SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Veterans Day has passed, but the Sioux Falls Stampede are preparing to pay tribute to members of the military on Saturday.
It’s a game the Sioux Falls Stampede circle on their calendar each season, not for the matchup but the meaning… Military Appreciation Night.
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“Everybody probably knows someone that’s been in the military so it’s close to everyone’s heart. Myself, my dad served in the Navy,” Olander said.
Stampede President Jim Olander says the team will mark the occasion with specialty jerseys, and plans to play in front of hundreds of Veterans.
“We’ve had over 150 businesses donate tickets that we then go bring to local nonprofit organizations, Veterans, VFWs, the Guard, all over for Veterans and active military members,” Olander said.
The military jerseys will be raffled off throughout the game, with proceeds benefiting Veterans Community Project and Warriors Never Give Up.
“They both do great things to help Veterans and those who served in the military giving them some different opportunities. I just think they’re both terrific organizations and if we can help raise some money, that makes us feel good and that’s what this whole night’s all about,” Olander said.
“I was fortunate enough to do two years at West Point out of military academy and got to be around some of the best leaders in the world,” Stampede head coach Ryan Cruthers said.
Ryan Cruthers is in his first season as Stampede head coach, but understands the significance of Military Appreciation Night.
“It’s good for our guys as part of their growth and development to understand that we’re very fortunate to play this game. There are kids that are their age that are serving in the military and doing things that are way more dangerous and way more important than just playing the game of hockey, and for us to be able to honor them with a 60 minute hockey game is fun,” Cruthers said.
The Stampede play the Omaha Lancers on Saturday. The puck drops at 6:05.
Veterans can stop by the Stampede office before close of business on Friday, with a military ID, to receive free tickets to the game. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a camouflage Stampede hat.
