Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Craig Sarner returns to Sioux Falls as Director of Player Personnel

Press Release

Sioux Falls, SD—The Sioux Falls Stampede are proud to announce the return of Craig Sarner as Director of Player Personnel. Sarner served in the same role with the club from 2005 to 2007 and helped build the Stampede’s Anderson Cup championship team in 2005-06 and Clark Cup championship team in 2006-07. He replaces John Rosso who recently accepted an assistant coaching position with Division I Mercyhurst College.

The St. Paul, MN native left the Stampede after the 2007 season to pursue other opportunities. He joined the Omaha Lancers organization in 2008 where he served as Director of Scouting for the past two seasons. This past year, the Lancers finished with the best record in the West Division at 42-12-6 and advanced to the West Division Finals before falling in five games to Fargo.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Craig back on our staff,” said Stampede head coach/GM Kevin Hartzell. “He is a good friend of mine and of the Stampede organization. There is no question Craig will have an immediate impact on our team. He has one of the best eyes for talent in hockey and we look forward to working with him again.”

Sarner has an impressive hockey resume which includes playing collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota, professional hockey with the Boston Bruins organization and several years of pro hockey overseas. Prior to joining the Stampede in 2006, Sarner served as a scout with the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL. He also has over 20 years of coaching experience which includes 12 years as a head coach in both the German and Swiss professional leagues.

Stampede players report next weekend for training camp and open the regular season in Sioux City on October 2nd. The Stampede’s home opener is set for Friday, October 15th at 7:05 PM against the U.S. Under-18 Development Team. Season tickets are now available along with the all new “E-Z Game Tickets.” Visit the Stampede website at: www.sfstampede.com or contact the office at: 605-336-6060 for more information.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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