Sioux Falls Stampede Named 2015 Organization of the Year
July 27, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
Chicago, IL - The United States Hockey League today announced that the Sioux Falls Stampede have been named the 2014-15 USHL Organization of the Year as determined by a vote from USHL Member Clubs, becoming the first organization in Tier I history to win the award in back-to-back years.
It was another record-setting season for the Stampede as they led the USHL in attendance and set Tier I records during the first year of occupancy in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Their 6,300 fans per-game average was a 50% increase from the previous season in which they led the league in attendance. The total attendance of 191,280 during the regular season was the highest total in team and league history.
The club had capacity crowds of 10,678 fans twice during the season including the sellout crowd for the debut of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on October 11, 2014. The crowd marked a USHL record for largest opening night attendance. Parker Tuomie scored the first-ever Stampede goal in the new arena.
Led by CEO/President Tom Garrity and staff, the Herd set record numbers in total ticket sales and increased their corporate sales numbers by 25% from a season ago. They welcomed in new partners in addition to adding value to existing relationships in the business community.
In the local community, the Stampede donated over $400,000 to local charities, including a donation to the Scheel's IcePlex, a three-sheet ice complex that serves as the home to youth hockey in Sioux Falls as well as figure skating and other ice sports. The club also contributed to a number of local organizations, including the American Cancers Society, Comfy Cozys for Chemo, Dakota Dachshund Rescue and Special Olympics of South Dakota. They also played a major part in forming the Jr. Stampede AAA youth hockey program that competes at a national level.
"This is another historic moment for our franchise," said Garrity. "To win this award for the second consecutive season says a lot about our front office staff and coaches who work tirelessly to make us successful. Most importantly, it says a lot about the great community we live in. An award like this would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and corporate partners who are with us win or lose. I would also like to thank our ownership group that includes Brian Schoenbord, Mark Orgren, Bob Naegele III, Roger Sit and Gary Weckwerth. They have been very supportive of all that we do and help provide the necessary tools to be successful."
The success of the team continued on the ice as well, as the Stampede won its second Clark Cup in the Tier I era, sweeping their opponent in the series 3-0. Sioux Falls raised the Clark Cup at home in front of a near sellout crowd of over 8,100 fans. In addition to winning the Clark Cup, Stampede forward Troy Loggins was named Clark Cup MVP. Sioux Falls Stampede forward Kieffer Bellows added two more awards for the organization in the offseason as he was named USHL Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-USHL Third Team. A total of 22 players on the roster earned Division I scholarships.
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United States Hockey League Stories from July 27, 2015
- Chicago Steel Are On The Move, To Their New Home In Kane County - Chicago Steel
- Stampede Named USHL Organization of the Year for Second Straight Season - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Sioux Falls Stampede Named 2015 Organization of the Year - USHL
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