturday, June 19th
9 a.m.
Morning games begin
4 p.m.
Afternoon games begin

Sunday, June 20th
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
All-Star Game

2010 Entry Draft Notes

2010-05-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

In yesterday's 2010 USHL Futures Draft a total of 90 players from the 1994 birth year were drafted by the USHL Member clubs.

The Des Moines Buccaneers had the sixth overall pick in the first round of the draft and with the pick chose Miles Koules, a forward from Shattuck St. Mary's. The Los Angeles, California native played in 33 games at Shattuck, Miles had 20 goals, 38 assists and 58 points.

With the 25th pick in the second round the Buccaneers chose Ray Pigozzi, an Evanston, Illinois native who played for Chicago Mission last season. The forward played in 20 games for Mission and had 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points.

In the third round, the Bucs had 36th pick and chose Ian Spencer, a defenseman from Hawthorne New Jersey. Ian played for the New Jersey Avalanche last season.

With the 55th pick in the fourth round the Bucs chose forward Connor Wood from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He played for Honeybaked last season.In the fifth round, with the 66th pick Eric Sade, a defenseman from Washington D.C., was chosen by the Bucs. He played for Team Maryland last season.

The Bucs chose Liam McDermott with the 85th pick in the sixth round. The forward from Shaker Heights, Ohio played for the Cleveland Barons last season.

The USHL Futures Draft, limited by its structure to six players per Member Club this year, recognizes players born in 1994 that – at this point in their still-young hockey careers – have shown the potential to develop the special set of on-ice skills and dedication to play in the USHL.

"That potential is both a gift and a responsibility," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "We hope all of these great young players continue on their development path to wear the colors of a USHL Member Club."

"But we also know that players at this age and skill develop along different timelines," continued Prince. "Some of the players not drafted in today's Futures Draft will develop into top prospects by next year – and we will be there to welcome them to the League as well. As today's draft proved, the talent base out there continues to improve."

Pre-Draft Jitters? No Way! We're Ready!

2010-05-12T12:15:00.004-05:00

Managed to make it through a bit of a mock round of the draft this morning. Piece of pie --- not sure about some of the other teams though. Just kidding. Everyone made it through just fine - although I'm sure a few eyes were more focused on Game 5 tonight of the Clark Cup Championship in Green Bay. But we did learn a few things that we thought we'd share...

Prior to today the website for the USHL listed that the drafts would take place the afternoons of Tuesday, May 18th and Wednesday, May 19th.

But in actuality, the drafts will take place at 10:00 AM CST on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's future draft will have six rounds and start bright and early - Wednesdays draft will also start bright and early.

No need to worry though - we'll be ready to go both days - keeping you up to date as we go pick by pick from the road!

And yes, we said road...the "war room" is going to be mobile this year. Details next week - but we're taking this year's drafts serious. So stay tuned folks!

2010 Entry Draft FAQ (pt III)

2010-04-27T12:28:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to get drafted by more than one team?
No. Players can only be drafted by one USHL team.

Is it possible to be drafted into more than one league?
Yes, players can be drafted into several different leagues. However, they are only allowed to play in one and will be classified in one September 15.

Can a player still get drafted even though he has signed a tender with another league?
Yes, the tenders that are signed in other leagues have no bearing on the USHL or its draft.

How does a player know when he is drafted?
Players will be notified of their selection within 24-48 hours of the draft by the coach of the team that selected them.

Is the draft open to the public?
You will be able to follow the draft online at www.ushldraft.com. Public availability of the draft is subject to change.

What about the protected lists, will those be posted as well?
Individual team protected lists will be posted following the draft. Once the draft is completed, the USHL will have a dead period lasting approximately two weeks where no roster movement can take place.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Entry Draft FAQ (pt II)

2010-04-27T12:24:00.000-05:00

What is the affiliate list?
The affiliate list is made up of players in the U-18 category. The list contains players that can be added anytime over the course of the season, either for full-time duty or as an injury replacement. These players can be drafted either during the entry draft or the futures draft. These players do not have to play in 10 games to be given veteran status and can be placed on a team's initial protected list.

How many players can be drafted onto the affiliate list?
Each team is allowed to draft and assign 12 players to their affiliate list.

Who is considered a veteran player?
A veteran is classified as any player who played in 10 or more games for that team in the previous season. Regular season and playoff games both count toward this number.

How is the draft order determined?
The order is determined using the reverse order of standing based on points accumulated from the previous season. In other words, the team that finished last in the previous season will have the first pick, while the team that finished first overall will have the last pick.

Does getting drafted guarantee you are on the team?
No. Getting drafted simply means that your USHL rights belong to that team. It does not guarantee that you will be on the team at the start of next season.

If drafted, does a player still need to go through tryout camps?
Yes. Coaches usually require that all returning veterans, as well as players that are drafted go through tryout camps just like the players that aren't drafted but do get invited.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Entry Draft FAQ (pt I)

2010-04-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

When is the 2010 USHL Entry Draft?
This year's draft will be held on May 19th at 1:00 p.m. (CDT)

Who is eligible to be drafted?
Anybody that the coaches feel can contribute to their teams can be selected. A player must have birth date of 1990 or younger.

What does a player have to do to become eligible?
Nothing, players are automatically eligible. Nothing in addition to playing has to be done. No phone calls need to be made and no forms need to be filled out.

How old do you have to be to get drafted?
Although there is no formal age restriction, USHL players generally are between the ages of 16-20.

How many rounds are in the draft?
That number varies. Prior to the draft, each team submits an initial protected list consisting of the veteran players that they wish to protect and also the players that they drafted for their affiliate list. Once that number is established, teams will draft until their list reaches 23 players. When a team reaches 23 players, they are done selecting until every team in the league gets to that number. Once everybody is at 23 players, then teams will begin selecting again until their list reaches 30 players. When every team has 30 players on their list, they are finished selecting and the draft is complete.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Futures Draft FAQ (pt III)

2010-04-22T11:39:00.003-05:00

How is the draft order determined?
The draft order for the futures draft is determined using a random draw, thus giving every team in the league the opportunity to land the first overall selection (with the exception being expansion years where the new team selects first). Unlike the May entry draft, the process has nothing to do with the order of finish from the previous season.

Can players taken in the futures draft be traded?
Yes. Players that are taken in the futures draft and placed on a team's affiliate list can be traded from that list to another team's affiliated list. If the drafted player has already been placed on a team's active roster, they can be traded to another team's active roster.

How does a player know when he has been drafted?
If a player is watching the futures draft live, he will see his name on the screen at the time of his selection. Following the draft, players will be contacted by a member of the coaching staff from the team that selected him. Coaches are instructed by the league office to contact players that are chosen within 24 hours of the draft.

Is the draft open to the public?
Much like the USHL Futures Draft in May of 2009, the 2010 Futures Draft will be conducted live over the Internet. Interested parties can view the draft on the league's official web site, www.ushldraft.com. Check back to the site in the future for more information on how to watch this year's draft. Public availability of the draft is subject to change.

When will the final draft results be posted?
Upon completion of the futures draft, a draft board will be compiled and the results will be posted as soon as possible, most likely within a few hours of the draft's completion. Results will also be posted on the league web site.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Futures Draft FAQ (pt II)

2010-04-22T11:00:00.002-05:00

What is an affiliate list?
The affiliate list is a list of 12 players that a team is allowed to protect in addition to their 23-man active roster.

If a player is drafted by a USHL team in the May draft, can they be put on the affiliate list?
Yes. Players born in 1994 that are drafted in the May draft are allowed to be placed on the team's affiliate list.

How long does a team retain the rights of a player selected in the futures draft?
It depends on the age of the player. For this year's futures draft, players born in 1992 will remain property of the selecting team for one (1) year. Players born in 1993 will remain property of the selecting team for two (2) years. Players born in 1994 will remain property of the selecting team for three (3) years.

Does getting drafted guarantee that you are on a USHL team?
No, a player that is chosen in the futures draft is not automatically on a USHL team. The player may be placed on the team's affiliate list.

When can a player selected in the futures draft be placed on a USHL roster?
Players on the affiliated list can be moved to a team's active roster at any time and for any reason. If an affiliated player is moved to a team's active roster before the February 10 roster deadline, they will be eligible to play for the remainder of the regular season as well as the post-season. Affiliated players added to the active roster after February 10 will not be eligible to play in the post-season.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Futures Draft FAQ (pt I)

2010-04-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

When is the 2010 USHL Futures Draft?
The draft will take place on Monday, May 18, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. CDT.

Who is eligible to be drafted?
Only players born in 1994 are eligible to be drafted.Do players have to register for the draft?
Players do not have to register to be drafted.

How many rounds are there in the draft?
The futures draft will consist of a maximum of 5 rounds.

How many players can be drafted by a team?
Each team will select 5 players with 1994 birthdates.

(Source: USHL.com)

2010 Buc Bowl Dates Announced

2010-04-19T10:57:00.002-05:00

2010 Midget Buc Bowls

Midget Major – October 1-3, 2010

Midget Minor – October 8-10, 2010

The 2009 Midget Buc Bowl Tournaments were two of the premier midget tournaments of the year. Scouting last year’s tournaments were several professional scouts, college assistant coaches, and USHL head coaches and assistant coaches.

All teams will play 3 divisional games plus 1 or 2 championship round game(s). All games will consist of 3 periods of 17 minute stop time.

Download the registration form.

Please direct all questions to Brant Parriott at brant@bucshockey.com or 515-278-2827 ext 2106.

Next Season = Three Divisions

2010-04-19T10:14:00.003-05:00

With the addition of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Muskegeon Lumberjacks, the USHL will have three divisions next season. Shifting from two to three divisions will mean an unbalanced schedule. Unbalanced? The Bucs will be playing a lot more games within their division next season than ever before. Rivalries will be stronger because we'll see a lot more of the same teams.

Below is the breakdown of the three divisions:

Central Division: Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Des Moines Buccaneers, Dubuque Fighting Siants, Green Bay Gamblers and the Waterloo Black Hawks.

East Division: Chicago Steel, Indiana Ice, Muskegon Lumberjacks, Team USA and the Youngstown Phantoms.

Western Division: Fargo Force, Lincoln Stars, Omaha Lancers, Sioux City Musketeers, Sioux Falls Stampede and Tri-City Storm.

"The divisional alignment is all set. The only question is how unbalanced the schedule will be," Prince said last week to Jim Leitner of the Dubuque Times Herald. "It makes sense from a business sense, because teams will be playing their biggest draws more often. It also means less travel and less school time missed for our student-athletes, who were a huge consideration when we decided this. We're not quite sure how the playoff qualifiers will be determined. But, it looks like we will be expanding the playoffs, too."

Wanted: Housing Families

2010-03-31T16:30:00.005-05:00

The Des Moines Buccaneers are looking for housing families/billets for the 2010 – 2011 USHL season.

