USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Central Scouting Eyes Hawks

Published on April 9, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-Seven players with connections to the Waterloo Black Hawks are among the top prospects available for the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft, based on the NHL Central Scouting service's final pre-draft ranking issued Monday.

Current Waterloo forwards A.J. Michaelson and Vince Hinostroza, along with goaltender Stephon Williams were noted. Michaelson is 87th among North American skaters likely to be picked during the event in Pittsburgh this June. Nearly through his first full USHL season, the Apple Valley, Minnesota, native has appeared in 51 games with six goals and 14 assists. At 6-0 and 185 pounds, Michaelson also skated in a half dozen games as a Black Hawk near the end of 2010-2011. A University of Minnesota recruit, his Central Scouting position was almost identical to his ranking at 83rd on January's midterm list. Michaelson was one of five Black Hawks to participate during the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Muskegon earlier this year.

Hinostroza also appeared in that exhibition and has seen his personal stock rise since he was ranked 137th at midseason. Monday's report placed the Bartlett, Illinois, native at 115th. With three goals over the weekend, Hinostroza now has 20 for the year, and 43 points, which both rank second on the club. The Notre Dame recruit is one point shy of doubling the total from his rookie season, when he accumulated 22 points from eight goals and 14 assists. Hinostroza and Michaelson both appeared for the U.S. Junior Select Team at the World Junior A Challenge in November.

Williams was acquired in early February from the Sioux Falls Stampede. He is the 34th ranked North American goalie eligible for the draft. Since the trade which brought him to Waterloo, Williams has a 9-6-2 mark. As a rookie for the Stampede last season, the 6-2, 190-pound Alaska native won 20 games, then posted a 4-1-0 mark in the playoffs as Sioux Falls reached the USHL's Western Conference finals. Williams will play college hockey for Minnesota State University-Mankato.

In addition to the trio of Hawks currently on the roster, four others who have worn a Waterloo sweater are draft candidates. Brady Vail and Nick Ebert, both members of the 2009-2010 squad and now playing for the Windsor Spitfires, were 38th and 96th respectively. Kevin Duane, who appeared in four March games from the Hawks' affiliate list, was 145th. Justin Kloos earned the 173rd spot; Kloos appeared in ten Waterloo games last season and one this year.

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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.

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