By james art 
January 25, 2025 – United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – After two tough games, the Sioux Falls Stampede got back in the win column with a shootout win at Imon Arena. Jake Merens and Reed Varconi both had hits, while Ethan Wittenbach and Aidan Welch sealed the shootout win. Goaltender Aidan Wright shut out Cedar Rapids in the shootout to earn his 16th win of the season.
The Stampede’s slow starts continued in this game as Cedar Rapids struck first with a goal by Thomas Vandenberg at 10:39. Shortly after, the Stampede won their first power play of the night when Roughriders shortstop Hajibi was called for hooking. However, the Herd failed to capitalize on the advantage and soon found themselves on the penalty kill after captain Bryce Ingles was penalized for interference. The Stampede’s second-ranked penalty kill held strong, keeping Cedar Rapids from extending its lead. Despite being outshot 10-9, the Roughriders took a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
The Stampede went back on the power play to start the second period, but were unable to convert. At 10:06, forward Jake Meren scored his own rebound to tie the game, assisted by John McNelis. Minutes later, both teams faced penalties: Defense Filip Nordberg was sent to the box for hooking, while the Roughriders’ leading scorer Amin Hajibi received a fouling penalty, followed by a 10-minute foul after challenging the call. On the 4-on-4 play, Cedar Rapids regained the lead with a goal by Nick Romeo. By the end of the second period, the Roughriders held their one-goal lead, though the Stampede outscored them 10-6.
To start the third period, Javon Moore drew a hanging penalty to send them on their fourth power play of the night. Forward Reid Varconi took advantage, scoring his first power play goal of the season on a rebound pass from John McNelis. The Stampede had one more power play opportunity with just 2:07 remaining, but couldn’t find the back of the net, sending the game into overtime.
The five-minute overtime period featured plenty of high-quality chances from both teams. Roughriders goalie AJ Reyelts made two crucial saves as Stampede goalie Aidan Wright held firm with a deflection off the crossbar. Cedar Rapids’ shot that hit the crossbar went to review but was ruled off target.
The Stampede headed into their fifth shootout of the season, with a 2-2 record. Logan Renkowski missed the first attempt while Daniel Astapovic lost control of the puck. Ethan Wittenbach, the Herd’s point leader, scored on the second try, sparking Roughriders goalie AJ Reyelts to give Sioux Falls the lead. Cedar Rapids countered with Amine Hajibi, who was unable to score. Aidan Welch sealed the win with a shot around the back of Railts.
Goaltender Aidan Wright made 24 saves in his 23rd appearance between the pipes to earn a .923 save percentage. Wright moved to a 16-5-1-0 record, boasting a .908 save percentage and a 2.41 goals-against average.
The Stampede return to the Premier Center Denny Sanford this Thursday and Friday to take on the Waterloo Blackhawks and Sioux City Musketeers respectively, with both games kicking off at 7:05pm on Friday, the team will host a shoe-and-shoe partnership in partnership with the Shop for Good Feet. Fans who bring new or gently used shoes to the Stampede office or game will receive a Bogo ticket voucher for select February games. Tickets for both games are available by calling the Stampede office at 605.275.4625.
The Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener Dogs are back in just two weeks! Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so get yours now. Special Wiener dog themed items are available on the Stampede dash auction page and all Wiener dog merchandise can be found at Herdhockey.shop.
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