Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview
April 29, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release
Cross-State Trip
With a two-games-to-none lead in the best-of-five Clark Cup Semifinals, the Black Hawks travel to Sioux City on Friday in need of just one win to advance to the championship round. Waterloo claimed the Clark Cup exactly ten years ago next Monday. The club is seeking to reach the Finals for the fifth time in eleven seasons; over the same span, the Green Bay Gamblers and Fargo Force (three times each) are the next most prolific teams to advance to the last series. Meanwhile, the Musketeers endeavor to stretch this round to a fourth game, which would be played Sunday. If necessary, Game Five would be held in Waterloo next Tuesday.
Sheehy Tough to Stop
Forward Tyler Sheehy has recorded at least one point in all five playoff games thus far, including four multipoint efforts. The future Minnesota Gopher notched the winning goal during Waterloo's 3-1 victory in Game Two against Sioux City Saturday. Among his ten points, Sheehy has three goals and three assists during power play time. However, he has been reliable at even strength too, earning a +5 plus/minus differential.
Increased Accuracy
During the 2013/14 regular season, the Black Hawks scored on 9.9% of their 2,436 shots on goal. The percentage ranked just 11th in the 16-team United States Hockey League. However, in the playoffs, Waterloo's accuracy has been boosted to 12.1%. Individually, Drew Melanson leads the Hawks during the postseason, scoring four goals on 13 shots (30.8%).
A Former Musketeer
Defenseman Dane Cooper is the latest in a series of Black Hawks to face a team he previously skated for during the USHL playoffs. In 2012, Mitch Witek tallied two goals and an assist for Waterloo versus the Green Bay Gamblers in the Clark Cup Finals. Jon Madden was in the lineup when the Hawks faced the Indiana Ice for one game in 2007. Tim Madsen celebrated a championship against his former Tri-City Storm teammates in 2004. Ross Carlson and Andy Nelson were instrumental in helping Waterloo past the Des Moines Buccaneers in 2003; Carlson scored four goals in the four-game first round set against the Bucs.
Weekly Recap
Drew Melanson and Tyler Sheehy both scored during each of the Black Hawks' wins against the Sioux City Musketeers Friday and Saturday. Waterloo won the series-opener 3-2 on Friday, then followed up 3-1 in Game Two on Saturday. The Black Hawks are now 4-0 on home ice during the 2014 playoffs. Patrick Russell and Liam Pecararo contributed the other weekend Waterloo goals, while goaltender Cal Petersen recorded the sixth and seventh playoff wins of his junior career.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from April 29, 2014
- Drake Announces Commitment - Des Moines Buccaneers
- World-Renowned Power Edge Pro Hockey Camp Comes to L.C. - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- McDonald and Goff Make College Commitments - Fargo Force
- Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview - Waterloo Black Hawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Waterloo Black Hawks Stories
- Tournament Time this Week
- Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview
- Jack Spicer Doubles Up
- Hawks Finish Perfect Weekend
- Hawks Tighten Grip on Third