The Buccaneer players are junior players that do not get paid. The USHL is the highest level of junior hockey in the United States. They are elite level players aged 16 – 20 that are focused on playing at the NCAA Division I college level and at the professional level. On average, we have about 4-6 high school students on the team every year.

Over 100 USHL players each season receive college hockey scholarships due to the respect and notoriety of the league and players. This past season 15 Buccaneer players were committed to attend and play hockey at Division I schools including the University of Vermont, Boston University and the University of Minnesota. Each year, a number of USHL players are selected at the NHL Entry Draft in June – in the 2009 draft, Buccaneer Alex Chiasson was chosen by the Dallas Stars.

The Des Moines Buccaneers are looking for local families that would be willing to open their homes to these exceptional young men. Because these are teenagers who are far from home, it is important to the organization, as well as the USHL, to provide them with a stable environment during their time in Des Moines. We want to find families that are interested in building a lasting relationship with the young men as they attempt to reach their goals and dreams in sports and education. Each family receives a monthly stipend for each player they house, as well as season tickets to the 30 game regular season at Buccaneer Arena. We are seeking comfortable housing situations for our players with families that demonstrate a well balanced family-oriented life style. Buccaneer players make excellent role models for young hockey players aspiring to play at higher levels. They are outstanding student athletes and are committed to their goals and their team. We ask that the families live within a reasonable distance of Buccaneer Arena in Urbandale, IA and hope for continued support from the housing families.

The 2010 – 2011 season will see Buccaneer players arriving in Des Moines in late August/early September with the regular season ending in mid-April and playoffs concluding in May. The players do get a one week break around Christmas, that allows them to go home to be with their families.

Housing a player is a commitment; it’s not always easy but it’s important to us as an organization and as a community to provide these players with the best possible home for their time in Des Moines.

If you have an interest in housing a player this upcoming season, please complete our Housing Family Questionnaire and return it to us. If you have questions, or want to speak to someone, please contact Danielle Rogers at (515) 278-2827 or danielle@bucshockey.com.

Interested in playing for the Buccaneers?

2010-03-31T14:13:00.011-05:00

The Des Moines Buccaneers continue to be a staple of hockey in the Midwest – with 30 years of experience the team has won four Anderson Cup regular season championships, as well as four “Tier 1” National Championships and 4 Clark Cup Playoff Championships. Des Moines is an amazing city that has supported the Des Moines Buccaneers for over 30 years. Playing hockey in this city affords our athletes many academic, cultural, and entertainment opportunities that serve to improve the overall experience of playing junior hockey.

Along with the team success and the support of a great community, a number of Buccaneer players have continued to have success in the sport of hockey long after their days in Des Moines were over. We have been the starting point for over 200 collegiate hockey players. On this year’s roster, 15 of our player’s have committed to play at Division I schools after completing their junior hockey careers. Our league places over 100 players annually in Division I college hockey. This means that you will be playing with and competing against the finest players in North America. If you want to be the best, you must compete against the best each day at practice and in every game.

We are currently in heavy preparation for the 2010 USHL Futures Draft, as well as the 2010 Entry Draft. Both drafts will be held in mid-May. Shortly after the conclusion of the drafts, the Buccaneers will host their tryout camps at Buccaneer Arena.

If you are interested in receiving consideration to attend a Buccaneers camp, please download and complete our Prospect Questionnaire. Our coaching staff will research each request received and letters of invitations to camp will be emailed and/or mailed to selected player following the 2010 USHL Draft on Wednesday, May 19th.

2010 - 2011 Season Tickets On Sale Now!

2010-03-31T09:26:00.001-05:00

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Ticket Prices

$12.00 Arena Level (Adult)
$9.00 Arena Level (Child)
$14.00 Center Ice Level
$16.00 Ice Level
$68.00 Lounge Table

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Season Ticket Prices

Early Bird
$300.00 Arena Level (Adult)
$270.00 Arena Level (Child)
$330.00 Center Ice
$405.00 Ice Level
$1685.00 Lounge Table

Regular
$315.00 Arena Level (Adult)
$270.00 Arena Level (Child)
$360.00 Center Ice
$435.00 Ice Level
$1985.00 Lounge Table

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Season Ticket Payment Options

Option #1 (Early Bird Special)
Pay in full by Thursday, April 1st and receive the Early Bird pricing, as well as a $15 Pirate’s Cove gift certificate for each ticket paid in full that can be used throughout the off season or in the 2010 – 2011 season.

Option #2 (Early Bird Special)
Pay in full by Wednesday, June 30th and receive the Early Bird pricing.

Option #3
Pay in full by Monday, August 16th at full season ticket pricing.

Option #4
Pay in full on date of purchase. This is specifically for those people who purchase tickets after August 16th.

Download the season ticket form by clicking here.

Season Ticket Benefits

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Season Ticket Referral Program
For every two referrals that purchase 2010 – 2011 season tickets, the season ticket holder will receive one entry into a drawing for a plasma TV. For the first four referrals that purchase 2010 – 2011 season tickets, the season ticket holder will receive one jersey with custom nameplate and number.

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Pre-Season Tickets
Season ticket holders will get access to the Blue vs. Red Scrimmage in September, as well as receive free general admission admittance to any pre-season games at Buccaneer Arena.

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 “Pay–After–We–Play” Playoff Package
Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to take part in the Pay-After-We-Play playoff ticket package. All possible playoff game tickets will be given to season ticket holders and following the Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 playoff run they will be charged only for the home games that have been played, whether or not they attend. This package will lock in the cost per ticket that season ticket holders pay, as well as guarantee them their seats.

Download the season ticket form by clicking here.

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Mug Club
Season ticket holders will receive a 2010 – 2011 season ticket holder mug that allows them to purchase discounted drinks at any of the concession stands in Buccaneer Arena.

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Never Wasted Ticket Program
Tickets can be exchanged prior to 5 p.m. on the date of the game on the ticket for a never wasted ticket voucher. If a season ticket holder is unable to exchange a ticket prior to 5 p.m. on game day, any unused tickets can be used as vouchers on select game days (to be determined on the release of the 2010 - 2011 schedule). This is a change from the past Never Wasted Ticket program.

Des Moines Buccaneers 2010 – 2011 Pirate’s Cove Discount
Season ticket holder will receive a 10% discount on merchandise in the Pirate’s Cove.

OverTime Neighborhood Pub Watch Party - Next Friday Night

2010-02-25T15:57:00.003-06:00

The Buccaneers will be on the road taking on the Sioux City Musketeers next Friday night (March 5th) - but that doesn’t mean you have to miss the game! Join us at OverTime, located at 4810 86th Street in Urbandale, for a watch party for the game on b2 Networks! OverTime will be showing the game throughout the restaurant at no charge to Buccaneer fans! There is no cover charge and OverTime is the perfect family environment to enjoy the game! During intermissions, Buccaneer staff will be doing raffles, trivia and much more for some amazing prizes!

LIVESTRONG WITH THE BUCS NIGHT

2010-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Make sure not to miss the “LIVESTRONG WITH THE BUCS NIGHT” on Friday, February 5th. Wear yellow to the game and help the Buccaneers support Des Moines LIVESTRONG and the fight against cancer. There will be an exclusive Brian Duffy original T-shirt depicting our 30th Anniversary and the partnership with LIVESTRONG - proceeds from the sales of the T-shirts and a silent auction will benefit the Des Moines LIVESTRONG chapter! Make sure you’re there - and LIVE STRONG!

For more information about the Des Moines LIVESTRONG chapter please visit their website by visiting www.livestrongdesmoines.org.

Jimmy Buffett Night

2010-02-01T03:18:00.004-06:00

Join us for Jimmy Buffett Night at Buccaneer Arena!

Enjoy 1/2 price margaritas, 1/2 price cheeseburgers and escape the cold of winter with the heat of Buccaneer hockey!

Shawn Johnson Bobblehead

2010-01-28T16:37:00.003-06:00

Shawn Johnson Bobblehead Giveaway

Saturday, February 20th - 7:05 p.m.
Tri-City Storm vs. Des Moines Buccaneers

Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson will be on hand as the Des Moines Buccaneers and Coca-Cola give away Shawn Johnson Bobbleheads to the first 1,000 fans through the gates.

Regular game tickets are available for purchase at the Buccaneer Arena ticket office or online.

As a special offer, the Des Moines Buccaneers are offering a limited number of VIP PACKAGES ($25) and a GUARANTEED BOBBLEHEAD PACKAGES ($15) - both including a guaranteed Shawn Johnson Bobblehead.

$25 VIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:
A guaranteed Shawn Johnson Bobblehead
An Arena Level ticket to the game
A ticket to a pre-game reception with Shawn Johnson
Pre-game appetizers during the reception

$15 GUARANTEED BOBBLEHEAD PACKAGE INCLUDES:
A guaranteed Shawn Johnson Bobblehead
An Arena Level ticket to the game

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE CALL THE BUCCANEER ARENA TICKET OFFICE AT 278-BUCS (2827).

Walters Shines at USHL All-Star Game with Hat Trick; Team CCM defeats Team Reebok 5-4

2010-01-27T09:40:00.001-06:00

INDIANAPOLIS - Des Moines Buccaneers forward Ryan Walters registered the fourth hat trick in USHL All-Star Game history at the Pepsi Coliseum Tuesday night. Despite Walters’s hat trick, Team CCM (East Division) came out on top of Team Reebok (West Division) in a 5-4 overtime decision.

Nate Condon (Fargo) scored the first goal of the All-Star Game for Team Reebok, followed by two goals from Team CCM – the first from Tom Serratore (Youngstown), and the second from Max Cook (Indiana). Walters scored the first of his three goals to even the contest at 15:32 in the first.

Walters gave Team Reebok their second lead of the game early in the second period with a goal at 3:54. Shane Berschbach (Indiana) tied the game back up at 3-3 at 12:46.

In the third period, Tyler Barnes (Waterloo) put Team CCM back in the lead at the start of the third, but Walters finished off his hat trick at 13:26 and tied the game at 4-4.

After 60 minutes of play, the game went to overtime with each team skating four players a side. It appeared to be heading to a shootout but Nick Bailen (Indiana) scored the game winning goal wit 13 seconds remaining in the overtime period giving Team CCM the win.

Troy Grosenick (Cedar Rapids) earned the victory in net making 14 saves after entering the game midway through the second period.

Following the game, Condon was named player of the game for Team Reebok while Bailen was honored as player of the game for Team CCM. Walters earned the Ron Woodey Award as All-Star MVP with his three-goal performance.

Fellow Buccaneers Austin Coldwell, Connor Brickley and T.J. Tynan also took part in the USHL All-Star game. Coldwell finished the game +3, Brickley ended the game -3 with 3 shots on goal and Tynan finished +1 with 2 shots on goal.

2010 USHL All-Star Game

2010-01-25T15:13:00.000-06:00

Tonight marks the start of the 2010 USHL All-Star Game - but it looks like the weather is affecting some of the travel for the players to get to Indianapolis.

