SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Sioux Falls Stampede announced today that the team has signed forward Cruz Waltze to a Standard Player Development Agreement for the 2026-27 season.

Waltze, 18, appeared in 48 games for the WHL's Victoria Royals last season, recording 11 points (four goals, seven assists), 35 penalty minutes, and a plus-five rating. Prior to joining the Royals, Waltze played for Delta Hockey Academy's U18 Prep team in the Canadian School Sport Hockey League, where he picked up 40 points (23 goals, 17 assists) in 35 regular-season appearances.

The 2008-born forward is committed to the College of the Holy Cross for the 2027-28 season.

Cruz has joined the Stampede ahead of this weekend's pair of games against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and will be available to play. 

About The Sioux Falls Stampede

Established in 1999, the Sioux Falls Stampede is a proud member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of both NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The organization has set out to achieve excellence in on- and off-ice performance since its inception. The Sioux Falls Stampede plays home games out of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, providing players with a taste of high-stakes, high-adrenaline hockey in front of sold-out crowds of over 11,000 fans.