USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede Weekly Update

Published on April 9, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Jack Connolly wins Hobey Baker Award!

Former Stampede star Jack Connolly became the second former Stampede player to win the Hobey Baker Award on Friday in Tampa Bay, Fla. The award is given to college hockey's top player. Marty Sertich (2001-02) won the award in 2005 while playing with Colorado College.

Connolly is the second straight former USHL player to win the award, Andy Miele (Chicago/Cedar Rapids) won the award last season. Of the five former USHL players to win the award, two of them skated right here in Sioux Falls. Click here for more details on the award!

Connolly played in Sioux Falls during the 2007-08 season and led the league in scoring with 72 points before being named Junior Hockey Player of the Year.

It has been a big year for Jack who also earned the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award last week. That award is given to the most outstanding student-athlete in Division I college hockey, click here for more details. Connolly was also named WCHA Player of the Year and First Team All-American. Congratulations Jack, the Stampede and our fans are proud of you!

Final two games this weekend at home!

The Stampede close out the 2011-12 season at home this weekend with games against Sioux City and Tri-City on Friday and Saturday night. Game times are 7:05 PM. Don't delay, get your tickets in advance and see the Herd in action for the final time this season!

Coaches vs Cancer set for Friday

The Stampede are teaming up with the American Cancer Society for a special evening when the Herd host Sioux City this Friday for Coaches vs Cancer night. The Herd will be paying tribute to cancer survivors, those still battling cancer and everyone who has had their lives touched in some way by cancer.

The American Cancer Society will be raffling off two team autographed sticks before and during the game with all the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society!

Host Family Recognition This Friday

The Stampede will be paying tribute to their many wonderful host families prior to the game this Friday. Stampede host families are essential in the Stampede's success as an organization.

Each year, families from all over the Sioux Empire open their homes to Stampede players and make them part of their family. The bond the players and housing families develop is second to none. Many former players stay in touch with their housing parents and even make trips back to Sioux Falls to visit.

Thank you to all our host families for your help and support of Stampede hockey!

If you are interested in becoming a host family for next season, contact the Stampede office at 336-6060.

Take My Jersey Night this Saturday

Don't miss the ever popular Sioux Falls Ford Stampede "Take My Jersey Night" at the Sioux Falls Arena this Saturday! Fans can purchase raffle tickets during the game for a chance to take home a game worn Stampede 3rd jersey!

Proceeds from the jersey raffle will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota! Help make a difference in someone's life and have a chance to go home with one of the Stampede's game worn 3rd jersey! Raffle tickets will be sold before and during the game. Drawings for the jerseys will take place during the first and second intermissions.

The players will present their jersey to the winner immediately following the game on the ice.

Bickel, Oshie & Vitale ready for NHL playoffs

Former Stampede stars Stu Bickel, T.J. Oshie and Joe Vitale are preparing for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs which begin this Wednesday.

Bickel and the New York Rangers are the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and they will face #8 seeded Ottawa Senators in the first round. Bickel made his NHL debut with the Rangers on December 20th and has been with the club ever since. In 51 games, he has tallied nine assists and is a +2 with 108 penalty minutes.

Oshie and the St. Louis Blues are the #2 seed in the Western Conference and face the #7 seed San Jose Sharks. Oshie appeared in 80 games this season and finished second on the team in scoring with 54 points (19g, 35a) and a +15 plus/minus rating.

Vitale and the Pittsburgh Penguins are the #4 seed in the East and face the #5 seeded Philadelphia Flyers in what is being considered the most exciting matchup of all the first round series. The Penguins went 2-3-1 against the Flyers during the regular season with all six games being decided by two goals or less. Vitale recorded 14 points in (4g, 10a) in 68 games during the regular season.

Vote for Oshie & Vanek for NHL'13 Cover!

Former Stampede stars T.J. Oshie and Thomas Vanek are on the ballot to be on the cover of NHL' 13, and EA Sports video game!

Two players from each NHL club square off in the first round now through Wednesday. Click here to vote or visit www.nhl.com/covervote

Oshie is up against David Perron and Vanek is up against Derek Roy. Vote today and help get a former Stampede star on the cover of NHL' 13!

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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