The USHL All-Star Gala is being hosted tonight at the Indianapolis Marriott North. American NHL Hockey legend Jimmy Carson and General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets Scott Howson are just two of the speakers at tonight's gala.

The 2010 USHL All-Star Game will be played at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26th. The All-Star game is expected to deliver a hard-hitting display of hockey from today's most exciting players and a glance at future NHL stars. The USHL announced today that the All-Star game will be broadcast using B2 Express which is the new free-to-view platform now used exclusively for all live free programming on B2 Networks. The video broadcast of the USHL All-Star Game will be available free of charge through USHL.com and on B2TV.com. Viewers will require a high-speed internet connection and a current version of Microsoft Windows Media Player.

Thanksgiving Night

2009-11-19T10:03:00.001-06:00

Join us next Thursday night as the Buccaneers welcome the Omaha Lancers to Buccaneer Arena for the first time this season. It's Miller Lite Buc Beer Night - so make sure to bring your friends and family out Thanksgiving night - because we're sure you're going to be ready for some $1 draws of Miller Lite after spending a day with family, friends and turkey!

The Great Teddy Bear Toss (We Hope)

2009-11-11T09:45:00.002-06:00

It's our annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, November 14th - bring a teddy bear and toss it on the ice after the Bucs score their first goal against the Sioux City Musketeers. All teddy bears will be donated to local children's charities.

When posting this, we figured we'd do a little research on the Teddy Bear Toss as our interns were looking at as with looks of utter confusion as to where this hockey tradition started.

According to Wikipedia, the first Teddy Bear Toss was said to be in Kitchener, Ontario at Kitchener Rangers games - it's most popular in the Western Hockey League cities of Calgary, Alberta and Portland.

There also seems to be battle between these teams...

The 7,485 fans and supporters of the Portland Winter Hawkswere the first to break the WHL and CHL Teddy Bear Toss record in the 2006 - 2007 with an on-ice donation of 14,361 stuffed animals Saturday, November 25th, 2006. The teddy bears rained down from the stands when Kyle Bailey broke a scoreless tie exactly one minute into the overtime period. This record was eventually broken by the fans of the Calgary Hitmen less than a month later. On December 10th, 2006, when Ryan White scored a short-handed goal 14 minutes into the first period of their game against the Prince George Cougars. 15,540 teddy bears were thrown onto the ice by the 16,380 fans in attendance.

On November 24, 2007, the Portland Winterhawks briefly reclaimed the record with 20,372 stuffed animals coming from the 6,343 fans at the Memorial Coliseum on the 10th Annual Teddy Bear Toss Night. However, fans had failed to realise that the goal that initiated the toss had been disallowed. The record quickly fell again, as six nights later, fans of the Lethbridge Hurricanes set a new mark of 22,736 bears. The Hitmen once again reclaimed their record on December 2, as 26,919 bears hit the ice when Ian Duval scored against the Cougars.

Here are some videos of these epic teddy bear tosses:
Calgary Hitmen (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcif2tNeq6o
Calgary Hitmen (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql_2Fs2q7Q8

Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club Fundraiser Event

2009-11-11T09:43:00.001-06:00

We are excited to announce that Schwan’s Fundraising will have a truck at the Buccaneer Arena on Friday, November 13th from 1 PM - 7 PM; Saturday, November 14th from 9 AM – 5 PM; and Sunday, November 15th from 9 AM – 5 PM. Based on the dollars sold on these days, Schwan’s will donate a percentage of the dollars to the Booster Club, so please come by and show your support for the Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club.

The truck will have over 300 of Schwan’s quality products to choose from. Simply come by, place your order with the Schwan’s Representative and take your products home to enjoy! We are confident you will find something for every eating occasion, flavor profile and for any nutritional need.

Thank you in advance for your support of the Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club and this fundraiser. With your participation we will be that much closer to our goal of generating funds to be used for items such as scholarships for the players.

Guaranteed Fight Night

2009-11-05T15:11:00.002-06:00

Join us on Saturday, November 7th as the Buccaneers join forces with STAR 102.5 to COMBAT HUNGER in Central Iowa. Fans who bring a non-perishable food item receive $3 off an arena level ticket to the game that night against the Tri City Storm.

We're also hosting a fight at center ice between to Drake college students in a epic battle - they'll take it to center ice decked out in full fight gear and fight three 10 second rounds. The winner will receive a great prize package.

(And a sidenote to those diehard Bucs fans - Andrew Panzarella will not be playing in Saturday's game for Tri City - he'll be scratched and fulfilling a two game suspension for fighting in Tuesday's game - check out Pointstreak to see the boxscore for the game.)

Des Moines Adult Hockey Leagues - September 2009 to April 2010

2009-09-02T10:43:00.003-05:00

With the Bucs’ 2009-2010 hockey season right around the corner, it’s time to start up another year of Adult Hockey Leagues at Buccaneer Arena. This year, we will be featuring 4 leagues to cater to all metro adult hockey players, including a Novice Hockey League for the beginning hockey player.

The Novice Hockey League is designed for anyone interested in playing hockey but have no/limited experience playing hockey. The league started last season with just 15 players, and it grew to 30+ players over the course of the season. So we are looking to continue this growth this season with a league up to 60 players. Last year’s players included DMYHA parents looking to get learn the sport their children play and Buccaneer season ticket holders wanting to play the game they love so much.

The Novice Hockey League will be played on Sunday afternoons (2:30 and 4:00). The league will run 29 weeks; 20 games and 9 practices.

Buccaneer Arena will also host the following leagues:

Thursday Night ‘A’ League –

The most experienced league with former professional, college and junior players.

Thursday Nights 7:45 p.m., 9:00p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Derek Hickey, derek@bucshockey.com

Website: http://www.dsmhockey.com/

Sunday Night ‘B’ League –

The most popular league with each player having some playing background.

Sunday Nights 5:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m.

Contacts: Derek Hickey, derek@bucshockey.com or Joe Tufano, HockeyInfo@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dsmhockey.com/

Wednesday Night ‘C’ League –

Another popular league with a variety of players, experienced and novice.

Wednesday Nights 7:45 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Contacts: Derek Hickey, derek@bucshockey.com

Joe Bafia, JoeBafia@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dmahockey.com/

The adult hockey leagues in Des Moines cater to a variety of players. With over 400 adult hockey players in the metro area, three hockey leagues cater to every player’s ability and competitiveness. The A league is the most competitive league with several former professional and collegiate players. The B and C leagues are the most popular for the average adult hockey player.

For more information about any of these leagues or sign up, please contact Derek Hickey at derek@bucshockey.com.

The Buccaneers Get Their Man - Mike Guentzel Hired as Head Coach

2009-08-31T18:07:00.007-05:00

BUCCANEERS GET THEIR MAN

MIKE GUENTZEL NAMED AS BUCS HEAD COACH

URBANDALE, IA – Des Moines Buccaneers General Manager J.P. Parisé announced today that Colorado College Assistant Coach Mike Guentzel has been named Head Coach of the Des Moines Buccaneers. Guentzel, a 23-year veteran of coaching, has spent the last 15 seasons at the NCAA Division I level with the University of Minnesota, and most recently with Colorado College of the WCHA. Guentzel will be responsible for all coaching aspects of the Buccaneers while Parisé will maintain his current role as General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations.

Guentzel spent 14 seasons (1994-2008) as an assistant at the University of Minnesota where he helped lead the Gophers to back-to-back NCAA Championships. In addition, he coached five Gopher defensemen to All-American honors, including the 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner Jordan Leopold.

The Buccaneers began their search for a new head coach after recently named coach, Dave Allison, accepted a position with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Allison made that decision when it was unclear if he would be able to secure the proper visa in time for the 2009-10 season. “Once we became aware of Coach Allison’s situation, we immediately turned our focus toward securing Mike as our next head coach” said Buccaneers owner Gil Peled. “I am confident that he will help re-establish the Des Moines Buccaneers as one of the top franchises in the USHL.”

Dave Allison echoed Peled’s analysis of Guentzel. “The loyal Buccaneer fans are fortunate to have such an experienced, successful coach at the helm. And the players should be well prepared to take their game to another level. This will definitely be a team that I look forward to watching over the course of the year, and wish them all the best.”

General Manager J.P. Parisé shared his excitement regarding the Guentzel hiring. “He has a great understanding of the USHL and is very familiar with the players in this league from his recruiting experience at the college level,” said Parisé. “He has a history of putting winning teams on the ice, and advancing players to the highest levels of the sport. Today, I am extremely excited to announce that Mike has accepted this position with our team.”

Parisé went on to say, “The most important thing to me was that Mike is not only a great coach but a great person and family man. With his background at the college level, he understands the importance of education to our league, as well as developing our players as people and students just as much as hockey players.”

USHL Commissioner Skip Prince was just as enthusiastic. “Mike and I spoke early on in my tenure here,” said Prince, “and I was impressed by both his knowledge of hockey at the junior and collegiate levels, and by his love and respect for the USHL. We welcome his return to the League on behalf of one its most storied Member Clubs.”

Guentzel is no stranger to the USHL or the Des Moines Buccaneers. Prior to coaching at the collegiate level Guentzel served as the head coach of The St. Paul Vulcans (1989-92) and the Omaha Lancers (1992-94) of the USHL. He led St. Paul to a Junior A national title in 1991, an Anderson Cup (regular season championship) with Omaha in 1993, and back-to-back Clark-Cups (playoff championship) with the Lancers in 1993 and 1994. Guentzel has twice received the USHL Coach of the Year honor. He shared that honor with Des Moines’ Bob Ferguson in 1992, and in 1993 he was named Coach of the Year when he guided the Omaha Lancers to both the Anderson Cup and the Clark Cup.

“I’m excited to be back in the USHL,” Guentzel commented. “I had good experiences during my eight years in the league. I look forward to re-establishing the tremendous success Des Moines coaches like Bob Ferguson, Scott Owens, and Regg Simon have brought in the past.”

Guentzel, 47, attended and played hockey for the University of Minnesota from 1981 through 1985. He served as team captain his senior year, and was the recipient of the Edwin Romnes Leadership and Sportsmanship Award as well as the Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero Award while earning his bachelor’s degree in small business and human relations. He went on to enjoy a brief minor-league playing career with the New Haven Night Hawks and Salt Lake City Golden Eagles following graduation, and was drafted by the New York Rangers in 1981.

Guentzel and his wife, Sally, have three sons. The oldest, Ryan, is a junior playing hockey for the University of Notre Dame. Gabe, 21, is a sophomore playing for Colorado College, and their youngest, Jake, plays at the bantam level in Minnesota.

Gabe Fleming Memorial Tournament

2009-08-27T16:08:00.001-05:00

1st Annual Gabe Fleming

Memorial Hockey Tournament

September 26th, 2009

9 am - 3 pm

Metro Ice Sports Facility

The 1st Annual Gabe Fleming Memorial Hockey Tournament in honor of fellow hockey player Gabe Fleming will have its inaugural tournament September 26th at Metro Ice Sports Facility.

