PIERRE, S.D. (August 4, 2026) – The Oahe Hockey Association will welcome three-time Stanley Cup champion and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Rafalski and Pittsburgh Penguins draftee Carter Sanderson for a special fundraising event on Friday, August 14, at Drifters Bar & Grille in Fort Pierre. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Rafalski and Sanderson will share stories from their hockey careers, reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their paths in the sport, and discuss the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
The evening will also celebrate the progress of OHA’s Capitalize on the Future Campaign and the community support helping transform the Ice Barn into a game-ready facility. OHA Campaign President Nick Marso said the event will give the community an opportunity to hear from two accomplished players whose character and commitment have been as important as their success on the ice. “We’re really excited to host Brian and Carter for this event. Both of them are exceptional hockey players, but not only that, they’re just great human beings and they’ve done the right things and gone about it the right way to get to this point in their careers. It’s going to be a great night for our local hockey community and a great way to raise some funds to see the Ice Barn project come to completion.”
Rafalski played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League and won three Stanley Cup championships during his career. He also represented the United States in three Olympic Games and was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014. Sanderson grew up playing hockey in Pierre before advancing to the junior level and is set to begin his collegiate career at the University of North Dakota in 2027. His selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft marked a major milestone for Sanderson and made South Dakota hockey history, as he became the first player from the state to be drafted into the NHL. Sanderson said year-round access to the Ice Barn has played an important role in his development and believes the renovation will create similar opportunities for future generations. “For me, coming back to Pierre and being able to skate during the summer has been a huge blessing. It’s helped me prepare for camps, future season, and it’s improved my development drastically. I’d say growing up in Pierre and having access to a year-round ice facility helped me become a better hockey player. Upgrading the Ice Barn will provide the great opportunities needed for the next generation of hockey players in central South Dakota for many and many years to come.”
The August 14 event comes as construction continues on the third and final phase of OHA’s multi-year effort to improve ice facilities in Pierre and Fort Pierre. More than $3.1 million has been secured through contributions from individuals, families, businesses and foundations. Purchased by OHA in 2016, the Ice Barn is one of South Dakota’s few year-round ice facilities. The renovation will transform the building from a heavily used practice facility into a game-ready, spectator-capable venue able to host hockey games, figure skating, recreational skating, tournaments and community events. Planned improvements include expanded locker rooms and referee facilities, new concessions, restrooms and warming areas, parking lot improvements, and additional support and operational spaces. The broader project has also included spectator seating, fire suppression, scoreboard and sound system upgrades.
Once completed, the Ice Barn will provide expanded opportunities for local athletes and families while strengthening the Pierre and Fort Pierre area’s ability to host tournaments, competitions and other events that bring visitors to the region. Rafalski said his past experience with the Pierre hockey community makes the opportunity to support the project especially meaningful. “Very excited to help Pierre hockey make the final push towards their new ice rink! The hospitality that they showed during COVID to my program was something that our families always talk about. Can’t wait to be there again!”
The Oahe Hockey Association provides year-round opportunities in hockey, figure skating and recreational skating. OHA serves more than 2,000 youth annually and hosts more than 130 games and multiple tournaments each year.
Tickets for the August 14 event are $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight. Attire is business casual.
Event Details
Friday, August 14, 2026
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Drifters Bar & Grille
325 E. Hustan Avenue
Fort Pierre, South Dakota
Tickets may be reserved at https://givebutter.com/CapitalsOAHEHockeyCapitalizeontheFuture
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