Saturday, October 7th, 2023, will mark a historic moment for the Stampede. Not only will the puck drop on the organization's 25th Season, but the club will retire its first number. The number 19 will no longer hit the ice but hang in the rafters in honor of the team's all-time leading scorer.
Nearly 25 years ago, a 15-year-old Austrian came to Sioux Falls to start what would become a historic hockey career. Thomas Vanek recalls his first impressions of Sioux Falls, noting he did not know much about the city as a kid from Europe, but emphasized how friendly the people were. Hockey-wise, he was very impressed by the strength of the team and the atmosphere. "I was completely shocked by the first game I played and the atmosphere of a junior game. I remember those being pretty special moments," Vanek stated.
When reflecting on his three years in Sioux Falls, Thomas Vanek emphasized the maturing he did both on and off the ice. Off the ice, he attended O'Gorman High School and spent time surrounded by his teammates and billet family. These factors would play a massive role in his growth off-ice. As for on-ice development, the Stampede coaching staff was an immense benefit. "I was blessed really that I had Coach Motzko and his staff and Tony Gasparini my three years there coaching," Vanek stated. Throughout his career, Thomas Vanek has been surrounded by great teammates and coaches to prepare him for the next steps.
In his three years with the Stampede, Vanek played 108 games where he would score 80 goals and 153 points. After leading the team as captain for the 2001-2002 season, he chose to move on to college hockey. He would play two years at the University of Minnesota after being recruited by Coach Motzko. In his first year with the Gophers, Vanek led the team in goals with (31), assists (31), and points (62). The team would claim the national title in Buffalo, New York, with Vanek being named the tournament MVP.
That June, Vanek was selected 5th overall by the Buffalo Sabres, becoming the first Stampede player selected in the top five. During the 2004 NHL lockout, he played for the AHL's Rochester Americans. Vanek went on to play eight full seasons for the Sabres before being traded to the New York Islanders in early 2013. He would only play 43 games for the Islanders before being traded to the Montreal Canadians in March 2014. Before his retirement in 2019, Vanek spent time playing for Montreal, Minnesota, Detroit, Florida, Vancouver, and Columbus.
After playing over 1,000 games in the NHL and posting nearly 800 points, Vanek retired to spend time with his family. Thomas, his wife, Ashley, and their three sons would settle on Stillwater, MN, as their permanent home. The family had spent their summers in Stillwater, and it had always felt like a second home for the Austrian native, making it the perfect spot.
Vanek soon found a new role as a coach. "Even when I played, later on in my career, I always enjoyed helping the younger kids get better, so that was a natural transition for me," Vanek said. "To get back in the game, coaching my oldest son and younger ones. Just really helping that next generation and teaching them what I learned and how they can improve their game. Hockey has always been a part of my life and always will be. I'll probably be in it as a lifer." Going into the 2023-2024 season, Vanek has started a new venture in amateur scouting for the San Jose Sharks. He is excited to be a part of an NHL team again while also being able to cover the next generation.
Thomas Vanek gets a first-hand look at the next generation through his three sons. He has spent time coaching them the same way he was coached. The coaching has proven successful, with his oldest son, Blake, being drafted to the USHL this past summer. Vanek explains his view of seeing his kids succeed: "It's about enjoying the game and having fun, but also the work and the effort that goes into it. Seeing him, as my oldest, have some success in being drafted. He's super excited to be part of next Saturday and see what junior hockey is like. It's always great to see your kids chasing a dream they want, not for me but for themselves."
Saturday will be a historic moment for the Stampede and Vanek personally. When asked about the special moment, Vanek notes that 25 years ago, he could have never imagined such a moment. "You know, I was a kid that loved my teammates and loved the game but never played or even expected things like that to happen to me 20 or 25 years down the road." He recounts being emotional when first receiving the phone call informing him of the number retirement but was quick to acknowledge the entire team that surrounded him in Sioux Falls. "The first thing I thought of was the great coaches I've had in Sioux Falls and all the great teammates that I've had that have helped me accomplish this individual success, but really a combined three years of being surrounded by some really good people."
As for returning to Sioux Falls on Saturday, Vanek is excited to see the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and the overall growth of hockey in South Dakota. "At the time, I thought this was an awesome community, but it has turned into a city with big-time hockey fans, and you can see it," he said. "It's exciting; I mean, I went out to Pittsburg last week to scout for the Sharks, and seeing fans in there with Stampede jerseys on, it's amazing how far it's come and how it's still growing." The Sioux Falls Stampede is excited to welcome Thomas Vanek back to Sioux Falls and is happy to have Stampede Country be a part of the special pre-game ceremony.
Be sure to be a part of this special night. Get all the info on the night here and be sure to get your tickets for this Saturday here!
