USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

"Cedar Valley Origins" Jerseys

Published on March 1, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-The Waterloo Black Hawks revealed the team's first "Cedar Valley Origins" jerseys on Wednesday before the team wears the sweaters on the 162nd anniversary of one of Waterloo's most historic events: the arrival of the very first train at Waterloo's depot.

The Cedar Valley Origins uniforms are presented by Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, and the jerseys will be auctioned to benefit the charity after Waterloo's 6:05 p.m. game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. This year's design incorporates elements which evoke the area's transportation and industrial history. The Black Hawks plan to introduce new Cedar Valley Origins sweaters each season focused on a unique aspect of the community's rich heritage.

"I guess you could say these jerseys trace the thread of history back to the beginnings of Waterloo and Cedar Falls over 150 years ago," said Black Hawks President of Business Operations Joe Greene. "Like so many Midwestern communities, the railroad allowed both cities to thrive. People arrived and the products that were produced here were shipped all over the country, so that was a crucial moment and also our starting point for this design."

The red jerseys feature a modified Black Hawks crest on the front. A steam locomotive replaces the Hawk silhouette at the center of the emblem. Ticked stripes - evoking how railroads are often marked on a map - in silver, black, and white appear around the waist and sleeves. The stripes represent the Illinois Central, Chicago Great Western, and B.C.R.& N lines, which all came to Waterloo in the latter part of the 19th century. Illinois Central receives a place of prominence, with the railroad's historic diamond logo on the shoulders, modified to read "Black Hawks." Meanwhile, the letters and numbers on the jerseys are inspired by characters appearing on the most famous Waterloo export still transported by rail: John Deere farm machinery.

Before the full roster of jerseys is auctioned at the rink, one generous fan will purchase a sweater during the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity 2023 Spring Benefit Auction, in a package which includes tickets and the chance to perform the ceremonial puck drop on March 11th. The Spring Benefit Auction will be held this Friday.

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity homeowners in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, and Butler Counties help build their own homes - alongside volunteers - and pay an affordable mortgage. The organization also assists with critical home repairs based on income and need while providing an array of other support in the communities they serve. Through financial contributions, volunteering, or by adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, visit WeBuildHabitat.org.

For tickets to the Black Hawks' March 11th game or any other home matchup at Young Arena, visit tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or call the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2023


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