Two third period goals lifted the Des Moines Buccaneers past the Waterloo Black Hawks, 3-1 on Saturday, as both teams opened their 2016/17 United States Hockey League schedules at Buccaneer Arena.

Erik Holmstrom broke a 1-1 tie at 6:50 of the final frame, trailing a rush and stepping across the blue line just in time to receive a drop pass. Holmstrom’s blast found the top corner. Kobe Roth added an insurance goal on the Bucs’ first power play, stuffing in a shot at 15:46.
After a pair of strong glove saves by Severi Isokangas in the first period, the Buccaneers had found the right formula against the Black Hawks’ netminder at 17:58. Chris Berger jumped into a rush and caught a behind-the-back pass from Roth before snapping a low shot into the net from the slot.

The Hawks kept Des Moines locked up in their own zone for much of the second period, eventually capitalizing for the equalizer at 16:54. Emil Ohrvall snapped a shot from the right circle under the crossbar and past Jan Ruzicka.

Waterloo outshot the Buccaneers in each period and by a final count of 35-19, but Ruzicka came away with the win and 34 stops.

The Hawks continue their season-opening four-game road trip Friday against the Fargo Force. Waterloo’s home opener against the Lincoln Stars is slated for October 8th.

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