THE HIGHLAND THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE

The Sioux Falls Stampede are the 2026 Clark Cup champions.

 

On May 23 at Trinity Health Arena in Muskegon, the Stampede finished the job with a 4-3 double overtime win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks, closing out the Clark Cup Final and adding a fourth championship to the Sioux Falls record book.

 

It was not easy, it was not clean, and nobody handed it to them. Muskegon pushed hard, tied the game late, and forced Sioux Falls to go through the kind of finish that tests every part of a hockey team.

 

The Stampede passed that test.

 

Muskegon opened the scoring in the first period when Jack Christ buried a rebound after Carter Amico's shot worked its way through traffic. Sioux Falls answered just over two minutes later on the power play, with J.J. Monteiro finishing a rebound of his own to tie the game. Muskegon came out with energy. Sioux Falls had an answer for it.

 

Brent Solomon gave the Stampede their first lead on the man advantage, tapping in a backdoor feed from Cooper Soller. Muskegon came right back, with Louis Jonerheim using his size around the goal line to force home the tying goal. Through forty minutes, the game was tied and neither team could find a way to pull ahead.

 

Monteiro changed that early in the third. He caught a stretch pass through the neutral zone, protected the puck on his way to the net, and beat Carl Axelsson to give Sioux Falls a 3-2 lead. For most of the third period, it held.

 

Muskegon was not done. With the goalie pulled and 1:28 left in regulation, Melvin Novotny hammered a one-timer to tie the game and send the Clark Cup Final to overtime for the second straight night. One night earlier, Muskegon had used a late rally and a double overtime goal to keep its season alive. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks were trying to drag the series back to Sioux Falls.

 

Feldbergs stopped 41 of 44 shots and shut the door when the game was tilting most. That included a crucial save shortly before Joey Macrina ended it. In double overtime, Macrina took the puck in transition, attacked off the rush, and scored the championship goal.

 

The final score will show Sioux Falls 4, Muskegon 3. The better explanation is that Sioux Falls won because the things they did all year held up when it mattered most. The Stampede had goaltending. They had special teams. They had enough scoring depth to get goals from Monteiro, Solomon, and Macrina. They pushed back every time Muskegon grabbed momentum. They did not collapse after Novotny tied it with 88 seconds left.

 

Sioux Falls' playoff path had already demanded plenty before the Final. After a first-round bye, the Stampede fell behind Lincoln 2-0 in the Western Conference Semifinal, then won three straight to advance. Against Fargo in the Western Conference Final, Sioux Falls again had to come through a five-game series, winning Game 5 by a 3-2 score to take the West. By the time the Stampede reached Muskegon, they had already been through enough to know how to survive a bad stretch.

 

The regular season made the case before the playoffs started. Sioux Falls finished 43-16-3-0, posted the best record in the Western Conference, led the USHL with 41 regulation and overtime wins, ranked second in the league in goals per game, and ranked third in goals against. This was not a team built around one line or one way to win.

 

Monteiro delivered two of the biggest goals of the night. Solomon cashed in on a critical power-play look. Macrina scored the championship goal. Feldbergs gave them everything they needed in goal when the game was hardest to hold.

 

Championships at this level are not just about skill. They are about how a team answers when things go wrong. Sioux Falls had to respond to series deficits, road pressure, late goals, and a Muskegon team that kept finding ways to stay alive.

 

On May 23, Sioux Falls had enough.

 

They left Muskegon with a 4-3 double overtime win, a 3-1 series victory, and the 2026 Clark Cup.

 

So who were they?

 

Behind everything written above, behind every big save and every answer goal and every overtime push, there was a roster. Not a concept. Not a system. A specific group of people who showed up every night from October through May and built something worth remembering.

 

This is who carried the 2026 Clark Cup back to Sioux Falls:

 

A mobile forward from Champlin, Minnesota, Solomon blossomed into one of the USHL's most dangerous scorers during Sioux Falls' championship run. He logged 24 goals and 29 assists in the regular season and was picked by Detroit in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Listed at 5 foot 10 and 175 pounds, he uses quick edges and a powerful stride to create separation and finish plays. Solomon will continue his development at the University of Wisconsin, where his scoring touch and versatility should translate well.

