The Stampede players and new head coach are looking forward to the home opener on Saturday

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Today was hockey media day in two locations. We met the new Stampede head coach and several players.

They are looking forward to the home opener on Saturday after three away games.

And new Stampede head coach Ryan Cruthers knows what to expect from fans after being here as an assistant coach two years ago.

As for his players, they're excited to finally step on the ice at Denny in front of the crowd they've heard about.

Stampede head coach Ryan Cruthers said, “There’s nothing like hearing it and feeling it for the first time. So we have to control our emotions, but I think we will have a little more energy and compete in front of our fans.”

Stampede captain Brock James says, “There's no better rink in junior hockey, so I think those two things combined make for an amazing fan base. “It's a whole other level of pride.”

Aiden Wright, Stampede goaltender, said, “It's a great fan base, so I'm excited to see what it's like on Saturday because I've heard great things about the fan base and I'm ready to give them winning hockey.”

The Herd are off to a 2-1 start to the away season and feel like they have a very athletic and entertaining team to look forward to.

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