The Swan Valley Stampeders are turning their attention toward a return to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs while also finding new ways to strengthen the organization’s financial future.
Following the club’s annual general meeting earlier this month, Stampeders governor and interim president Warren Clark said the organization’s biggest priority is getting back into the postseason after missing the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.
“I think the big thing everyone’s focusing on is we’ve got to make the playoffs,” Clark said. “We have about 22 players who are eligible to return, so we’re hoping to get the majority of them back and get off to a better start than we’ve had the last couple of seasons.”
Clark said slow starts have put the Stampeders behind early in each of the last two years, something the club hopes to change heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
“We need a jump. It seems like we’re always a little behind after the first month, so that’s a big focus for us.”
The annual general meeting, held July 13th at the Westwood Inn Banquet Room, highlighted positive financial growth for the organization. The Stampeders reported total revenue of $517,755 during the 2025-26 season, up from $457,079 the previous year. Game-day revenue also increased from $39,709 to $40,484, while planned event revenue climbed to $139,149.
The organization also announced several changes off the ice. Four board members stepped down following the season, while Ricky Barker has transitioned from the board into the club’s new Director of Marketing role. The Stampeders are now looking to fill several vacancies on their board of directors.
While the financial report showed growth, Clark acknowledged the club has faced fundraising challenges this summer after flooding in the Swan Valley forced the cancellation of several annual fundraising opportunities, including the club’s agricultural project and fair activities.
“We’re going to have to get creative,” Clark said. “We’re looking at starting our Holiday Lotto earlier, possibly adding a progressive 50-50, and really focusing on corporate sponsorship. Ricky has already been out talking to businesses, and we’ve had some sponsors increase their support.”
Clark added that attracting more fans to the Centennial Arena remains one of the club’s biggest priorities.
“The key thing for us is getting more people in the seats.”
One of the organization’s major fundraising initiatives will be the first-ever Swan Valley Stampeders Memorial Golf Tournament on Aug. 23.
Rather than a traditional tournament, this year’s event will honour three longtime supporters who played significant roles in the franchise: Lorne Henkelman, Rick Reich and Dave Bettesworth.
“Lorne was one of the people who helped bring the team to Swan River. Rick was instrumental in our fundraising efforts and was a longtime board member and billet parent. Dave was a former assistant coach and one of our biggest supporters,” Clark said.
The $100-per-player tournament will feature hole-in-one prizes, corporate sponsorship opportunities and a post-round supper inspired by one of Bettesworth’s favourite meals.
“We’re hoping it’s a great day,” Clark said. “It’s a chance to raise money for the hockey club while celebrating three people who helped make the Stampeders what they are today.”
On the ice, head coach and general manager Josh Tripp told those attending the AGM the club could return much of last season’s roster, with the majority of players eligible to come back.
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