USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede head into winter break on winning note

Published on December 17, 2007 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Sioux Falls Stampede players are headed home for a little over a week to enjoy the holidays with their families as the USHL takes a winter break until December 28th.

The Stampede closed out the un-official first half of the season over the weekend, falling to Sioux City 6-4 on Friday before topping Cedar Rapids 4-3 on Saturday.

On Friday, the Stampede jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead only to see Sioux City score four unanswered goals en route to a 6-4 win over the Herd. Robbie Vrolyk, Dane Walters, Jake Hansen and Terry Broadhurst all scored in the loss for the Herd while Eric Hartzell stopped 22 of 28 shots in goal.

On Saturday, the Stampede rebounded with a nice performance against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Once again, the Herd let a 2-0 first period lead slip away, but rebounded with two goals 37 seconds apart to capture the victory. Jake Hansen led the way with two goals and an assist while Jack Connolly added two assists in the win. Max Strang earned the win in goal, stopping 25 of 28 shots.

The Stampede are off until Friday, December 28th when they travel to Des Moines. The Stampede will play in Omaha on December 29th before returning home on Monday, December 31st for a special New Year's Eve game versus Des Moines at 7:05 PM. The Stampede are 11-10-2 on the year and in third place in the West Division.

STAMPEDE SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER-

Sioux Falls Stampede players were out all over the Sioux Empire last week, spreading holiday cheer to children.

On Tuesday, Stampede forwards Nick Dineen and Jack Connolly visited Terry Redlin Elementary School and read to four kindergarten classes as well as talked about the importance of following rules, doing well in school and demonstrated hockey equipment. Tuesday night, the entire Stampede team was split amongst the two Ruby Tuesday locations in Sioux Falls, collecting gifts for the Sioux Falls Jaycees and Toys for Tots program. They also waited on tables and mingled with fans.

On Wednesday, several players visited the pediatric unit at Avera McKennan Hospital, passing out gifts and visiting with children in the hospital during the holiday season.

Finally, on Thursday, the Stampede visited the "Head Start Program" at Volunteers of America, handing out presents and visiting with over 70 students. The presents were graciously donated by Jim and Margaret Daniels of Daniels Construction, Inc.

SKATE WITH THE STAMPEDE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Start your New Year's Eve celebration with the Stampede on Monday, December 31st as the Herd host the Des Moines Buccaneers at 7:05 PM!

Bring the kids, your skates, and join the Stampede after the game for the first McDonald's "Post-Game Skating Party" of the year!

Immediately following the game, up to ten (10) Stampede players will join the fans on ice for a 30-minute skating session. All remaining players will be available for an autograph session in front of the Stampede locker room.

Every fan participating in the Skating Party or Autograph session will receive FREE Stampede photo cards! Thanks to McDonald's of Sioux Falls and Brandon for sponsoring the event!

Please note that no skates can be rented at the Sioux Falls Arena, so please bring your own to the game.

DID YOU KNOW???

The Stampede are 11-10-2 at the winter break. The Stampede were 10-11-2 at this time last year and went on to finish 34-21-5 and captured their first ever Clark Cup Championship.

Nick Dineen (14g, 11a) and Jack Connolly (10g, 15a) lead the Herd in scoring with 25 points at the break.

Eric Springer and Sam Zabkowicz rank third amongst USHL defensemen in scoring with 16 points each. Zabkowicz leads all defensemen in total assists with 14 on the season.

Jake Hansen has five goals in his last five games.

Max Strang is 2-1-1 with a 2.31 GAA and a .920 save percentage in his last four starts.

The Stampede are the least penalized team in the league, averaging just 16.22 minutes per-game.

The Herd have outscored opponents 36-29 in the third period.

SIGN UP FOR SUBWAY "BE A STAMPEDE FOR A DAY"

Parents, don't forget to sign your child up now through December 31st at any Sioux Falls or Brandon Subway for their chance to become "Stampede for a Day" at the January 5th home game versus Omaha.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a chance to sit on the team bench during pre-game warm-ups, win 10 game tickets for family and friends; an autographed replica Stampede team jersey and photo session with favorite Stampede player on ice.

LUNDIN LEADS MERCYHURST TO SWEEP-

Former Stampede goaltender Matt Lundin stopped 19 of 23 shots in a 5-4 win on Friday over American International and 34 of 35 shots in a 2-1 victory on Saturday over the Yellow Jackets to earn the weekend sweep. The Lakers have won three straight heading into the winter break.

Lundin is 4-4-1 on the season with a 2.62 GAA and a .927 save percentage.

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2007


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