Watertown, SD — The Watertown Shamrocks have been named the North American Hockey League’s 2024-25 Organization of the Year.
“We are so honored to accept the league award of Organization of the Year,” said Shamrocks’ President Ryan Bisgard. “Thanks to the dedication of the players, coaching staff, front office, game day staff, and most importantly, the community of Watertown, the Shamrocks have been able to build a long-lasting foundation for years to come. I am immensely proud of what our organization has been able to achieve in such a short amount of time and can’t wait to see what is in store for Watertown, on and off the ice.”
In the organizations first year in the league, the Shamrocks turned in a phenomenal season off the ice. With the help of the best fans in the NAHL, Watertown sold out 20 of their 29 regular season home games and reached a capacity crowd five times. Financially, the Shamrocks secured partnerships with 65 individual businesses across the community who have all helped the organization maintain the highest standards and amenities for it’s players and staff.
“We appreciate the recognition offered by the league to our staff,” said Vince Foley, the Chairman of the Shamrocks. “Our front office, broadcast team, athletic training, and coaches worked tirelessly and brought imagination and energy to creating a Shamrocks team Watertown can be proud to call its own. We also appreciate the support and mentorship of the other Central Division teams’ staff as our team worked through our build-out.”
The team also makes a variety of contributions to the community. The team spent 972 hours volunteering in town for Joy Ranch, Watertown Youth Hockey, Watertown Lions Club, Watertown’s Girls Rule, Watertown’s People Against Child Hunger, Salvation Army, and reading at local elementary or volunteering at The Village of Harmony Hills assisted living facility. The organizations commitment to community involvement was highlighted earlier this week when forward Owen Chartier was named the NAHL’s Community Service Award winner.
Through auctions such as game worn jerseys or first goal pucks, where the Shamrocks raised $49,864 in total, or Teddy Bear Toss Night, when the fans helped donate 612 in stuffed animals to the Salvation Army, the community engagement has been an integral part of the Shamrocks philanthropic work. The involvement and character of the Shamrocks players is something that the community has recognized since day one and is one of the most important things that Head Coach and General Manager Casey Kirley has tried to instill in his players.
On the ice, the team put together a tremendous second half of the season to help pave the way for year two under Kirley. After a slow start to the year, the Shamrocks went 14-11-0-4 after the turn of the calendar collecting 32 of a possible 58 points propelling them to a 6th place finish in the Central Division. Additionally, the team has helped over 12 players reach collegiate hockey commitments so far.
The Shamrocks are already off to tremendous start heading into the 2025-26 season. Season tickets are already currently full with a waiting list that is over 200 tickets deep and are looking forward to adding to their success heading into their second season.