SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — With the 2026 preseason in the rear-view mirror, it's official, defense of the Clark Cup starts now. Last season's championship run doesn't count this year, and it's time for the Herd to prove the Clark Cup belongs nowhere but with the Sioux Falls Stampede.

The USHL Fall Classic is the season-opening event for all 16-teams and is an opportunity for NHL and NCAA scouts from across the country to see prospects and talk to both committed and potential players in a centralized location. For the 11th year, teams will play their first two games of the regular season at the Fall Classic, with the Chicago Steel hosting the event for the first time at the newly opened USG Arena and Blackhawks Ice Center Presented by Fifth Third Bank.

Last season, the Stampede opened the event with a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Steel and split the week with a 3-2 shootout win against the Green Bay Gamblers the next day.

This year, the Herd play games on the final two days of the Fall Classic, playing the Madison Capitols on Saturday at 12 PM CT and the USA Hockey NTDP U18s on Sunday at 12 PM CT.

All games will be streamed live on FloHockey, the official streaming partner of the USHL, with a FloSports subscription.