Stuart joined the Stampede after a midseason trade from Muskegon and immediately brought a winning pedigree. The 5 foot 9 center from Manhattan Beach, California played in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, won a 15U national title with the LA Jr. Kings, and comes from a hockey family, his father Brad played 16 seasons in the NHL. He logged 14 points with Muskegon before the trade and continued to contribute reliable two-way play with Sioux Falls. A University of Denver commit, Stuart's high motor and hockey sense make him a valuable middle-six option.

Zocco's offensive flair was a driving force in Sioux Falls' title push. The Staten Island native had recorded 53 points in 49 games with Coquitlam in the BCHL before moving to the USHL and maintained better than a point-per-game pace, earning Player of the Week honors when he erupted for seven points over a weekend. At 5 foot 10 and 186 pounds he combines a stocky frame with quick hands and a heavy shot, making him dangerous on the rush and along the wall. He is committed to Merrimack College and should provide instant offense when he reaches the NCAA.

A diminutive but fearless winger at 5 foot 5 and 154 pounds, Macrina earned a reputation for big-game heroics. He potted 19 goals and 22 assists in 59 regular season games and added three goals and four assists in the playoffs. One of his biggest moments came with an overtime winner early in the season that underscored his clutch gene. Committed to Quinnipiac University for 2026-27, the Collegeville, Pennsylvania product should fit well in a program that values pace and skill.

Soller exploded in his first full USHL season, capturing Rookie of the Year honors after leading all rookies with 26 goals, 23 assists, and seven game-winning goals. The Michigan native was a third-round pick in the 2024 Phase I draft and his shooting mentality, reflected in 199 shots on goal, showcased both confidence and accuracy. At 5 foot 11 and 173 pounds he plays bigger than his size, driving to the net and scoring in high-traffic areas. He is committed to Western Michigan University and was ranked 140th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, making him a prospect to watch.

 

The lone European forward on Sioux Falls' roster, Öhman arrived from the Chicago Steel via trade and brought veteran savvy. The Bålsta, Sweden native had 9 goals and 24 assists in 37 games at the time of the deal and finished the campaign with multiple multi-point efforts. Despite being just 5 foot 7 and 174 pounds, he plays a fearless, puck-possession style and had already logged more than 150 USHL games before the season ended. He is committed to Colgate University, where his playmaking and experience should make him a valuable addition.

An alternate captain and emotional leader, McGraw is a power forward from Sugar Land, Texas who pivoted his career path to join Ohio State University after decommitting from the U.S. Military Academy. He recorded 13 goals and 20 assists in 49 games for Sioux Falls and previously amassed 96 points over 162 NAHL games. Known for his relentless forecheck and willingness to drive the net, he also chipped in a hat trick during last season's playoffs. Ohio State fans can expect a mature, north-south winger with leadership qualities.

Renkowski was the Stampede's sniper, scoring 43 goals and adding 20 assists in the regular season. The Nesconset, New York native was released early in the year but returned and nearly broke Thomas Vanek's single-season goal record thanks to his lethal release and nose for the net. He also excelled in the NAHL, tallying 34 points in 56 games before moving to the USHL. A University of Vermont commit and team captain, Renkowski provides scoring and leadership to a Catamounts program looking for impact forwards.

Holtby is a hard-nosed forward from Victor, New York who combines size and grit. Standing 6 foot 1 and 205 pounds, he tallied seven goals and ten assists in 55 games while racking up significant penalty minutes. His heavy frame and willingness to engage physically make him effective on the forecheck and in net-front battles. He is committed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will add size and toughness to the Black Knights' lineup.

Monteiro, a 5 foot 11, 198-pound right shot from Hudson, Massachusetts, served as co-captain and blossomed into a playmaking winger. He produced 16 goals and 35 assists in 55 games and recorded a hat trick on February 28 during the previous season. Known for his versatility and ability to elevate teammates, he enjoyed a four-point weekend late in the season. Monteiro is committed to Providence College and projects as a top-six forward at the NCAA level.

A tenacious two-way center from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Schultz was a midseason acquisition who promptly exploded with a three-goal, four-assist weekend that earned him USHL Player of the Week honors. Listed at 5 foot 8 and 178 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame, driving play and excelling in the faceoff circle. Schultz spent two seasons with the Waterloo Black Hawks and is known for his leadership and work ethic, even helping coach youth skills camps. He is committed to the University of North Dakota, where his two-way game should mesh well.

