Coming off of a weekend split against the Fargo Force, the Sioux Falls Stampede heads out to Sioux City for a pair of games to end preseason action. The Herd face the Musketeers on Thursday at the IBP Ice Center in Sioux City and Friday at Vernon Arena in Sioux Center, with both games having a 6 PM CT puck drop. Though games in the preseason do not count in the standings, these games offer valuable insight to coaches and scouts, with the defending Clark Cup Champions looking to continue finding success with a strong start to the 2026-27 season.

After finishing the regular season with a 43-16-3-0 record, first place in the Western Conference and second overall in the USHL standings, the Stampede wen ton to claim the organizations fourth Clark Cup last season. For Sioux City, an end-of-season record of 30-27-3-2 earned them the third spot in the West and a spot in the Clark Cup Playoffs.

For the Herd

Leading the Herd in preseason scoring, with a goal in both games against Fargo is forward Gavin Clark. Clark, a California native, spent last season with the Saskatoon Blades (WHL) and will look to continue his strong performance with the final two games of the preseason against the Musketeers.

Returning to Sioux Falls after scoring the double overtime Clark Cup winner, Joey Macrina picked up a 5-on-3 power-play goal against the Force on Saturday night. Look for him to continue displaying his capabilities as the season rolls on.

Another returner, this time on the blue line, Noah Mannausau is looking to have a standout year after a strong season on the back end for the Stampede in 2025-26. The Augustana comit picked up four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 59 games last year, adding a goal and three more assists in 14 games during the Clark Cup Playoffs.

In Green and Gold

Meanwhile, former member of the Herd Jake Merens is sporting the green and gold for the Musketeers this season. Merens appeared in three playoff games for Sioux Falls last season, picking up an assist against the Lincoln Stars en route to the Clark Cup.

Another new face for the Musketeers, goaltender Will Keane was a member of the Eastern Conference Champion Muskegon Lumberjacks last season and will battle for a spot in the crease for Sioux City this season.

Returning to Sioux City for his second full season, look for Max Anderson to continue to be a physical presence for the Musketeers after picking up 14 goals and 13 assists to go along with 199 penalty minutes in 51 games last season.