This tournament will help benefit the Gabe Fleming Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund that has been set up by Gabe's family and friends to help local youth and high school hcokey players in need of financial assistance. Many kids would love to play our great sport but due to the cost or other reasons they can not afford the necessary equipment or fees to play. This fund will give some of these players the chance they always have wanted to play youth hockey or compete for a spot on a high school team.

This tournament will be one of many events held during the season to raise money for the fund and we hope all can participate to help hockey in the City of Des Moines.

If you would like to make a donation for this fund please contact Tyler Bottoms (tbottoms88@hotmail.com) or Alyson Fleming (alyson@flemingconstructionllc.com).

Click here for the registration forms.

Getting to know one of the newer additions to the team...Peter MacIntosh

2009-08-05T12:24:00.001-05:00

This article, titled MacIntosh to play jr. hockey in U.S. loop, first appeared in The Daily Gleaner. It was written by Bruce Hallihan.

---

Peter MacIntosh hopes to earn a Division 1 hockey scholarship by going through Des Moines, Iowa.

MacIntosh missed his prom and Leo Hayes High School graduation ceremony to attend a June training camp in Des Moines, but it was worth the trip.

He landed a roster spot on the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League.

Longtime hockey coach Tom Coolen helped MacIntosh get the invite and the six-foot-one, 195-pound defenceman took care of the rest.

"The camp started out with six teams," MacIntosh said. "By the time it got down to two, there were fast-paced games and high intensity.

"I'm hoping to do well and get seen by a few people. I'm hoping this leads to a Division 1 deal in the states."

The Buccaneers are coached by former Ottawa Senators' bench boss Dave Allison. Ex-NHLer J-P. Parise is the team's general manager and director of hockey operations.

"Dave was up front and honest," MacIntosh said. "I felt really appreciated by him. He seems like a real good guy, but at the same time a demanding coach. That's something you look for."

MacIntosh, who turned 17 on May 19, knows he'll have to prove himself all over again at the main camp in September.

"You talk somewhat about (potential) roles," he said, "but until you get down there and prove what you've got, everyone's in the same boat. I'm just going to show them what I've got and hopefully it leads to a major role on the team."

MacIntosh played the past two seasons for the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League - although he was sidelined more than half of last season.

"Last year was a tough year," he said. "I had two freak plays where I happened to break my wrist in the same spot, the growth plate."

He had his right wrist broken during an open-ice collision Nov. 2. Six games after he returned, he had his left wrist broken when he was checked against the boards at the end of January.

"Those are the first two injuries that ever made me miss any games. I feel 100 per cent now," said MacIntosh, who was drafted in the sixth round (109th overall) by the Acadie-Bathurst Titan in the 2008 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft.

"I talked to Bathurst off and on the past few years," he said, "but I never went to camp. I really want to play college in the states and I'm sticking to that."

MacIntosh attended both Woodstock and Leo Hayes high schools, averaging 87 over four years.
"I pride myself on my defence, but I feel I play an all-around game," MacIntosh said. "I think my mental game is a strength. I feel like I play a smart game and make good decisions; try to break things up before they happen.

"But I'm always working to try to get better," he said. "To say you're not working on anything sounds crazy. You've got to be working on everything all the time."

MacIntosh played for New Brunswick's under 15 and 16 provincial teams. He also represented Team Atlantic at the 2008 world under-18 hockey challenge in London, Ont.

"That was a tremendous experience," MacIntosh said. "You're playing against some phenomenal hockey players - the best players in the world in your age group. We placed seventh or eighth but we lost a lot of close games."

He was New Brunswick bantam AAA league MVP - and team captain - when Fredericton won the title in 2005-06 and helped the midget AAA Canadiens win the provincial crown the following season.

In 2007-08, he was team rookie of the year for the Slammers, contributing a goal and four assists in 44 games. He also had 69 penalty minutes.

In his abbreviated 2008-09 campaign, he had a pair of power play goals, nine assists and 62 PIM in 23 games.

"I'm grateful to the Woodstock Slammers organization for giving me the opportunity to step in as a 16-year-old and play," MacIntosh said, thanking head coach Jason Tatarnic, owner Andrew McCain "and all the staff."

"Woodstock's a great organization and I loved it there," he said. "It was just time to move on in my hockey career."

Tatarnic says MacIntosh should do fine in the USHL.

"Peter's a quality defenceman," Tatarnic said. "The USHL is a pretty good league, a step up from our league. So in terms of exposure for U.S. colleges, he's going to be seen quite a bit."

Scouts should like what they see, the coach said.

"He's a very responsible defenceman in the defensive zone," Tatarnic said. "He makes a very good first pass. He doesn't jump up into the play all the time, but when he does he picks the right moments.''

Housing Families

2009-07-20T17:13:00.000-05:00

Just spent a few minutes with our housing coordinator - as we've been receiving the players housing questionnaires. We're in need of some housing families.

No matter if they're playing in the USHL, the NAHL or countless other circuits across North America, junior hockey players pursue their dreams by moving away from home, changing schools and living with a local family, who initially at least, are strangers.
Housing families are a vital, and often overlooked aspect of the junior experience, and the success of a good match impacts the player, on and off the ice, long after his playing days are done. The quality of a young man’s situation at his new home often directly affects his performance on the ice.

The Buccaneers are always looking for families that are interested in playing an important part of the Buccaneer family. With the season just around the corner, it actually is a full time job right now. Buccaneer housing families become second families for many players. Players live with the families through the entire season, attend school, work at part-time jobs and of course become part of the family.
If you have other questions or comments, please contact us at info@bucshockey.com and we will forward your information to our Housing Coordinator.

Promotional Ideas

2009-07-20T10:15:00.002-05:00

Those of us in the office are excited that the 2009 - 2010 schedule has finally been set - and we're beginning to look at the promotional side of things and plan out what we're going to do each game night to make the experience more exciting and to add to the already promising product on the ice.

This is where you come in, we're looking for some great new ideas for promotions. We've been doing this for a couple of seasons and it's getting a bit harder to come up with something new, something exciting and something that you want to see.

We're of course looking at having Buc Beer Nights again, despite some misgivings from fans these are the nights that bring the most people to the arena and the nights that the Arena itself thrives on - but we want to fill the schedule with other nights that bring those Buc Beer Night crowds back for more.

What are some ideas that you have? Remember they have to be financially feasible and work in the arena! We've done trivia contests, giveaways, appearances - but we want more specifics. What do you want us to give away? Who do you want to see at the arena? Should we do a Pink in the Rink or Armed Forces night? Let us know!

O'Hara grad on cloud nine skating with Flyers

2009-07-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

ROCCO CARZO doesn't remember how the whole thing got started.

Four weeks ago, Carzo was looking for a trainer for the summer to stay in shape for his Division I hockey debut at UMass. Carzo's family adviser, former NHLer Stephane Charbonneau, recommended that he contact Flyers trainer Jim McCrossin.

The next thing he knew, he was lifting weights with Simon Gagne and putting on a Flyers jersey to skate in their annual week long rookie conditioning camp, which wrapped up yesterday at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.

For Carzo - a 19-year-old Media native and Cardinal O'Hara High grad - just being in the Flyers' dressing room sent chills down his spine.

"An opportunity came across and [the Flyers] asked me to skate in the camp because they saw me working out in the gym," Carzo said. "I had heard a little bit of interest from teams leading up to the draft, but I wasn't expected to [get drafted].

"I was a little bit surprised to hear from the Flyers. I grew up watching guys like Eric Lindros and John LeClair and now I am skating on the same ice and putting on the same jersey. I am still on cloud nine right now."

Only 18 months ago, Carzo wasn't in line for a Division I scholarship - let alone a shot in an NHL prospect camp.

"I was playing for the Little Flyers' Junior A team [AJHL] and I had gotten a call from Des Moines in the USHL,'' Carzo recalled. "I was playing well. It was a Friday night and they wanted me to come out immediately. So I packed up all of my stuff and said goodbye to my family and friends in a day or two. It all happened pretty quickly.''

A winger who can score, but isn't afraid to play a physical style of game, Carzo fit in with Des Moines. The 6-1, 205-pounder posted 20 goals and 13 assists in 45 games this year in the United States' only Tier 1 junior league.

As quickly as he adjusted to juniors - where as a 17-year-old newcomer he competed against players as old as 21 - he found out fast last Tuesday that the pro game is a huge jump.

"Playing out there [in Iowa], it took me a few games. The [amateur] game there isn't like it is here,'' Carzo explained. "But in camp, the speed and the size of the guys is so different. They all have the wheels to go and they are all men. It's definitely different than juniors.''

McCrossin has helped ease Carzo into the professional transition, which undoubtedly will aid him at UMass next season. For the last 3 weeks, Carzo has pushed himself in ways that he "didn't think his body could handle'' without a hint that a camp invitation was even a possibility.

"I'm grateful that they gave me this opportunity,'' he said. "One of the current Flyers players told me that the Flyers are known around the league for having the toughest rookie camp."

At UMass, Carzo will get a chance to make an immediate impact in the Hockey East, alongside Voorhees native Dan Meyers. Both Meyers, an Eastern Regional graduate, and Carzo are part of a growing generation of elite hockey players from Philadelphia.

Only 5 years ago, only a handful had a shot to play in college. And it certainly wasn't possible to get there without leaving home at the age of 14 to attend a swanky New England prep school.

Last season, emergency call-up David Sloane - of Ambler - became the first Philly native to ever wear a Flyers jersey in an NHL game when he skated at Madison Square Garden on April 9.

So last Wednesday, when Carzo's blades cut into the soft ice at the Flyers Skate Zone for the first time as a prospect, it wasn't just a rookie-camp appearance. It was for his family and all of his teammates over the years - many of whom were in the stands watching - who never got the chance.

"I wanted to prove to a few people that I could be here," Carzo said. "I wanted to turn a few heads in the Flyers organization. I am obviously not trying to make the team - I am going to college - but it's a new experience.

"It's humbling. I wanted to see what I will need to make it to the pros. I'm trying to do that." *

A Look Inside Coach Allison's Philosophy....

2009-07-17T16:46:00.003-05:00

Just a little look into what Coach Allison has been saying this summer.

I am a big believer in the power of three.

Individuals work hard. Individuals work intelligently. Individuals work with support for each other.

Passing the puck when a teammate is open not when you run out of space. Positive competition for ice time. A physical whistle to whistle committed group.

Good habits both on and off the ice. Understanding consequences, both good and bad. Making a positive difference within the community.

On the ice I expect us to improve each and every day. Come with a purpose. Embrace a consistent plan of action, urgency, and execution.

Help Us Support the Junior Olympics!

