USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Herd Gears up for Home Opener and Zoo Night

Published on October 3, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Stampede is set to host the Waterloo Black Hawks and Tri-City Storm for the team's Home Opener and Zoo Night on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The Stampede's Home Opener will be kicked off with the first jersey retirement ceremony in club history when Thomas Vanek's jersey is hung from the rafters.

The Herd takes on Waterloo on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. A full slate of fun is planned for pregame, starting with a tailgate party across the street at the Birdcage from 3:30 p.m. until doors open at 5 p.m. As a special surprise for Stampede Country, the Herd's all-time leading scorer, Thomas Vanek, will be meeting fans in the convention center from 4 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Once the doors open, the first 1,000 Stampede fans 14 and under will receive a specialty replica Thomas Vanek jersey to commemorate the event, courtesy of First PREMIER Bank and the PREMIER Bankcard. The jersey giveaway will be located in rooms 11 and 12 of the convention center and fans are asked to use the main entrance to the PREMIER Center to enter and line up.

The fun doesn't end after doors open, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. the concourse will be filled with fun and entertainment. Mr. Twister, a scavenger hunt, face painting and more will line the halls for fans to enjoy. Closing out the pre-game fun and getting fans ready for the main event of the matchup between the Herd and Black Hawks, the team will retire Thomas Vanek's jersey at 5:45 p.m. in the rink.

Last season the Stampede went 3-4-0 against the Black Hawks with a 1-4-0 record at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Most recently, Waterloo claimed the 6-5 win in Sioux Falls on April 7, 2023. The scorecard included a hat trick from former Stampede forward Isaac Gordon, plus four assists from current forward Will McDonough.

Sunday is set to be just as much fun for Stampede fans as Great Plains Zoo and the Delbridge Museum of National History team up with the Herd to bring Zoo Night to the PREMIER Center. The Herd is set to take on the Tri-City Storm for a rematch after falling to the Storm in overtime during the USHL Fall Classic on September 21. Following the game, Stampede fans are welcome to come skate with the Herd, get autographs, and meet the players on the ice. Skates are required to go onto the ice postgame.

At the USHL Fall Classic, the Herd earned a point in USHL play but ultimately fell 2-1 with 2:34 left to play in the overtime period. Chris Pelosi tallied the team's single goal with assists from Kazimier Sobieski and Will McDonough, while goaltender Michael Chambre saw his first regular-season time between the pipes.

Looking ahead to next week, the Stampede will host Tri-City again on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:05 p.m. at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Hosted by Orthopedic Institute, there will be a winter coat drive to support those in the Sioux Falls area that may not be able to get warm clothing for the upcoming colder months. Fans can bring in a new or gently used coat to donate and will receive a voucher for a pair of tickets to a future game. More information to come next week.

Tickets are still available for all three games, but are going fast! Fans can purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster, by calling or stopping into the Stampede office at 1111 N Lake Ave, or heading over to the PREMIER Center and purchasing at the KELOLAND box office. For specialty seating, groups, special events and more, contact the Stampede office at 605-275-4625.

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2023


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