Sioux Falls, S.D. - After 22 games this weekend, the Sioux Falls Stampede hosted their final All-Star Game. Forty-two players competed for a chance to earn a spot on the Stampede's training camp roster, which begins in September.

Team Blue set the tone early, dominating puck possession. At 6:28, Halifax, Nova Scotia native Jack Plandowski slipped one past Team Gold goaltender Charles Menard. Stampede forwards Jake Merens and Ben Wilmott assisted on the goal. A few minutes later, Stampede forward Logan Renkowski ripped one in off a pass from JJ Monteiro. University of New Hampshire commit Niko Tournas earned the secondary assist. Team Blue continued to build momentum just 49 seconds later, when Ohio State commit Jake Merens tucked the puck under Menard's right pad to earn his second point of the game. Defensemen Erik Kald and Cameron Minella assisted on the play.

At 12:32, Maine commit Wade Weil dropped the gloves with Team Gold's Tommy Holtby; both received five-minute majors for fighting. They were soon joined in the penalty box by teammates after JJ Monteiro was called for tripping and Team Gold received a too many men minor. Despite the 4-on-4 play, Team Gold couldn't shift the momentum. Team Blue took a 3–0 lead into the first intermission.
Team Gold appeared to find their footing early in the second period, scoring just 3:05 in. Los Angeles, Calif., native Ethan Sung netted the goal with assists from linemates Cooper Soller and Payne Riffey. Just three minutes later, Team Gold's Will Leonard sent the puck top shelf over Stampede goaltender Waylon Esche. Midway through the period, Kaenan Smith and Aidan Hesse took over in net for their respective teams.

Team Blue ran into some penalty trouble, with Jake Merens called for slashing and Lazarus Ebanoisze called for holding. Despite the setbacks, they successfully killed both penalties and added another goal before the end of the period. With just 30 seconds remaining, Merens scored his second of the game, assisted by Monteiro and Tournas. Team Blue carried a 4–2 lead into the final period.
The third period slowed considerably. The first notable action came at 11:25, when Team Gold's Will Subject was called for cross-checking. Shortly after that penalty expired, Team Blue's Logan Renkowski was called for slashing. As the clock wound down, Team Gold pulled Aidan Hesse for a 6-on-4 advantage. Team Blue missed a few empty-net chances, but at 17:32, Jake Merens finally buried one to complete his hat trick and seal the game.

Team Gold wasn't finished, though. Marlborough, Mass., native Matthew Lacombe scored on Duluth, Minn., native Kaenan Smith. Will Leonard and Matthew Grimes earned assists on the play. The late goal wasn't enough, and Team Blue secured a 5–3 win.

Following the game, players were informed of who would be returning to Sioux Falls this fall. The Stampede's training camp begins in September, leading into preseason action.
A huge thank you to the players, families, and fans who joined us this weekend. We can't wait to see you at the PREMIER Center in October!

The full 2025–26 Stampede schedule is still being finalized and is expected to be released later this month. Stay tuned to the Stampede's social media pages for schedule details and summer updates.