The Opportunity

The Organization

The Stampede Organization has various facets to its organization that set it apart from others. First, there is world class staff, from the front office to both the on-ice and off-ice coaches. Coaches Hartzell and Jones have brought the organization to new highs, but their efforts are greatly enhanced by Director of Scouting John Rosso and off-ice strength and conditioning coaches Kevin Ziegler, Dave Smith, Paul Keizer and athletic trainer Chris Huber.

The Practices

Stampede practices take place most days at our practice facility, the Sioux Falls Ice and Rec Center, where players have their own locker-room. On game nights, the team moves into the Sioux Falls Arena (capacity of 4,600). Since our inception, the Stampede has averaged close to 4,000 fans (more than 85% capacity), which provides a fun and electric atmosphere.

World Class Training

The Stampede boasts one of the most innovative programs in all of hockey. Led by Tampa Bay Lightning Director of Strength and Conditioning coach, Kevin Ziegler, and executed daily by Avera Strength Training Specialists Paul Keizer and Dave Smith, the Stampede train at the Avera Sports Institute, where they do innovative agility work, strength training, dynamic stretching, yoga and even light resistance work in the pool. It is not uncommon for coach Ziegler to work the team out after games, be it for additional strength training and/or dynamic stretching.

Avera provides trainers at all Stampede activities, provides team doctors at games, treats all physical and emotional ailments as needed, conducts physicals, provides nutritional consulting and more.

PHOTOS

Housing

The Stampede organization thoroughly screens and provides what we think are unparallel housing families. Our families work hand in hand with the organization to provide great direction and leadership for all of our players. Families are screened on their value systems, their ability to provide safe and clean housing and of course, great food for our always hungry young athletes. There is no cost to our players or their families for this “room and board”.

Hockey Broadcasts

Fans can listen to every Stampede game, home or away, on KELO-AM 1320. Each game is also streamed “live” on this website at no cost. In addition, video web casts of the games are carried on the B2 Network and are available for a small fee. You can access the B2 Network on the front page of our site.

Community Service

Giving back to the community is always a priority for the Stampede. During the season, Stampede players are very active in the community, making weekly appearances at various schools around the Sioux Empire as well as holiday visits to Avera McKennan Hospital. Since the team began play in 1999, the Stampede organization has donated in excess of $300,000 to variety of charities in the Sioux Empire.

Hockey Ministries

For players that wish to seek guidance on a spiritual side, we offer a non-denominational based Christian ministry that meets on Tuesdays, led by Corey Camp.