2009-07-15T11:28:00.001-05:00

The Junior Olympics has asked the Booster Club and fans to find 40 volunteers to help out with the games. In exchange for working 40 shifts and helping the Junior Olympics, the Booster Club will be awarded $400 to assist with supporting the 2009-2010 Buccaneer team. This contribution will be significant in assisting both organizations. The Junior Olympics will be held on July 27th through August 8th around various sports venues in the Des Moines Area.

Here is some general information on the AAU Junior Olympics:

The Junior Olympic Games will bring in an estimated 35,000 visitors to the area. This includes 14,000 athletes who range in age from 8 to 18 who will be competing in 20 different sports. We have sent information to coaches and athletic directors in the Metro so they can get information to their athletes about the opportunities to compete in this national championship.

The Junior Olympic Games set the stage for Des Moines as a future venue for several other high profile athletic events. Des Moines will be the site of future National Championships in Track & Field as well as NCAA Tournament Games in Basketball. The J.O. Games will inject $25 million into our economy and also promote the state of Iowa as a leader in health and wellness. Des Moines citizen’s and groups like yours, who step forward to get things done, are a major reason these events are attracted to central Iowa.

Please see the below link if you would like to volunteer. This link provides the date, time, what sport and where the event is held.

http://volunteer.desmoinessports.com/index.php?event=94&sort=date

The Junior Olympics would like us to register as a group, so if you would like to volunteer please send an email to dmbucsboosterclub@hotmail.com or call Alana Schares at 515-229-0980. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, July 19th. Please have the date and time of the event that you would like to sign up for along with your phone number, email address and shirt size.

Sincerely,

The Des Moines Buccaneers Booster Club

2009 - 2010 Schedule Released

2009-07-09T17:46:00.002-05:00

URBANDALE, IA – The Des Moines Buccaneers announced today the schedule for the 2009-10 regular season. The USHL expands to 14 teams this season and two divisions of seven with each team playing a total of 60 games (30 home, 30 road).

The Buccaneers have moved back into the West Division of the USHL due to the addition of the Youngstown Phantoms and Team USA. The West Division includes Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Fargo and Tri-City.

The Buccaneers hit the road for their season opener on Friday, October 2nd against Sioux Falls. The following night, Saturday October 3rd, the Buccaneers open their home campaign by facing off against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Other notable games include a Thanksgiving night bout against Omaha and a New Year’s Day game against the Tri-City Storm.

The final home game of the regular season will be on March 27th against the Chicago Steel. The season wraps up with the Bucs on the road against Sioux Falls, Tri-City and Omaha in a three game road trip. The top four teams in each division at the end of the regular season schedule will qualify for the Clark Cup Playoffs.

The Buccaneers promotional schedule will be released sometime next month. Single game tickets will be on sale in September while season tickets are available for purchase throughout the summer.

Click here to see the schedule.

2009 - 2010 Roster Released

2009-07-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

The Des Moines Buccaneers have taken the first steps to finalize their roster for the 2009 – 2010 season; with 5 returners and 20 new players the team is making strides to put an exciting, fresh product on the ice.

Over 100 players attended the invitation-only selection camp held June 18th though June 21st in hopes of becoming a Buccaneer. All players attending the camp possessed talent, dedication and commitment, but cuts were made throughout the camp. At the end of camp, Head Coach Dave Allison and General Manager J.P. Parise had the list down to 30 players.

“The amount of talent at our invite camp was above average – all of the players who attended showed us a great amount of talent and skill. We had a difficult time cutting our list of players down to 30, and an even harder time making the final cuts. But the final roster that we have put out is the one that will make the difference out on the ice for this upcoming season,” said Parise.

The new team listed below mixes backgrounds, experience, diversity and skills as the roster include players from the all over the United States including the Southwest and the Northeast, as well as the Northwest and Canada.

Five returning Buccaneers appear on the list, including forwards J.P. Burkemper, Michael Fink, H.T. Lenz and Ryan Walters, as well as defenseman Ami Peled, all who are expected to be playmakers this season.

Absent from the roster are forward Josh Myers and defenseman Andrew Panzarella, who were traded to Tri-City in a trade earlier this week.
“We are continuing to build our future. Andrew and Josh were traded earlier this week in return for Daniel Heath (D-Tri City Storm) and Joe Wilson (F-Syracuse Stars). Both players have the ability to succeed wherever they are playing. Both were strong players, but in looking forward we had to make a decision that would be best for their futures and best for ours. We wish both of them nothing but the best and look forward to what Daniel and Joe are able to bring to the table in Des Moines,” said Head Coach Dave Allison.

In addition to Daniel Heath and Joe Wilson, some other notable new players on the roster include Eric Knodel, Austin Coldwell, Colton Saucerman, DJ Vandercook and TJ Tynan.

Knodel, a 6’6” 225 lbs. defenseman, played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers last season and drafted by the Bucs in the USHL Entry Draft. He made an impression at the Buccaneers Invite Camp, not just with the Bucs coaching staff but with an NHL team. This past Saturday he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Coldwell, a 6’1” 190 lbs. defenseman, was the first round draft pick in the USHL Entry Draft and played for the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL last year. He played in 56 games and raked up a total of 27 points and 61 penalty minutes.

Saucerman, a 5’9” 180 lbs. defenseman, tried out for the Buccaneers during the Open Camp at the end of May and was invited back to Invite Camp and made the final cut. The offensive defenseman played for the Pikes Peak 16AAA team last year and had 48 points and 183 penalty minutes.

Vandercook, a 6’3” 190 lbs. forward, was drafted by the Buccaneers in the USHL Entry Draft. He played in 70 games for the Wenatchee Wild of the NAHL and had 40 goals and 30 assists last season.

Tynan, a 5’9” 170 lbs forward, spent time on the Buccaneers affiliate list over the last season. The Illinois native played for the Chicago Mission, who participated in the Buc Bowl, and in 80 games, had 47 goals and 82 assists.

“We’re pleased with the amount of talent that this roster has, as well as our affiliate list. We’ll continue to make some changes and a final roster will not be out until after the USHL Fall Classic in September but this is the beginning of something new. We look forward to the start of the season and the product we will put on the ice,” said Parise.

Below you will find the complete roster of 25 players…

Jack Berger('90 - Forward)
J.P. Burkemper ('91 - Forward)
Brandon Burrell ('90 - Defense)
Mitch Cain ('91 - Forward)
Brandon Carlson ('92 - Defense)
Austin Coldwell ('90 - Defense)
Joe Faust ('91 - Defenese)
Michael Fink ('90 - Forward)
Connor Frick ('92 - Defense)
Daniel Heath ('90 - Defense)
Eric Knodel ('90 - Defense)
HT Lenz ('89 - Forward)
Jack McNamara ('90 - Forward)
Eric Mihalik ('91 - Goalie)
Dan O'Donoghue ('91 - Forward)
Ami Peled ('89 - Defense)
Colton Saucerman ('92 - Defense)
Trevor Tracy ('91 - Forward)
TJ Tynan ('92 - Forward)
DJ Vandercook ('90 - Forward)
Ryan Walters ('91 - Forward)
Charles Williams ('92 - Goalie)
Joe Wilson ('92 - Forward)
Taylor Wolfe ('91 - Forward)
Dalton Young ('93 - Defense)

Final All Star Rosters

2009-06-22T10:53:00.003-05:00

So after a weekend full of hockey, last second schedule changes and last second roster changes we arrived to Sunday with two final All Star teams. Below are the rosters...

White Team
Goalies: Daniel Sullivan and Charles Williams
Defense: Brandon Carlson, Ami Peled, Andrew Panzarella, Brandon Lubin, Nick Cecere and Connor Frick
Forwards: HT Lenz, Ryan Walters, Max Gardiner, TJ Tynan, DJ Vandercook, Josh Myers, Brett Agnew, Bryce Johnson and Andy Edwards

Blue Team
Goalies: Eric Mihalik and Michael Reed
Defense: Eric Knodel, Brad Jones, Austin Coldwell, Joe Faust, Dalton Young and Peter MacIntosh
Forwards: Kenny Agostino, Jake Berger, Colton Saucerman, Connor Brickley, Michael Fink, Mitch Cain, Taylor Wolfe, JP Burkemper and Trevor Tracy

Now it's a matter of the coaching staff sitting down and putting together their team. This could be an interesting week. Rosters are due to the league on July 1st - we'll keep you in the loop!

Green vs. White - Friday AM Game

2009-06-19T11:20:00.004-05:00

Sitting and watching the second game this morning - Green vs. White.

A few stand outs on Green include Brad Jones, one of our draft picks; Andrew Panzarella, veteran Buccaneer; and Bryce Johnson, a local hockey player.

On White, Connor Brogan is one of three goalies. Brogan was brought back from Open Camp at the end of May. Kyle Sucher, Graeme McCormick and Kevin Irwin are also on the White team - all were picked in the draft about a month ago.

So far there are some definite standouts - in my honest opinion though, everyone needs to step up their game a little bit. Players need to skate hard, score some goals, play hard and definitely defensemen, need to finish their hits. Play these games as if your life depends on it - because truthfully, your Buccaneer "life" kind of does.

Open Camp Recap -

2009-06-16T21:46:00.002-05:00

Just realized we never posted our Open Camp recap on the blog...so take a second and catch up on what's happened so far in the off season.

The Des Moines Buccaneers held their 2009 Open Camp this past weekend. With over 14 games between three different teams, the coaching staff got to take a look at over fifty players.

The Buccaneers also welcomed three special guests as coaches for the teams during Open Camp. Paul Jerrard, Assistant Coach of the Iowa Chops of the AHL, coached the Navy and ran practices throughout camp. Marty Wilford, professional hockey player who played for the German Elite League last year, coached the Red team and also ran practices throughout camp. Jordan Parise, son of J.P. Parise and professional hockey player who played for the Austrian Elite League last year, coached the White team and also coached the 9 goalies who attended camp.

At the conclusion of camp on Sunday, the Buccaneers invited a total of seven players to attend the 2009 Invite Camp in June.

"All of the players at camp skated hard and showed us their strengths. We were really impressed by their determination on the ice. They all have the chance to develop as hockey players and perhaps someday play in this league. The seven players we're bringing back will have the chance to impress us again in June," said J.P. Parise.

Below are the seven players that were invited back...

Colton Saucerman - D - 1992 - 5'9" - 180 lbs.
Matthew Boogard - F - 1991 - 6'3" - 200 lbs.
Brett Agnew - F - 1990 - 6'2" - 190 lbs.
Christian McCollum - F - 1991
Steven Behm - F - 1991 - 6'4" - 205 lbs.
Ryan Garber - G - 1991 - 6'4" - 205 lbs.
Connor Brogan - G - 1989 - 6'2" - 180 lbs.

Invite Camp

2009-06-16T21:43:00.004-05:00

We're just a few days away from our Invite Camp...and things are busy at the Arena. The coaching staff is hard at work already looking at players - none of them are here but the coaches are going over stats, talking to past coaches - they are doing their homework for camp.

