Cary Eades Named Head Coach/GM of Sioux Falls Stampede

[chilly666]

Sioux Falls, SD-The Sioux Falls Stampede are pleased to announce the hiring of former North Dakota associate head coach Cary Eades as their new head coach and general manager. The team came to an agreement early this morning and will hold a press conference today (Friday) at 3:45 PM in the front lobby of the Sioux Falls Arena.

"Our ownership group and front office are extremely excited about Cary joining the Stampede as our new head coach and general manager," said Stampede President & CEO Tom Garrity. "Cary brings a successful track record of winning and a wealth of experience in developing young players into future college and NHL stars. Cary immediately jumped to the top of our wish list with his passion for developing players, commitment to winning and being an important part of the Sioux Falls community," added Garrity.

There is no question winning has followed Eades wherever he has gone. He holds a very impressive coaching resume that includes 15 years of coaching at the University of North Dakota (1984-91 & 2004-12). Most recently, Eades has spent the last eight seasons at North Dakota, two years as an assistant coach and six years as associate head coach. During that time, North Dakota captured at least one championship each year: a WCHA regular season title, a WCHA post-season title or an NCAA Regional. With Eades behind the bench, the Fighting Sioux competed in five of the last eight NCAA Frozen Four tournaments and won three straight WCHA Final Five tournament championships (2010, 2011 & 2012). In his first stint with North Dakota, he helped coach the team to a WCHA and NCAA championship in 1987.

"I'm extremely excited and honored to be named the next head coach and general manager of the Sioux Falls Stampede," said Eades. "I would like to acknowledge Kevin Hartzell's contributions to the program, and thank him for his seven year commitment to the Stampede."

Eades coached 17 players that went on to play in the NHL while at UND, including former Stampede stars Joe Finley, Brad Malone and T.J. Oshie. During his first seven seasons working alongside Dave Hakstol, 33 players were selected in the NHL Entry Draft, including Finley, Malone and Oshie. Hakstol and Eades went 213-106-30 overall while coaching together for an impressive .653 winning percentage.

"During our discussions in the past couple of days, the new ownership group has shown a tremendous commitment to reestablishing Sioux Falls as a "major player" in the extremely talented and competitive environment of the USHL," stated Eades. "I am thrilled in the confidence they have displayed in me and I'm anxious to get started. With the upcoming USHL draft and Stampede team try-out, there is plenty of work on the immediate horizon," added Eades.

Prior to his second tenure in North Dakota, Eades spent 11 seasons (1993-2004) as the head coach at Warroad High School in Warroad, Minnesota. Under Eades, the Warriors won three Minnesota State "A" championships, including their first ever state championship in 1994. He posted a career record of 237-62-6 (78.7%) while at Warroad where he was named the 1996 Minnesota State High School Coach of the Year. He also coached seven players who went on to serve as captains a seven different WCHA schools.

Eades vast coaching background also includes the USHL. He served as the head coach and general manager of the Dubuque Fighting Saints from 1991-1993. He led the Saints to a national championship and was named USHL General Manger of the Year during the 1991-92 season. During his time in Dubuque, he posted an overall record of 86-46-7 and helped 18 players receive full Division I scholarships. The Saints qualified for the National Junior Tournament and the Clark Cup Finals in each of his two seasons in Dubuque.

His playing experience includes four years at the University of North Dakota (1978-1982) where he played on three WCHA championship teams and two NCAA championship teams. He went on to play professional hockey within the St. Louis Blues organization.

Eades was a 2011 inductee to the Warroad High School Athletic Hall of Fame and a 2012 inductee to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame.