Saddling up for Sault Ste. Marie

December 9, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release

Waterloo, Iowa-Yuki Miura is the 17th member of the 2016/17 Waterloo Black Hawks to make a Division I college commitment, with his acceptance of an offer to attend Lake Superior State University of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Miura is in his first season with the Black Hawks. The 20-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, had assists in both of Waterloo's games against the Tri-City Storm last weekend. Over the course of 21 appearances this season, he has scored three goals and notched six assists. Miura's year thus far has been highlighted by a three-point effort (two goals, one assist) against the Sioux Falls Stampede on October 15th.

"After playing in Czech Republic last season and now coming to the U.S., Yuki has already taken on cultural challenges most of us will never experience, and he continues to improve as a player as he adjusts to skating in North America," noted Waterloo Black Hawks Head Coach P.K. O'Handley. "I know he is excited about the opportunity to continue that development."

In addition to his time in Waterloo and Europe, Miura has twice represented his country during the IIHF World Junior Championships. He is the second Japanese player to appear for the Hawks in as many seasons, following Yuri Terao, a member of the 2015/16 Black Hawks.

Miura can expect to eventually appear in the Lakers lineup with current Black Hawks teammate Chase Pilawski. The school's roster also includes freshman Collin Saccoman and sophomore Josh Nenadal who respectively appeared for Waterloo in 2015/16 and 2011/12.

Including Miura, six of Waterloo's players have made their college commitments in the time since the 2016/17 season began.

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