The schedule has been released and there will be tons of opportunities to make your own opinions about the potential future Buccaneers. We've definitely got size and skill; and there may be a diamond in the rough in there too.

We're going to try to do a better job blogging this camp - maybe even get some video and pictures up. But bear with us as this is a learning experience for everyone involved.

And most importantly, let's go Bucs!

This Morning...

2009-05-30T10:25:00.001-05:00

So far this morning we've had practice and a scrimmage between the Navy and White teams. Everything is running smoothly...the players are waking up a little more and playing together better this morning.

Thoughts So Far

2009-05-29T16:31:00.003-05:00

So it's almost 5 o'clock and we've barely had time to write today! Luckily I saw that some of you wanted to see rosters - so I got those typed in between running between the office, Blackbeard's Lounge and the coaches table.

So far, the players are looking good - some stand out more than others but it's only the first day.

The one thing I have noticed is that this camp is TOUGH. The coaches they have out on the ice (Jordan Parise, Paul Jerrard and Marty Wilford) are running the real deal out there. The player isn't getting a drill - they run it until he does. They're out there yelling, encouraging and skating right along the guys.

Both Ami Peled and Nick Cecere, defenseman from last year's teams, are on the ice skating with the teams. Ice time's hard to come by - so their taking full advantage of the chance to spend three days on the ice.

Right now the Jordan Parise is out on the ice with the goalies - not every camp do players get a chance to get one-on-one time with a professional goalie.

I'm really excited for tomorrow - as I'll be able to spend some more time watching the practices and games as the office isn't "officially" open.

Keep checking back!

White Roster

2009-05-29T14:09:00.002-05:00

White Roster

Goalies

Schuyler Ferguson - 1993 - 6' - 160 lbs.
Ryan Garber - 1991 - 6'4" - 205 lbs.
Chase Freidig - 1990

Defense

James Knight - 1991 - 6'4" - 220 lbs.
KC Fraize - 1990 - 6' - 180 lbs.
Adam Seipel - 1991 - 6'2" - 180 lbs.
Kaleb Schwab - 1991 - 5'10" - 155 lbs.
Scott Browning - 1991 - 5'11" - 190 lbs.

Forwards

John McDonald - 1993 - 5'8" - 165 lbs.
Alexander Spiros - 1991 - 5'8" - 150 lbs.
Casey Kelso - 1990 - 6' - 180 lbs.
Peter Bosseckert - 1989 - 5'10" - 190 lbs.
Dalton Bew - 1993 - 6'1" - 170 lbs.
Ryan Parker - 1993 - 6'3" - 195 lbs.
Jeffery Spellmire - 1993 - 5'11" - 170 lbs.
Andrew Palushaj - 1993 - 6' - 175 lbs.
Ryan McNamara - 1993 - 5'8" - 155 lbs.

Red Roster

2009-05-29T14:03:00.002-05:00

Red Roster

Goalies

Mark Smith - 1990 - 6' - 175 lbs.
Alexander Caravaggio - 1992 - 6' - 190 lbs.
Luca Mullane - 1992 - 5'11" - 175 lbs.

Defense

Brandon Bayer - 1990 - 5'10" - 190 lbs.
Ryan Skalski - 1991 -5'9" - 160 lbs.
Joe Minnich - 1991 - 5'11" - 185 lbs.
Brennan Ritchie - 1992 - 6' - 175 lbs.
Colton Saucerman - 1992 - 5'9" - 180 lbs.

Forwards

Matthew Boogaard - 1991 - 6'3" - 200 lbs.
Brett Agnew - 1990 - 6'2" - 190 lbs.
Steven Kostaras - 1992 - 5'9" - 180 lbs.
Matan Nadler - 1992 - 5'10" - 165 lbs.
Cole Sheehan - 1991 - 6' - 180 lbs.
Christian McCollum - 1991
Morgan McLellan - 1990 - 6'2" - 175 lbs.
Trenton Krueger - 1989 - 6'4" - 205 lbs.

Navy Roster

2009-05-29T08:55:00.002-05:00

Navy Roster

Goalies

Evan Oncay - 1993 - 6'3" - 210 lbs.
Connor Brogan - 1989 - 6'2" - 180 lbs.
Paul Bourbeau - 1992 - 5'11" - 145 lbs.

Defensemen

Josiah Didier - 1993 - 6'2" - 180 lbs.
Kinsey Cornick - 1991 - 6'4" - 215 lbs.
Sean Sanford - 1992 - 6'9" - 205 lbs.
Taylor Love - 1992 - 6'3" - 200 lbs.
Mark Williams - 1992 - 6'4" - 210 lbs.

Forwards

Kristofer Yelderman - 1991 - 5'8" - 145 lbs.
Cody Wydo - 1991 - 5'10" - 160 lbs.
Stven Behm - 1991 - 6'4"- 205 lbs.
Jeffery Anderson - 1992 - 5'11" - 170 lbs.
Steven Kowalczyk - 1990 - 5'10" - 165 lbs.
Cory Alexieff - 1989 - 5'11" - 185 lbs.
Craig Tomassi - 1993 - 6'3" - 205 lbs.
Cody Weaver - 5'8" - 160 lbs.

Our next adventure...

2009-05-28T13:10:00.001-05:00

We're going to try blogging about the 2009 Des Moines Buccaneers Open Camp, for those of you who want a peek inside the coaching staffs' heads and a look at the players who happen to be at camp. The schedule for camp is on the left hand side of the page.

Stay tuned!

Derek Zike selected in USHL Entry Draft

2009-05-14T09:25:00.002-05:00

The United States Hockey League (USHL) granted a special pick in the 2009 USHL Entry Draft to the Indiana Ice. With that selection, the Ice selected Derek Zike who spent this season with the Chicago Fury U16 team before being seriously injured in a tournament game on January 16th.

Zike's injury occurred when he lost an edge while trying to make a turn and fell head first into the boards at a high rate of speed. The impact with the boards resulted in a burst fracture of the 5th cervical vertebrae that left Derek in a state of paralysis.

After spending several weeks at the University of Michigan Children's Hospital, Zike returned to his home in Fishers, Indiana just outside of Indianapolis. His condition has shown considerable improvement since the accident and Zike's line of paralysis has moved down several levels which signifies healing in his spinal cord.

The Indiana Ice chose the hometown kid in the 20th round of the USHL Entry Draft with the final pick. The club will continue to support his recovery and will present Derek with an Indiana Ice jersey bearing the number 71, his number while playing with the Chicago Fury.

"The Indiana Ice organization is 100% behind Derek Zike's rehabilitation," stated Paul Skjodt, Indiana Ice Owner/Governor. "The Ice will always hold a spot for Derek and will be waiting for him as he continues his recovery."

"Derek Zike has shown the heart of a champion and we congratulate him on being selected by the champion Indiana Ice," stated USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "We welcome Derek to the USHL and like the rest of the hockey world, will continue to monitor his recovery."

For more information about Derek or to contribute to his recovery, please visit www.derekzike.com.

Final Pick....

2009-05-13T18:43:00.003-05:00

We chose our final player in Round 7. Defenseman Dustin Darou played for the Smith Falls Bears of the CJHL last year and is coming from Perth, ON.

The coaches want to thank you for watching along - we're going to collect our thoughts and we'll post some final thoughts throughout the night.

Thanks everyone!

Round Six Pick...

2009-05-13T18:32:00.002-05:00

In the 6th Round we took Connor Frick, a '92 out of St. Louis.

In Round Five...

2009-05-13T18:11:00.002-05:00

Dalton Young, a '93 who wasn't chosen in the Futures Draft yesterday, was our choice for the 5th round pick. The Marysville, MI native played for Belle Tire U16.

Phantoms...

2009-05-13T18:01:00.002-05:00

The Phantoms aren't drafting from their own team. The team from the NAHL is no longer in existance so all the players on that team are free agents...so if the Phantoms want to keep their players - they need to draft them or have them come to camp.

I just learned this from J.P.

Round 4 Pick...

2009-05-13T17:55:00.002-05:00

Brad Jones a Florida Panthers Alliance. The 5'11" and 155 lbs '91 is a Florida native who scored 7 goals and 11 points in 29 games.

Round 3...

2009-05-13T17:26:00.003-05:00

In Round 3 of Phase 2, we took Adam Mitchell a forward from Annapolis, MD. He played with Bay State Breakers of the EJHL with our other pick Erik Mihalik. He comes in at 6'2" and 205 lbs.

Round 2 Pick...

2009-05-13T17:02:00.002-05:00

We chose Graeme McCormack and our first Canuck in the 13th Round. The defenseman is from Thunder Bay, Ontario and played for the Thunder Bay Bearcats of the SIJHL.

According to coaching staff; the Thunder Bay kids are mean...just down right mean.

Phase II...

2009-05-13T16:53:00.003-05:00

Our pick, Joe Faust, was the first of Phase II.

J.P.'s not ready to share the protected list yet - but know that there will be familar faces at Invite Camp and everyone is being considered.

As of now, no local boys names have been brought up multiple times but all of the coaching staff is on the phone so I'll make sure to ask later.

The Last Four Picks...

2009-05-13T16:43:00.003-05:00

In Round 9, we chose a '92 goalie named Charles Williams. He played for Honeybaked Midget AA and is from Detroit. Strong in front of the net and adds to our depth in front of the goal.

Brandon Burrell a defenseman from Brooklyn Park, MN was chosen in Round 10. The '90 comes from the Wenatchee Wild and played with DJ Vandercook.

Special Achievements or Special Awards:

All Conferance for 2 Years
All State Honorable Mention,Captain
All Area Team, MVP
Rookie of the Year
Uncommon Sophomore

Taylor Wolfe a forward from Eden Prairie and Eden Prairie High School was picked in Round 11 of the draft and rounded out our Phase 1 list. The '91 is fast and strong.

Joe Faust was chosen in Round 1 of Phase II from Bloomington Jefferson High School. The '91 is from Bloomington. Faust had 13 goals and 21 assists in the 2008 - 2009 season.

Sidenote...

2009-05-13T16:30:00.002-05:00

We have 3 of the next four picks - I'll update afterward. Thanks guys!

Round Eight Pick...

2009-05-13T16:12:00.002-05:00

In the eighth round we chose the BIGGEST player yet. Eric Knodel is a 6'6" defenseman from Westchester, Pennsylvania. The '90 played for the Philly Little Flyers last season.

J.P. says this pick is for the bloggers - you like big, we'll give you big. :)

Shattuck

2009-05-13T16:08:00.001-05:00

From the mouth of J.P. Parise...

There will be no players chosen by the Bucs from Shattuck in the draft.

Schedule

2009-05-13T16:02:00.001-05:00

The schedule comes out sometime in late June or July.

I think that we'll be moving back to the West Division with the addition of the USNTDP and Youngstown...so we'll play Omaha a few more times.

Once again, my opinion, nothing set in stone yet.

Seventh Round Pick...

