Sioux Falls, SD – A record-breaking crowd of 11,167 packed the Denny Sanford Premier Center Saturday night to witness the Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener Dogs defeat the Des Moines Buccaneers 4-1. The attendance figure surpasses last year’s mark of 11,029, set during the Sioux Nation Pet Clinic Wiener Dog Races, making it the largest hockey crowd in state history. The victory also marks the Fighting Wiener Dogs’ eighth consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the USHL Western Conference.
The annual “Wiener Dog Night” proved to be a significant draw for fans, combining the excitement of USHL hockey with the popular wiener dog races benefiting the Dakota Dachshund Rescue. On the ice, Joseph McGraw, Ryder Betzold, Logan Renkowski, and Cooper Soller each scored for Sioux Falls, contributing to a dominant performance. The team’s success is particularly notable as they continue a winning streak that has propelled them to the forefront of the league.
The Fighting Wiener Dogs quickly took control of the game, scoring three times in the opening period. Linards Feldbergs, the team’s goaltender, was instrumental in securing the win, making 28 saves and earning his league-leading 24th victory of the season, according to reports from the Sioux Falls Stampede. Ryder Betzold added to his impressive night with a goal and an assist, finishing with two points.
Wiener Dogs Dominate Western Conference Standings
With the win, the Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener Dogs improved their season record to 31-13-2, accumulating 64 points and securing first place in the USHL Western Conference standings. This performance demonstrates the team’s consistent strength and positions them favorably as the season progresses. The Buccaneers struggled to respond, with their lone goal coming late in the game as they attempted to mount a comeback with an empty net.
The game was described as “physical and high-energy” by KELOLAND.com, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup. Feldbergs’ performance in goal was crucial, consistently thwarting the Buccaneers’ offensive efforts and maintaining the Wiener Dogs’ lead throughout the contest.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Wiener Dog Races Benefit Local Rescue
Saturday’s event wasn’t solely focused on hockey. The 19th annual wiener dog races, a beloved tradition, took place alongside the game, raising funds for the Dakota Dachshund Rescue. Simon emerged victorious in the races, dethroning last year’s champion, Rockefeller, as reported by the USHL. This charitable component added another layer of community engagement to the evening’s festivities.
The Fighting Wiener Dogs capitalized on their momentum, adding a fourth goal in the final seconds of the game with the Buccaneers’ net empty. This final tally sealed the victory and underscored the team’s offensive prowess. The Buccaneers were unable to overcome the early deficit and the strong defensive play of the Sioux Falls team.
Looking Ahead: Stampede Face Fargo Force
The Sioux Falls team will return to action as the Stampede on Sunday, February 16, 2026, when they host the Fargo Force at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. Fans can expect another competitive matchup as the Stampede look to extend their winning streak and maintain their lead in the Western Conference. The team’s recent success and strong home-ice advantage will likely play a key role in their upcoming game.
The continued success of the Sioux Falls hockey team, coupled with community events like the wiener dog races, demonstrates the growing popularity of the sport in the region. The record-breaking attendance at Saturday’s game is a testament to the team’s appeal and the enthusiastic support of its fans. Share your thoughts on the Wiener Dogs’ winning streak and the exciting atmosphere at the Premier Center in the comments below.