Olson Joins Florida Panthers

July 8, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release

Waterloo, Iowa- Following two seasons in the American Hockey League, former Waterloo Black Hawks forward Brett Olson is on the brink of reaching the NHL after agreeing to a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers.

Olson began his professional career with the Abbotsford Heat in 2012, skating in 145 regular season games with that organization during two campaigns. The 27-year-old notched 25 AHL goals and 37 assists, while earning a +7 plus/minus differential. Olson spent his college hockey career with the Michigan Tech Huskies from 2008 through 2012.

As a member of the Black Hawks from 2005/06 through 2007/08, the Superior, Wisconsin, native helped the Black Hawks to the 2006/07 Anderson Cup, as well as two Clark Cup Finals appearances. Olson was Waterloo's captain and third-leading scorer in 2007/08 with 54 points in 49 games. All totaled, he notched 91 points in 151 USHL regular season appearances, plus 17 points in 20 playoff contests.

During the past decade, Florida drafted Black Hawks players with regularity, although no former Waterloo skater has ever appeared in a regular season contest for the Panthers. In 2013, Florida made Ian McCoshen the first pick of the second round of the NHL Draft. The Panthers have also selected Hawks alumni Eddie Wittchow (2011), John Lee (2007), and Zach Bearson (2005).

During the 2013/14 season, seven former Black Hawks appeared in NHL games, including Olson's Waterloo teammates Patrick Wey, Chad Billins, and Craig Smith. Wey, Billins, and Eriah Hayes all made their NHL debuts last season. The other former Hawks to play at the sport's top level last winter are Andrew Alberts, Joe Pavelski, and J.T. Brown. Collectively, the group accumulated 268 appearances, 70 goals and 87 assists.

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