2009-05-13T15:56:00.003-05:00

With our seventh round pick we've taken Ciaron Driscoll, a 92 from Popnga, CA. He played for South California Titans last season. The 6'2" defenseman will add another dimension to our lines.

Who We're Going After...

2009-05-13T15:42:00.002-05:00

This is just my opinion but from what I've been hearing from the coaching staff we are going after big, gritty players who aren't afraid to get dirty on the ice. We want players who are smart on the ice, who fit into what we already have and bring back the winning tradition.

We want players that can play in the league. We're looking to finish out our lines. We have impressive forwards and are trying to build up our defense.

The players are all taller, bigger...we want to have a presence on the ice. They seem to be looking towards tomorrow and the future. Its a balancing act.

Sixth Round Pick...

2009-05-13T15:33:00.002-05:00

The Bucs have chosen Jack McNamara, a forward from Belmont Hill School. The '90 is originally from Belmont, MA and has been quoted by the best puck mover from the point. He's part of a family of hockey players, having brothers including Kevin McNamara.

Fifth Round Pick...

2009-05-13T15:07:00.003-05:00

With our fifth round pick, we've chosen Dan O'Donoghue of Port Jefferson, New York. The '91 played for the New York Bobcats of the AJHL. He played in 39 games, had 17 goals and 18 assists for the Bobcats last season. The forward comes in at 185 lbs and 6'4".

Fourth Round...

2009-05-13T14:44:00.003-05:00

In the fourth round, we chose another Jersey boy in Kenny Agostino. The '92 from Flanders, NJ who played for Delbarton High School in New Jersey. The 6'0" forward shoots left handed. He's committed to Yale for the fall of 2010. He was chosen as a Second Team All-State pick and The Star-Ledger Morris County Player of the Year.

Sidenote:

2009-05-13T14:31:00.002-05:00

All the players that were drafted yesterday and today will be receiving invitations to our Invite Camp in June. Part of the process are the phone calls that J.P. and his coaching staff are making to our picks before and after they are chosen. They're trying to get the feel about potential picks and their feelings on coming to play for the Buccaneers. They are also making sure that everyone is aware that being drafted means that they must report to camp and perform...they need to prove themself.

Third Round Pick...

2009-05-13T14:14:00.003-05:00

We're adding to our already strong goalies with our third round pick. Erik Mihalik, a '91, from the Bay State Breakers of the EJHL from Avon Lake, Ohio will be a strong addition to our net.

He proved invaluable to the Breakers in their playoff run, splitting time in the net with his teammate.

Third Round Pick

2009-05-13T14:03:00.002-05:00

DJ Vandercook, a forward, from Farmington Hill, MI who played for Wenatchee NHL.

USA Hockey Selects 15's, 16's, 17's

2008 Selected to All-State First Team, All Area Dream Team, and Team Michigan

Honor Roll

Voted Team MVP Last Season

Led team in points in 2007 National Playoffs with Honeybaked Team

Downtime...

2009-05-13T13:43:00.003-05:00

We don't pick late in the second round...coaching staff is making a few calls, talking to some of the picks from yesterday and talking to a few potential players.

The First Calls of the Day...

2009-05-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

J.P. just got off the phone with Austin.

The grin on his face tells us that Austin is excited.

Everything is looking good.

Carlson is also excited - I heard it in his voice through J.P.'s phone.

First Round Picks

2009-05-13T13:23:00.003-05:00

We took Austin Coldwell, a defenseman from Ridgefield, WA who played for the Springfield Jr. Blues last season. He was picked second overall in the draft. Coldwell has the grit that the coaching staff is looking for and will be a strong addition to the defense.

In a trade with the Chicago Steel during the 2008 - 2009 season, we received the fourth overall pick and chose Brandon Carlson, a defenseman from Wheaton, IL who played for Chicago Mission last season. J.P. says that Carlson is ultra competitive and tough who isn't afraid to fight on the ice.

USHL Entry Draft

2009-05-13T10:57:00.000-05:00

The USHL Entry Draft starts in two...it's going to be a great day for the Bucs - we've got the second overall pick and we're looking at some big, skilled, gritty players.

Trade Details...

2009-05-12T20:24:00.005-05:00

The Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars took part in a Futures Draft day deal.

The Bucs were set to pick 10th in the first round, but thanks to the trade they would receive Lincoln's first round pick (4th overall) in the draft today, in exchange for the Buccaneers third round pick (36th overeall) and veteran forward Matt White.

"We're building our future. We know that today's trade will help us build a winning program. Matt has been a strong player for the past two years; but in looking forward we needed to make a decision that was the best for the team's future and also the best for Matt. We wish Matt nothing but the best in his future with Lincoln and at North Dakota," said Head Coach and General Manager J.P. Parise.

The traded pick would come fourth overall and would allow the Bucs to pick up Nick Malysa, a strong defenseman from the New Jersey Avalanche program. Malysa spent time on the phone with Parise after the draft and seems excited about the chance of playing for the Buccaneers. Fans can get their first look at Malysa at the Buccaneer Invite Camp in June.

USHL Futures Draft Results

2009-05-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

Below are the results from the USHL Futures Draft, in their entirety.

ROUND 1
	Pick	Overall	USHL Team	Player	POS	Prev. Team	Pick Traded From
	1	1	Youngstown	Matthew Mahalak	G	Culver Academy

	2	2	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	Cason Hohmann	F	Compuware

	3	3	Waterloo Black Hawks	Jay Williams	G	TPH Thunder

	4	4	Des Moines Buccaneers	Nick Malysa	D	NJ Avalanche	Lincoln Stars

	5	5	Fargo	Brian Cooper	D	Alaska All Stars

	6	6	Sioux City Musketeers	Jordan Schmaltz	D	Mission U-16

	7	7	Sioux Falls Stampede	Blake Pietila	F	Compuware

	8	8	Indiana Ice	Alex Racino	F	Team Wisconsin

	9	9	Green Bay Gamblers	Dan Molenaar	D	Eden Prairie HS

	10	10	Des Moines Buccaneers	Zane Popilock	D	Team Comcast

	11	11	Chicago Steel	JC Campagna	F	Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets

	12	12	Tri-City Storm	Peter Hand	D	Compuware

	13	13	Omaha Lancers	Scott Dornbock	D	Grosse Point North HS


ROUND 2
	Pick	Overall	USHL Team	Player	POS	Prev. Team	Pick Traded From
	1	14	Omaha Lancers	Max Everson	D	Edina HS

	2	15	Tri-City Storm	Dakota Olvin	D	Howell HS

	3	16	Chicago Steel	Theo DiPauli	F	Chicago Mission

	4	17	Des Moines Buccaneers	Kevin Irwin	F	Cleveland U-18

	5	18	Green Bay Gamblers	Andy Welinski	D	Duluth East HS

	6	19	Indiana Ice	Alex Gacek	F	Governor's Academy

	7	20	Sioux Falls Stampede	Mike Reilly	D	Holy Angels

	8	21	Sioux City Musketeers	Brett Curran	D	CYA

	9	22	Fargo	Corbin McGuire	F	Mid-Fairfield U-16

	10	23	Lincoln Stars	Kevin Zugec	D	Pittsburgh Hornets

	11	24	Waterloo Black Hawks	Michael Zajac	F	Eagan HS

	12	25	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	Jacob Downing	D	Detroit Catholic Central

	13	26	Youngstown	Connor Murphy	D	Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets


ROUND 3
	Pick	Overall	USHL Team	Player	POS	Prev. Team	Pick Traded From
	1	27	Youngstown	Peter Dudek, Jr	G	Nichols Prep

	2	28	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	Jared Linnell	F	Alaska All Stars

	3	29	Waterloo Black Hawks	JD Cotroneo	D	Hill Murray HS

	4	30	Lincoln Stars	Austin Wuthrich	F	Alaska All Stars

	5	31	Fargo	Seth Swenson	F	Colorado Thunderbirds

	6	32	Sioux City Musketeers	Ben Bahe	F	Hill Murray HS

	7	33	Sioux Falls Stampede	Charlie O'Connor	F	Lake Forest Academy

	8	34	Indiana Ice	Joseph Fiala	D	Team Wisconsin/Verona HS

	9	35	Green Bay Gamblers	Travis Boyd	F	Hopkins HS

	10	36	Lincoln Stars	Dominick Shine	F	Compuware U-16	Des Moines Buccaneers

	11	37	Chicago Steel	Jimmy McDowell	D	Little Caesars

	12	38	Tri-City Storm	Cody Bisbing	F	PF Changs U-18

	13	39	Omaha Lancers	Kenneth Gillespie	F	Shattuck St. Mary's


ROUND 4
	Pick	Overall	USHL Team	Player	POS	Prev. Team	Pick Traded From
	1	40	Omaha Lancers	Xavier Ouellet	D	College Esther-Blondin

	2	41	Tri-City Storm	Brandon Fisher	D	Alaska All Stars

	3	42	Chicago Steel	Cory Czarnik	F	Belle Tire

	4	43	Des Moines Buccaneers	Justin Selman	F	NJ Avalanche

	5	44	Green Bay Gamblers	Philippe Hudon	F	Choate Prep

	6	45	Indiana Ice	Colin Stevens	G	Albany Academy

	7	46	Sioux Falls Stampede	Jake McCabe	D	Eau Claire HS

	8	47	Sioux City Musketeers	Blake Roubos	F	Culver Academy

	9	48	Fargo	Neil Goff	D	Stillwater HS

	10	49	Lincoln Stars	Frank Schumacher	D	Victory Honda

	11	50	Waterloo Black Hawks	Craig Duininck	D	Compuware

	12	51	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	Kevin Venturoso	G	Bridgewater Bandits Empire

	13	52	Youngstown	Reid Boucher	F	Lansing Capitals


ROUND 5
	Pick	Overall	USHL Team	Player	POS	Prev. Team	Pick Traded From
	1	53	Youngstown	Adam Reid	F	LA Selects U-16

	2	54	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	Torey Willsey	D	Chicago Mission AAA

	3	55	Waterloo Black Hawks	Kevin Emerling	F	Boston Advantage

	4	56	Lincoln Stars	Kacper Guzik	F	Little Caesars

	5	57	Fargo	AJ Jarosz	F	Team Illinois

	6	58	Sioux City Musketeers	Travis Walsh	D	Capital Center Pride

	7	59	Sioux Falls Stampede	Anthony Greco	F	Shattuck St. Mary's

	8	60	Indiana Ice	Sean Kuraly	F	Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets

	9	61	Green Bay Gamblers	Alex Broadhurst	F	Team Illinois

	10	62	Des Moines Buccaneers	Kyle Sucher	D	St. Louis Selects

	11	63	Chicago Steel	Jagger Dirk	D	Okanagan Hockey Academy

	12	64	Tri-City Storm	Cory Ward	F	Las Vegas Stars AAA

	13	65	Omaha Lancers	Dillon Donnelly	D	Lac St. Louis Lions

The Malysa Phone Call

2009-05-12T17:18:00.002-05:00

Nick Malysa has called J.P. back.