Chouha is an energetic winger from Freehold, New Jersey who joined the Stampede from the Langley Rivermen. At 5 foot 10 and 163 pounds, he plays with speed and quick hands and recorded six goals and eight assists over 17 games. He was part of Team USA's Select 17 Festival and is committed to Sacred Heart University, set to join the 2026 class. Chouha's high-motor style should help the Pioneers as they continue to build their program.

A speedy winger from Farmington, Minnesota, Betzold delivered consistent production with 15 goals and 27 assists across 61 games. He highlighted his season by scoring a goal and four assists over two games to claim USHL Player of the Week honors. Though listed at just 5 foot 8 and 150 pounds, he plays with tenacity and is effective on the penalty kill and in transition. Betzold is committed to Arizona State University and adds depth scoring and speed to the Sun Devils.

Grimes emerged as an offensive defenseman during the championship run, scoring nine goals and adding 26 assists over 60 games. The 6 foot 1, 185-pound left shot also earned USHL Defenseman of the Week honors after a two-goal, two-assist performance. His skating and puck-moving ability have drawn attention from NHL scouts; he is ranked for the 2026 draft and has flipped his NCAA commitment from Minnesota to Boston College. With his combination of size, vision, and offensive instincts, Grimes is poised to impact the Eagles' blue line.

Jakobsen is a Danish blueliner standing 6 foot 2 and 187 pounds who joined Sioux Falls from the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL. He provided a steady defensive presence, tallying three goals and five assists over 29 games while adapting quickly to the USHL's pace. Known for his long reach and ability to close gaps, he also represented Denmark in international tournaments. Jakobsen is committed to St. Cloud State University, where his two-way game and international experience should serve him well.

A rugged defenseman from Syracuse, New York, Weil plays a hard-nosed style. At 5 foot 10 and 174 pounds, he posted three goals, seven assists, and 153 penalty minutes in 55 games. Prior to joining Sioux Falls, he honed his game with the Maine Nordiques and Bishop Kearney Selects and is praised for his compete level and willingness to block shots. Weil is committed to the University of Maine and will bolster the Black Bears' blue line with his physicality and leadership.

Mannausau is a dependable left-shot defenseman from Bemidji, Minnesota. The 6 foot, 185-pound rearguard recorded four goals and 16 assists over 59 games while providing sound positional play. He previously skated for the Wisconsin Windigo in the NAHL and was recognized for his solid defensive fundamentals. Mannausau is committed to Augustana University and joined the Vikings' first Division I class in January 2026.

Bongo is a mobile right-shot defender from Ridgefield, Connecticut who brings an offensive element to the back end. At 5 foot 10 and 165 pounds, he produced five goals and 25 assists over 62 games. Bongo previously played for the storied Shattuck St. Mary's program and was selected for the USA Hockey Boys 17 Festival. A Michigan commit, he carries the puck with confidence and will add puck-moving ability to the Wolverines' blue line.

Prunty quickly became one of the USHL's top rookie defenders, racking up four goals and 33 assists for 37 points and a plus-5 rating. His 33 assists led all rookie defensemen and earned him a spot on the USHL All-Rookie First Team, highlighting his puck-moving ability. A product of the Northeast, Prunty also represented Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge and won gold. He is committed to the University of Massachusetts and is expected to quarterback the power play for the Minutemen.

Esche, the son of former NHL netminder Robert Esche, brings size and pedigree to the crease. Standing 6 foot 2 and 205 pounds, he went 8-4-1 with a 3.17 goals-against average and .880 save percentage during the regular season. His play earned him an invitation to the Philadelphia Flyers' development camp. Still uncommitted to an NCAA program, Esche is a late bloomer whose size and NHL bloodlines make him an intriguing prospect.

Feldbergs delivered one of the USHL's best goaltending performances, backstopping Sioux Falls with a 2.50 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. The 6 foot 1, 194-pound Latvian garnered international attention at the 2025 World Junior Championship when he turned aside 55 shots to help Latvia upset Canada. He recorded multiple shutouts in USHL play and was ranked 13th among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting. Feldbergs is committed to Merrimack College and will join the Warriors in 2026-27, bringing athleticism and a track record of performing when the stakes are highest.

 

To every player on this roster: Congratulations and well done.

 

You came to Sioux Falls with something to prove, and you proved it on the biggest stage in junior hockey. You won battles in October that nobody remembers and battles in May that nobody will forget. You came back from deficits. You held leads when they were hardest to hold. You played through the kind of pressure that ends most seasons and you did not blink.

 

The 2026 Clark Cup belongs to you. Every last one of you earned it.