USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Herd Signs Defenseman Matthew Grimes to Tender

April 19, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Stampede coaching staff, along with General Manager Tony Gasparini, are excited to announce they have signed left-handed defenseman Matthew Grimes to a tender for the 2023-24 season.

A native of Locust Valley, New York, Grimes most recently played for Mount St. Charles Academy 15U AAA team in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. This season, Grimes has tallied 11 goals and 35 assists for 46 points in 51 games. During the 2022-23 season, he led all Mount St. Charles Academy defensemen in total points, goals and assists, and tied for fifth place on the team in total points.

Last season, Grimes marked 55 points in his 61 appearances for the Mounties' 14U AAA team. His nine goals led the defensemen along with one other teammate. His fifth-place position for total points was developed with 46 assists on the season.

"I chose to play for the Stampede because my family and I felt a real connection with the coaches," said Grimes. "I also feel that they have a clear plan for my development and I will develop a lot playing in Sioux Falls."

The USHL allows each of its member teams to tender up to two players that are eligible for the upcoming Phase 1 USHL Draft. This year's Phase I draft consists of players born in 2007. By signing Grimes to a Tender agreement, the Stampede will forfeit their first-round selection during the Phase I Draft in May.

"We could not be more excited to have Matthew a part of the Stampede moving forward," stated Stampede General Manager, Tony Gasparini. "We feel he is one of the top defensemen in his birth year in all of the United States and is going to have a big hand in our success over the next few seasons. We can't wait to have him join the club," added Gasparini.

"Our organization has had the opportunity to watch Matthew many times this year and he has proven to be an elite defenseman," said Stampede Head Coach, Eric Rud. "We are excited to have him as a part of the Stampede family."

Grimes becomes just the third Stampede player ever to be tendered by the Stampede, joining Jaxon Nelson (2016) and Cam MacDonald (2019). He will be on the Stampede roster next season and will be required to play in a minimum of 55 percent of the Stampede's games.

The Herd close out the regular season this weekend with a crucial home-and-home series with Fargo. The Herd enter the weekend two points behind Des Moines for the final playoff spot in the West.

Friday's game is in Fargo at 7:05 PM and Saturday's game will be at the PREMIER Center at 6:05 PM. The first 500 fans will receive a free team poster and player card set, plus it is Take My Jersey Night where fans can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a game-worn jersey. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets are on sale now by contacting the Stampede office at 605-275-4625.

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2023


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