Warren Clark has been on the board of directors for the Swan Valley Stampeders for the last 15 years.
His father-in-law was one of the instrumental pieces that helped bring the Stampeders to town. So joining the board for Warren when he could was a no-brainer.
"Trying to keep up the tradition. I love hockey. I actually played with the Dauphin Kings in the 80s," said Clark. "It's something the town needs, I believe. I enjoy it. Meeting other people and being around, it's fun."
Clark is now serving as the organization's interim president. The team opens the new 2026-27 season on Friday, September 18. They're at the Roy H. Johnston Arena to play the Northern Manitoba Blizzard in the first of a home-and-home.
The Stampeders were founded in the 1999-2000 season. 25-plus years later, the team is still going strong.
"They draw business to town. The hotels and restaurants," commented Clark. "There's a good fanbase here. I really, really think when it's minus 30 in the winter, it's a great time to go with your friends and watch some pretty good hockey."
As the new season nears, the team is in need of board of directors. Warren says they're looking for three more after five left.
As a board of director, some tasks include finding volunteers for game days, spending time in the community during team events, and helping out with team fundraisers, to name a few.
By becoming a board of director for the Stampeders, you can play a vital role in keeping the organization thriving and in the community.
"If you enjoy hockey, you get to learn some of the behind the scenes," continued Clark. "Volunteering and giving back to something that means a lot to people in the Swan Valley."
After last month's devastating flood, the thought of hockey was put on the back burner for many. The community continues to show its resilience and is bouncing back.
The Stampeders faced heartbreak as well as their fundraiser that runs at the rodeo didn't go forward when the event in the community was cancelled.
Today as the community bounces back, there's a new mindset for some.
"I think we're getting back to normal in town," ended Clark. "Usually in August, everyone starts thinking about the hockey season because the ice gets put in. There's some excitement around town."
If you're interested in becoming a board member, you can reach out to Warren at 281-2029.
Stampeder Notes:
- The team recently held their annual general meeting. They brought in $517,755 this past season, compared to $457,079 last year;
- Game night numbers increased last season. The Stampeders brought in $40,484 on game nights. That's up from $39,709 the previous year;
- Ricky Barker has been hired as the team's director of marketing for the 2026-27 season;
- and the team's preseason begins on August 31 against Waywayseecappo. It's the first of a home-and-home between the two teams.
