By Amber Williams

PHOTO by Bryce Loshman: Anthony Greco moves the puck up the ice during a preseason game. The Des Moines Buccaneers kick off their season against the Fargo Force on Saturday, Oct. 1 starting at 7:05 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.bucshockey.com.

Des Moines Buccaneers open their season Saturday

As they return to the ice for another season of hard-hitting hockey action, the Des Moines Buccaneers only have one goal in mind — winning the Clark Cup. But that's easier said then done as the last time the Buccaneers hosted the cup was during the 2005-06 season. And even though the team only has eight returning players (15 new players this season), Head Coach Regg Simon is confident his team will mesh and make a run at the cup.

"I think everyone is anxious at the start of the season and even though I don't know how good will be this year, we are faster and have more skill than last year," Simon said. "If we can put it all together, we'll have a great chance at success."

Although the roster is filled with new players, the returning players will be asked to put up big numbers and offer valuable veteran leadership.

"Patrick Kirtland has been playing great during the preseason, as has our captain, Gasper Kopitar. And our returning defenseman, Ethan Prow, will also have to take on a lot more responsibility than last year," Simon said. "It'll be important for the team to gel into a cohesive unit if we want to win."

Though the team knows that the most important components of the game happen on the ice, the wild and enthusiastic crowds that pack Buccaneer Arena add an extra boost to players.

"The energy from the crowd is great and is a big part of our success, especially on home ice," Simon said. "It not only gives us a big home ice advantage, it also makes it difficult for opposing teams to come in here and play."

With a continuously packed house and exciting young players, it's easy to see why the Buccaneers provide some of the best sports entertainment in the metro.

"Not only do we offer affordable, family friendly entertainment that is second to none, but we pride ourselves on playing a fast and physical game that the fans really enjoy," Simon said. "Plus, there isn't a bad seat in the house." CV

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2011-12 Des Moines Buccaneers home schedule

All games start at 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1 vs. Fargo Force

Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Tri-City Storm

Saturday, Oct. 29 vs. Tri-City Storm

Friday, Nov. 4 vs. Green Bay Gamblers

Saturday, Nov. 5 vs. Chicago Steel

Saturday, Nov. 19 vs. Sioux Falls Stampede

Wednesday, Nov. 23 vs. Omaha Lancers

Saturday, Nov. 26 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints

Friday, Dec. 2 vs. Sioux City Musketeers

Saturday, Dec. 3 vs. Team USA

Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Waterloo Black Hawks

Saturday, Dec. 17 vs. Youngstown Phantoms

Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Lincoln Stars

Saturday, Dec. 31 vs. Sioux Falls Stampede

Saturday, Jan. 7 vs. Sioux Falls Stampede

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Youngstown Phantoms

Saturday, Jan. 21 vs. Youngstown Phantoms

Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Omaha Lancers

Saturday, Feb. 4 vs. Tri-City Storm

Friday, Feb. 10 vs. Sioux Falls Stampede

Friday, Feb. 17 vs. Indiana Ice

Sunday, Feb. 19 vs. Waterloo Black Hawks (5:05 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 25 vs. Sioux City Musketeers

Friday, March 2 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks

Saturday, March 3 vs. Lincoln Stars

Friday, March 9 vs. Fargo Force

Saturday, March 10 vs. Fargo Force

Friday, March 30 vs. Sioux City Musketeers

Friday, April 6 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

Friday, April 13 vs. Omaha Lancers