Recurring theme on the phone is grit, making sure that the players are strong, not afraid to play and make sure the culture of the team is respect.

Intitial impression is that Malysa is excited to come to Des Moines next season.

Post Draft...

2009-05-12T17:00:00.003-05:00

J.P. and his coaching staff are going over details for tomorrows draft - discussing 93s who weren't drafted today, looking back on the veterans, looking forward to building a strong team.

A Phone Call with Sucher...

2009-05-12T16:55:00.005-05:00

J.P.'s on the phone with our final draft pick's family...we'll be getting a phone call later this evening.

Update: Kyle's called J.P. back - welcoming him to our team and making sure he's comfortable and his feelings towards making his appearance at our Invite Camp in June. Letting him know that we hope he makes the team and making sure he's aware of J.P.'s intention. The decision is in Kyle's plate...J.P. wants him to be ready and wants him here in good shape, strong.

Talking about the big names coming to camp - we're in for a few surprises for staff and fans.

Fifth Round Pick..

2009-05-12T16:50:00.003-05:00

Kyle Sucher '93 - Defenseman from St. Louis Selects

Coaches note: Left shot, effective, mobile and strong powerplay

A little more on Malysa...

2009-05-12T16:35:00.003-05:00

Malysa was selected by the Plymouth Whalers in the 5th round of the OHL Draft.

The coaches describe him as a very solid defenseman who knows how to move the puck. He knows how to play in all three zones and has the compusure of a much more mature player and posesses size, tools and hockey sense. He's a smooth skater with an effortless stride. He's also quick and mobile, has the lateral movement we need and takes away time and space from the other players on the ice.

A Phone Call...

2009-05-12T16:30:00.002-05:00

Head Coach and General Manager J.P. Parise is on the phone congratulating and discussing Invite Camp with Justin. Some tips he just gave included being in the best shape of his life. Selman was excited and had been watching the draft online.

A side note...J.P. made sure that Selman was a Devils fan...even spent a few minutes talking about Zach.

Fourth Round Pick...

2009-05-12T16:19:00.005-05:00

Justin Selman '93 - Forward from New Jersey Avalanche.

From the notes: Competitve, good puck skills, skates well, all around solid player - current teammates with Malysa.

Second Round Pick...

2009-05-12T15:35:00.001-05:00

Kevin Irwin '93 - Forward from Cleveland U18

From the notes: Big, skates well, compettive edge, can shoot the puck and can score

First Round Second Pick...

2009-05-12T15:12:00.002-05:00

Zane Popilock '93 - Defenseman from Team Comcast

From the notes: Steady, good size, puck moving defensiveman, good decision maker, skates well...

First Round First Pick...

2009-05-12T14:47:00.003-05:00

Nick Malysa - '93 - Defenseman from the New Jersey Avalanche

From the notes: Skilled skates, moves the puck, big, gritty

Draft Day Trade...

2009-05-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

The Buccaneers worked out a trade with the Lincoln Stars earlier today...allowing for the Buccaneers to receive two first round picks.

More details in a bit.

Futures Draft Begins at 3:00 p.m.

2009-05-12T09:26:00.002-05:00

The USHL Futures Draft, which starts at 3:00 p.m. today, consists of five rounds and allows each of the 13 teams in the league to draft players who were born in 1993. These 65 players will then be placed on the affiliate list of their respective clubs for the 2009-10 season. USHL teams retain the rights to players selected in the Futures Draft for three years and can add these players to the active roster at any time during the season.

The selection order for the Futures Draft is not based on standings. The order was selected through a random drawing in March, meaning every team has the same probability of gaining the top pick. Since the completion of that drawing, the USHL has awarded a new membership for a club that will play the 2009-10 season in Youngstown, Ohio. Per league rules, the new member will have the top pick in the first round of the Futures Draft.

2009 Futures Draft Order
1. Youngstown
2. Cedar Rapids
3. Waterloo
4. Lincoln
5. Fargo
6. Sioux City
7. Sioux Falls
8. Indiana
9. Green Bay
10. Des Moines
11. Chicago
12. Tri-City
13. Omaha

After the first round, the second round will pick in reverse order, meaning Omaha, which had the last pick in the first round, will have the first pick in the second round, followed by Tri-City, Chicago, and so forth.

Check back throughout the day as we continue to post!

A Look Back at the 2007 Draft

2009-05-10T16:18:00.002-05:00

Below is a list of the players the Des Moines Buccaneers drafted in the 2007 Draft...

Forward Trent Vogelhuber - Vogelhuber played two games with the Buccaneers before getting injured and being removed from the roster. This past season he played in 29 games for Miami University (Ohio) and helped take the team to the NCAA Frozen Four. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Forward Locke Jillson - Jillson made his mark in the 2007-2008 season for the Buccaneers, playing in 32 games and putting up 5 goals and 13 assists before being traded to the Indiana Ice. This past season he played in 30 games for Cornell Unviersity and had 1 goal and 8 assists.

Forward Adam Henderson - Henderson would never be on the roster for the Buccaneers but he did play for the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. This past season he played for Michigan State University alongside former Buccaneer Jeff Petry.

Forward Miles Winter - Winter was never rostered by the Buccaneers but the Pennsylvania native played for Quinnipiac University this past season.

Defenseman J.P. Maley - Maley would play in 31 games for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the 2007 - 2008 season before moving on the college hockey. He played in 19 games for Northeastern University this past season, scoring one goal and putting up three assists.

Goalie Mike Mosher - Mosher was never put on the active roster for the Buccaneers.

Forward Jefferson Dahl - Dahl would be traded to the Green Bay Gamblers, and would play the 2008 - 2009 season with the team. He would help lead the team to an Anderson Cup title with 15 goals and 11 assists.

Defenseman David Makowski - Makowski was also traded to the Gamblers for the 2008 - 2009 season. He would score 9 goals and put up 20 assists for the Anderson Cup champions.

Forward Jake Gardiner - Gardiner was drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He spent last season playing for the University of Wisconsin where he put up 3 goals and 18 assists.

Forward Sean Logue - Logue was never put on the active roster for the Buccaneers.

Forward Jeff Smith - Smith played for the Tri-City Storm this past season putting up for goals and 14 assists.

Goalie Kyle Cantlon - Cantlon was never rostered by the Buccaneers.

A Look Back at the 2006 USHL Entry Draft

2009-05-06T19:28:00.002-05:00

The Bucs drafted forward Steve Moses, of Leominster, MA in the 1st Round of the 2006 USHL Entry Draft. While never playing for the Buccaneers, Moses ended playing this past season for the University of New Hampshire.

The second round pick would be forward Adam Meuller of Roseville, Minnesota. He would be 22nd pick overall.

The Buccaneers chose Ben Blood of Plymouth, Minnesota in the third round. Blood, a strong defenseman would play in 11 games for the Bucs in the 2007-2008 season before being traded to the Indiana Ice to finish the year. He was also selected by the Ottawa Senators in the 4th Round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Blood committed to the University of North Dakota and played 31 games for the team this past season.

Nick Pryor, a Woodbury, Minnesota defenseman, would be chosen by the Bucs in the fourth round, the 46th pick overall. He was also chosen in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks in the 7th Round. Pryor played with the NTDP in 2006-007 and would play 31 games for the Bucs in the 2008-2009 season before being traded to Waterloo late in the season.

In the fifth round, the Bucs chose forward Adam Estoclet, a native of Orono, Minnesota. Orono never played for the Buccaneers but did play the last two season at Dartmouth College and has 11 goals and 28 assists in his career there.

In the sixth round, the Buccaneers chose Kyle Jean, a forward. The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native was chosen 70th overall in the draft.

The Bucs chose Andrew Panzarella of Columbia, Maryland in the seventh round of the draft. Panzarella has been a staple defensemen and enforcer for the Buccaneers since the 2007-2008 season. He played in 58 games his first season with the Bucs, putting up 1 goal, 4 assists and 5 points, while spending 191 minutes in the penalty box. This past season Andrew played in 49 games, had 4 goals and 5 assists and would lead the team with 171 penalty minutes.

In the eighth round, Rob Maloney of Eagan, Minnesota was chosen by the Bucs. Maloney, a forward, played for Providence College during the 2008-2009 season.

Michael Milana, a goalie from West Chester, Pennsylvania, was chosen in the 9th round by the Des Moines Buccaneers.

In the 10th round, the Buccaneers chose Ryan McKiernan, a defenseman from White Plains, New York. Ryan would play 59 games with the Bucs putting up 2 goals and 13 assists. He played 15 games with the team this year before the Buccaneers released him. He finished out the season playing with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL in the playoffs scoring 2 goals and posting 5 assists.

The Bucs chose Clinton Bourbonais, a forward from Whitemore Lake, Michigan in the 11th round.

What about the protected lists, will those be posted as well?

2009-05-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Individual team protected lists will be posted following the draft. Once the draft is completed, the USHL will have a dead period lasting approximately two weeks where no roster movement can take place.

(Source: USHL.com)

Is the USHL Entry Draft open to the public?

2009-05-04T19:15:00.000-05:00

You will be able to follow the draft online at www.ushldraft.com. Public availability of the draft is subject to change.

(Source: USHL.com)

If drafted in the USHL Entry Draft, does a player still need to go through tryout camps?

2009-05-04T19:14:00.000-05:00

Yes. Coaches usually require that all returning veterans, as well as players that are drafted go through tryout camps just like the players that aren't drafted but do get invited.

(Source: USHL.com)

How is the USHL Entry Draft order determined?

2009-05-04T19:12:00.000-05:00

The order is determined using the reverse order of standing based on points accumulated from the previous season. In other words, the team that finished last will have the first pick, while the team that finished first overall will have the last pick.

What about a veteran, what is that?

2009-05-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

A veteran is classified as any player who played in 10 or more games for that team in the previous season. Regular season and playoff games both count toward this number.

Explain more about the affiliate list.

2009-05-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

The affiliate list is made up of players in the U-18 category. The list contains players that can be added anytime over the course of the season, whether for full-time duty or as an injury replacement. These players can be drafted either during the entry draft or the October futures draft. These players do not have to play in 10 games to be given veteran status and be placed on a team's initial protected list.

(Source: USHL.com)

How many rounds are in the USHL Entry Draft?

2009-05-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

That number varies. Prior to the draft, each team submits an initial protected list consisting of the veteran players that they wish to protect and also the players that they drafted for their affiliate list in October, 2009. Once that number is established, teams will draft until their list reaches 23 players. When a team reaches 23 players, they are done selecting until every team in the league gets to that number. Once everybody is at 23 players, then teams will begin selecting again until their list reaches 30 players. When every team has 30 players on their list, they are finished selecting and the draft is complete.

How old do you have to be to get drafted?

2009-05-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

Although there is no formal age restriction, USHL players generally are between the ages of 16-20.

(Source: USHL.com)