General | 1/30/2025 9:07:43 AM

Two words often ring throughout the Denny Sanford Premier Center. Whether they’re coming from a Sioux Falls coach during practice or the home broadcast booth on a game night, they’re usually synonymous with the Stampede… Yeah Baby!

It’s the long-time goal call of broadcaster Jim Olander, who has worked his way up the organization’s totem pole over his 22 seasons. He first came to town as the team’s Broadcasting and Communications Manager and now serves as President and CEO – a title he took over for the 2018-19 season.

In a league that’s typically known for its turnover – whether that be on the ice, behind the bench, or in the front office – Olander has been a constant in Sioux Falls, and you won’t find many people as respected in their respective markets.

“Being here this long wasn’t really what I planned on when I first moved here, but I’ve always enjoyed my time, and the people on our staff and in the Sioux Falls community have made it such a special place,” Olander said. “I’ve really enjoyed being involved on both the business and hockey side too, and it’s just been a pleasure to be here as long as I have.”

Olander came to Sioux Falls with aspirations of working in pro hockey but was intrigued by the opportunity to call games. However, he quickly fell in love with the community and has only gotten more involved over the years – whether that be in sales, marketing, or coordinating volunteer activities. On top of continuing his play-by-play duties and racking up miles on the bus.

He’s worn a number of different hats and Olander added he’s always believed in the product the Stampede offer their fans. Along with the team’s ability to make an impact in the community.

“I probably have a little different perspective than your average team president and I’m seeing both sides close up, but I think that’s what makes the job fun,” Olander said. “It lets you get a good feel for the community and make sure we’re making smart business decisions, while also serving as a liaison between that business side and hockey ops.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Tony (Gasparini) and all of our coaches, and I’m extremely fortunate I get to be around the team as much as I am. We’re all trying to play a part in making the organization the best it can be and put ourselves in a position to be successful both on and off the ice.”

If you ask anybody around the organization about ‘Jimmy O’ you’ll be met with a smile and nothing but praise. He’s led the way with professionalism and an ‘elite business sense’ while also remaining a true competitor.

Sioux Falls has won three Clark Cups in his tenure and besides a few down years, the Stampede have been one of the USHL’s most consistent teams. Along with consistently ranking among the USHL’s attendance leaders.

He’s been a fixture behind it all.

“He’s been a huge part of the success we’ve has had here in Sioux Falls, especially at the box office,” said general manager Tony Gasparini. “He’s just a genuine, classy person and he’s put his heart and soul into the Sioux Falls Stampede. He’s put our organization amongst the best in junior hockey.”

“I think what Jim does so well is he creates a professional atmosphere for our fans and players while also understanding it’s ultimately junior hockey, and they’re kids,” added head coach Ryan Cruthers. “I think the way he’s able to blend that together and portray our organization to our fan base and the city of Sioux Falls is special, and he treats everyone so well.”

That respect goes beyond those currently in the organization too.

“The biggest thing that always stood out was how passionate he was about the team,” said Fargo head coach Brett Skinner, who spent five seasons as an assistant in Sioux Falls. “You obviously have to do a good job to be with an organization as long as he’s been, and even in the five years I was there we led the league in attendance and did a lot of work in the community. A lot of that started with the job he did.”

“Jimmy just has a tremendous relationship with everyone in that community, whether it’s media, sponsors or fans, and that’s invaluable,” added Scott Owens, who led the Stampede for five seasons. “He’s someone that has a tireless work ethic and has put in so much time over the years, and I know how much he means to that organization.

“Not only was he involved with the marketing and media when I was there, and he was broadcasting games and traveling with us too. But he was doing a little bit of everything in the front office, and he has so much respect and credibility. He’s just the heart and soul of that organization.”

Having someone in Olander’s position can be an invaluable resource for an organization, especially in a league like the USHL. He enjoys finding new ways to bring people to games while also knowing what the returning fans want to see.

Gasparini quipped that everyone in town knows Olander and added he’s ‘played a huge role’ in the rise of the Sioux Falls hockey scene. At the end of the day, he’s still a fan behind the mic too, and his passion is always on display.

“I think he sets such a good example for everyone in the organization and you see his passion for the logo every day,” Cruthers said. “Not only is he the most loyal employee and boss, but he’s also the most passionate fan of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

“He takes every win and loss to heart and he takes a lot of pride in what we do in the community, and he leads from the front. He’s always in the office, he’s on the bus with us and calling games, and he’s always doing something to enhance the player experience and fan experience.”

That’ll once again be on display in the coming weeks as Sioux Falls hosts its 18th annual Wiener Dog Races on Feb. 8 against Fargo.

It’ll be the 18th edition of the event, which goes back to an idea that started in Olander’s living room between he and his wife – girlfriend at the time – as they had a wiener dog themselves.

The event has become a viral sensation and garnered plenty of attention in recent years – whether that be Aaron Judge wearing the jersey or the highlights appearing on SportsCenter. The team even recently sold a jersey to a fan in Australia, who sent a message that they became a fan after a Wiener Dog Night and have since bought a FloHockey subscription to watch games.

The Stampede will once again rebrand their identity and are using a black-out theme this year, both with uniforms and towels in the stands. Advanced ticket sales are higher than ever and the organization has seen a continued spike in merchandise sales.

It takes an entire staff to make it happen and countless hours of work are put in behind the scenes, and Olander wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s part of what’s made the last 20-plus years so special.

“Fortunately it’s continued to get bigger and better every year, but we never would’ve imagined it becoming what it has,” Olander said. “I think our challenge now is how do we make the game better and find new ways to engage with our fans. Whether that’s the intro video at the beginning, the jerseys we wear, the races – Just really making it a fun and entertaining night for families and giving them a reason to come out.

“I always say you don’t have to be a hockey fan to come to Wiener Dogs Night, but you’re going to leave one. So it’s a special night for our organization and the Sioux Falls community, and it’s something our staff should all be proud of. Because it takes a lot of work and really shows how fortunate we are as an organization.”