Ellis Moose
President's Letter

As I began my fifth season as president of the Buccaneers Board of Directors, I could't help but look back at all the accomplishments our franchise has enjoyed over the years.

While we have worked hard to make the Bucs the best organization in the United States Hockey League, the Board of Directors of The Greater Des Moines Ice Sports Association, under the leadership of president Larry Durland and executive director Tom Muselman, has completely renovated the Metro Ice Sports Arena. This ol' rink has seen a new ice surface, new boards, new scoreboard, sound system, locker rooms, repaved parking, improved interior and exterior lighting, and new for this season - additional concession stands. Much of the credit goes to Jeff Lindquist and his crew for keeping the building spic 'n span for your enjoyment.

Last year we went to smoke-free environment. With smokers using the outside area of the northeast entrance between periods, the hallways remain uncongested and allow for quicker concession service.

On the ice, the Bucs have been "smokin" the opposition. We have won two Anderson Cups as regular season champions, two Clark Cups for winning the year-end playoffs, and have brought home two National Championships. In January, Des Moines hosted the USHL All-Star Game for the third time in our 17 year history. This year's game featured coach Scott Owens and six Buccaneers.

In addition, Des Moines was selected as one of four U.S. teams to host the national German Junior Team on October 30.

Success has followed many of our former player and coaches, too. More than 100 Buccaneers have continued their hockey careers at Division I and Division III schools. Two of our recent players have been drafted by the National Hockey League (Marc Magliarditi and Reg Berg.) Former Buc coaches Jim Wiley (Kentucky Thoroughblades - AHL) and Bob Ferguson (Indianapolis Ice - IHL) are leading professional teams towards the top of their divisions this season.

As we began the 1996-97 campaign, we rode the crest of more than 100 consecutive sell-out games. Your continued support has made the Metro Ice Sports Arena the place to be throughout our 30-game home schedule.

We couldn't be enjoying this success without the fantastic support of Mark Fallis and the Buccaneer Booster Club and Karen Lettington and our fabulous host families. To find out how you can join the Boosters visit them in the east hall at the next home game. Or check out their page on this site

We also hope you are enjoying our official internet web site. Thanks to Steve Bendy, his daughter Sarah and son James; the Bucs have one of the best web sites in hockey. Don't you agree?

If you can't make it to all of our games be sure to catch all the action on radio. Each of our games will be broadcast on KJJC 106.9 FM - home and away. Listen as announcers Todd Kim and Rob Lettington fill the air with excitement.

Head Coach and General Manager Scott Owens and his staff, Jay Boxer and Steve Nelson, have worked hard and assembled a talented team that has remained at the top of the standings since the first game back in September. I hope you are enjoying this season - I know I am!

Ellis Moose, President
Buccaneer Advisory Board