Clarky Awards Celebrate Excellence in the USHL
The United States Hockey League (USHL) has revealed the first‑ever class of Clarky Award winners, a new honor that spotlights the league’s most innovative, community‑driven and professionally‑produced clubs.
The Green Bay Gamblers captured the Ticketing Initiative of the Year for their creative Dash for Cash promotion, while Jim Olander of the Sioux Falls Stampede was named Broadcaster of the Year for his distinguished coverage.
The Fargo Force dominated the community‑focused categories, earning both Community Engagement Club of the Year for raising more than $180,000 for local causes and Game Presentation Club of the Year for a polished pre‑game show and production team.
D.C. Eagle, the mascot of the Madison Capitals, was crowned Mascot of the Year, and the Capitals themselves took home Promotion of the Year for their Birds Aren’t Real event.
Kyle Ebach from the Force was recognized as Sales Professional of the Year, and the Force also secured Social Media Club of the Year honors for its consistent, engaging content across platforms.
The Sioux Falls Stampede received Sponsorship Activation of the Year for its Score‑4‑Chicken partnership with Chick‑fil‑A, while Jacob Thrush of the Capitals earned Sales Rookie of the Year.
Beyond the awards, the USHL highlighted its player‑first philosophy, boasting over 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020 and maintaining a 2:1 practice‑to‑game ratio with 90 % of games scheduled on weekends.
League officials said the Clarky Awards underscore a commitment to fostering environments where clubs can innovate, connect with fans and develop talent that eventually reaches the NCAA and NHL levels.