Watertown Shamrocks Launch Dakota Buffalo Cup Rivalry Series
- Steve Jurrens
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD – The Watertown Shamrocks will open their 2025–26 season this weekend with a new layer of competition: the Buffalo Wild Wings Dakota Buffalo Cup. The Cup is a three-year partnership between the Shamrocks, Aberdeen Wings, Bismarck Bobcats, Minot Minotauros, and Buffalo Wild Wings, designed to elevate regional rivalries across the Dakotas.
Under the agreement, all regular-season games between the four teams will count toward the Dakota Buffalo Cup standings. The point system will follow the standard format used by the North American Hockey League (NAHL). No additional games have been added beyond the existing schedule.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this announcement for the brand new Buffalo Wild Wings Dakota Buffalo Cup,” said Shamrocks President Ryan Bisgard. “The Cup will help add to the already existing rivalries between all of the Dakota teams and will enhance the fan and player experience. We’re grateful to the staff in Bismarck, Minot, and Aberdeen, along with Buffalo Wild Wings, for helping put together this partnership.”
The Shamrocks begin Cup play on Friday, September 19, with a road game against the Aberdeen Wings, followed by a home matchup on Saturday, September 20. The full Dakota Buffalo Cup schedule includes 24 games, with matchups running through April.
Watertown’s Dakota Buffalo Cup Schedule:
· Sept. 19–20: vs. @ Aberdeen
· Oct. 3–4: vs. Minot
· Oct. 18–19: vs. Bismarck
· Nov. 26: @ Aberdeen
· Nov. 28–29: @ Minot
· Dec. 19–20: vs. Bismarck
· Jan. 30–31: vs. Minot
· Feb. 6–7: @ Bismarck
· Feb. 13–14: @ vs. Aberdeen
· Feb. 20–21: @ Minot
· Mar. 5–6: @ Bismarck
· Mar. 17: vs. Aberdeen
· Apr. 10–11: vs. @ Aberdeen
The Dakota Buffalo Cup is expected to deepen fan engagement and add competitive intensity to existing rivalries. Standings will be updated throughout the season, with regional pride and bragging rights on the line.
