Sioux Falls, SD — The Sioux Falls Stampede are excited to announce their selection as finalists in eight categories for the inaugural 2025-26 USHL Clarky Awards. The Clarky's aim to recognize the great achievements, creativity, and work from member clubs across the League over the course of the season.

The Stampede are finalists in the following categories:
Community Engagement Club of the Year
Game Presentation Club of the Year 
Mascot of the Year-Stomp
Promotion of the Year-Wiener Dog Night 
Social Media Club of the Year
Sponsorship Activation of the Year- Chick-Fil-A - Score 4 Chicken
Ticketing Initiative of the Year-Kids Takeover Night 
Broadcaster of the Year-Jim Olander 
The winners of the awards will be announced at the USHL Business Meetings on June 18^th. 
The complete list of the awards, descriptions and nominees can be found below:
 
Ticketing Initiative of the Year
 
The Ticketing Initiative of the Year award is presented to the club that best develops and executes an outstanding ticketing strategy designed to drive sales and increase attendance. This award recognizes creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in building fan interest, reaching target audiences, and converting demand into ticket purchases. Benchmarks of an exceptional initiative include originality, strategic planning, campaign execution, audience targeting, measurable sales impact, and overall success in generating revenue and filling seats.
 
Finalists:
Fargo Force: Squirt International Tournament Ticket Package
Green Bay Gamblers: Dash for Cash
Sioux Falls Stampede: Kids Takeover Night
 
Social Media Team of the Year
 
The Social Media Team of the Year Award is presented to the club that set the standard for excellence in social media throughout the season across all major platforms. This award recognizes a team that consistently created high-quality, engaging, and innovative content that captured its brand, connected with fans, and elevated the club's digital presence over the season. Benchmarks of an outstanding submission include creative, consistency, audience engagement, platform strategy, brand voice, growth, and overall impact across the club's social media channels.
 
Finalists:
Chicago Steel
Fargo Force
Muskegon Lumberjacks
Sioux Falls Stampede
 
Promotion of the Year
 
This award recognizes the most outstanding theme night of the 2025–26 season, defined as a promotion that delivered an exceptional fan experience while demonstrating creativity, strong execution, and measurable impact. The winning theme night will shine as a memorable event that elevated the game-day atmosphere and strengthened engagement with fans, partners, and the community.
 
Finalists:
Fargo Force: Hometown Heroes Night
Green Bay Gamblers: Heavy Metal Night
Madison Capitols: Birds Aren't Real Night
Sioux Falls Stampede: Wiener Dog Night
 
Game Presentation Club of the Year
 
The Game Presentation Team of the Year Award recognizes a club that delivered an exceptional and consistently engaging in-arena experience through outstanding game production. This award honors a team that brings every element of game night to life—creating an atmosphere that captivates fans from start to finish. From dynamic opening videos and high-quality motion graphics to an energetic in-game host, music, and lighting, this award celebrates a club that sets the standard for innovation, creativity, and execution in game presentation—turning every game into a memorable and immersive event for fans.
 
Finalists:
Fargo Force
Green Bay Gamblers
Sioux Falls Stampede
 
Sponsorship Activation of the Year
 
The Sponsorship Activation of the Year Award recognizes a team or organization that formed an exceptional, innovative integration with a corporate partner. This award celebrates creativity, strategic thinking, and execution in bringing a sponsor's brand to life, enhancing both the fan experience and the value of the partnership. Nominations included activations across multiple platforms, including social media campaigns, in-game promotions, themed events, and co-branded merchandise. This award honors a standout activation that not only achieved measurable success but also set a new standard for creatively and effectively showcasing partnerships while maintaining authenticity and audience engagement.
 
Finalists:
Chicago Steel: Lap Around the Rink presented by Valor Carts
Dubuque Fighting Saints: Forever17 Foundation & Green Envy Lawns - Retro Heritage Series Jersey Night
Sioux Falls Stampede: Chick-Fil-A - Score 4 Chicken
Community Engagement Team of the Year
 
Community Engagement Team of the Year

The Community Engagement Award recognizes a team that has best demonstrated an outstanding commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the rink. This award celebrates those who actively invested in their community through programs, events, and partnerships that inspire connection and positive change. Nominations included initiatives such as hosting or participating in community events, leading reading programs, and donating or supporting local organizations, such as local youth hockey programs. This award honors an organization that has used its platform to uplift others, creating an impact off the ice and making a difference where it matters most.
 
Finalists:
Fargo Force
Sioux Falls Stampede
 
Sales Professional of the Year
 
The Sales Professional of the Year award recognizes a sales representative who has best demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment to growing the game through ticketing, partnerships, and fan engagement. This individual consistently exceeds revenue goals while building lasting relationships with clients, corporate partners, and the community. With a deep understanding of the fanbase, the recipient of this award combines passion with innovative sales strategies to create memorable experiences that drive attendance and loyalty. They serve as a trusted ambassador of the organization, embodying professionalism, integrity, and a team-first mentality. This award honors a sales professional who not only delivers outstanding results but also elevates those around them—setting the standard for excellence in sales.
 
Finalists:
RJ Guse, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Kyle Ebach, Fargo Force
Greg Lynch, Green Bay Gamblers
Drew Steele, Madison Capitols
 
Sales Rookie of the Year
*For the purposes of this award, a sales rookie is defined as an individual in their first season with the organization or their first season in sales role.*
 
The Sales Rookie of the Year award recognizes a first-season sales representative who has made an immediate and meaningful impact through outstanding performance, dedication, and enthusiasm for the game. In their inaugural year, this individual has quickly developed the skills and confidence needed to excel in a competitive sales environment. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, the recipient has exceeded expectations in generating revenue, building client relationships, and contributing to a positive fan experience. Their ability to connect with customers, embrace feedback, and adapt to challenges sets them apart as an emerging leader within the organization. This award celebrates a rising star who has not only achieved impressive results in their first season but has also laid the foundation for a successful career.
 
Finalists:
Jake Francis, Des Moines Buccaneers
Susan Pellegrino, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Jacob Thrush, Madison Capitols
Alec McDonald, Muskegon Lumberjacks
 
Mascot of the Year
 
The Mascot of the Year Award recognizes a standout performer who brought unmatched energy, creativity, and personality to the fan experience. This award honors the mascot who consistently went above and beyond to entertain crowds, engage with fans of all ages, and represent their team with enthusiasm and professionalism. Whether igniting the arena during games or making meaningful connections in the community, the recipient demonstrates a unique ability to create memorable moments that leave a lasting impression.
 
Finalists:
Bernie the St. Bernard, Dubuque Fighting Saints
D.C. Eagle, Madison Capitols
Stomp, Sioux Falls Stampede
Tommy Hawk, Waterloo Black Hawks

Broadcaster of the Year
 
The Broadcaster of the Year award honors the broadcaster who has best demonstrated excellence in storytelling, insight, and on-air performance throughout the season. This individual brings the game to life for fans with a distinctive voice, knowledge, and the ability to capture both the excitement of the moment and the nuances of play. This award recognizes a broadcaster who not only informs and entertains but also goes above and beyond expectations, serving as a trusted and influential voice of the game and elevating the game experience for fans everywhere.
 
Finalists:
Josh Starr, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Drew Steele, Madison Capitols
Ezra Gennello, Muskegon Lumberjacks
Jim Olander, Sioux Falls Stampede
Season tickets for the defending Clark Cup Champions are on sale now through the Stampede office by calling 605-275-4625 or click here for more information.