USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Black Hawks Place a League High Four Members on 25th Anniversary Team

Published on February 3, 2004 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


The United States Hockey League (USHL) has announced their 25th Anniversary Team, which commemorates a quarter-century of America's best junior hockey. The team consists of two goaltenders, four defenseman, and eight forwards. The Waterloo Black Hawks had a league high four players on the team. The four Waterloo players that were selected are Jason Blake, Rod Taylor, Peter and Chris Ferraro.

Blake was a member of the Black Hawks for two seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94. He is one of only two players to reach the 100-point plateau in the USHL since 1992. His 50 goal and 50 assist, 1993-94 season in just 47 games earned him the USA Hockey's Inaugural National Junior Player of the Year. He went on to star at North Dakota for three seasons. He surpassed the 50-point barrier in his three college seasons with the Fighting Sioux. In 1999 he signed his first NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings. In January of 2001 he was traded to the New York Islanders where he is currently in his third season with them and is amongst the Islanders' points leaders.

Taylor was a member of the Black Hawks for three seasons in the mid-1980s. He still holds the Black Hawks single season record in goals with 54 in the 1984-85 season. He also played one year with Sioux City in 1986-87 in which he scored 67 goals which still stands as the USHL single season record. He went on to a collegiate career at Ferris State. He capped off his Bulldog career with a 41 goal senior season. He played professionally in the ECHL for the Hampton Roads Admirals. He notched 54 goals in the 1993-94 season, one short of the ECHL league record. He played 12 seasons in the ECHL, establishing the league's career points record.

Peter Ferraro was a member of the Dubuque Fighting Saints before being traded to Waterloo during the 1991-92 season. Ferraro had racked up 50 pints in 21 games before being sent to the Black Hawks. He went on to post 51 more points to finish as the USHL's leading scorer, and earn USHL Player of the Year honors. In 1992 he was a first round draft choice of the New York Rangers. His career continued at the University of Maine and a stint with the U.S. National Team. His NHL debut came with the New York Rangers in 1995-96. Since then he spent time in the AHL, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and with the Bruins AHL affiliate in Providence.

Chris Ferraro also spent time with Dubuque and Waterloo. He racked up 196 points in 83 USHL games over two seasons with those teams. He was a fourth round draft pick in 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. His collegiate career was with the Maine Black Bears. Ferraro's pro hockey career began with Atlanta and Binghamton before playing in his first NHL game with the Rangers. After the stint with New York he has spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Albany River Rats, Washington Capitals and the Phoenix Coyotes.

A panel of the league's most experienced coaches, scouts, officials and media members selected the players. Fans and supporters of the USHL were allowed to select one member of the team in an online vote. Each member of the team was honored at the All-Star Banquet last night in Lincoln. A complete list of the team members and bio's of the players are available at www.ushl.com. Tonight the 2004 USHL Prospects/ All-Star game will take place at the Ice Box in Lincoln, Nebraska at 7:05 PM.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 3, 2004


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