Bucs Drop Black Hawks in Des Moines

Three second period goals changed the course of Friday’s matchup at Buccaneer Arena in Des Moines, sending the home team on their way to a 6-4 victory against the Waterloo Black Hawks on December 19, 2014.

Waterloo opened the period ahead 3-1, but Des Moines did all the scoring in the second. The teams had been back on the ice for 2:38 when Georgy Gorodetsky redirected a Corey Schueneman shot into the net. Another redirection by Brennan Sanford at 6:24 brought the count even. Then Ryan Dmowski gave the Bucs their first lead of the night at 9:52, cashing in on a rebound chance during a power play.

Specials teams had helped the Black Hawks to a strong start. At 5:38 of the first, during the closing seconds of a power play, Alec McCrea loosed a long shot from the right point, which flew into the net.

Not quite ten minutes later during a subsequent advantage, the teams exchanged goals. Nikita Pavlychev swiped a puck just outside the Waterloo blue line, stepping in to score shorthanded on a low shot at 14:45. However, Waterloo rallied for a transition goal 1:15 later when Henrik Rommel found John Wiitala with net to shoot at from the right circle.

The Hawks added one more with 33.9 seconds remaining before intermission as Wiitala passed from behind the cage to Phil Beaulieu, set up at the right hashmark.

Another power play goal by the Buccaneers proved to be the difference; Schueneman redirected a Tanner Karty shot at 6:12 of the third period. Waterloo found the net during their final special teams chance with 4:05 left in regulation; a faceoff win and McCrea shot created a Max Coatta redirection goal. Although the Hawks were back within one at that point, Karty caught the visitors in transition for the final tally of the night at 18:41.

Waterloo and Des Moines get back together for the first game after Christmas at Buccaneer Arena on Saturday, December 27th. The following afternoon, the Hawks meet the Fargo Force at Young Arena. Tickets are on sale from waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino’s Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

For Friday's box score, please click here.