Force Halt Hawks in Weekend Opener

December 16, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release

The Waterloo Black Hawks were shutout for the first time this season, falling to the Fargo Force 1-0 Thursday at Scheels Arena.

Louden Hogg made 17 saves, blanking an opponent for the first time in his USHL career. He did not face more than seven shots in any single period.

Fargo's Andre Gasseau hit the crossbar in one instance and the post in another during the first 20 minutes. Coupled with 14 saves by Emmett Croteau, the game was scoreless at the first intermission.

Waterloo kept the Force from nudging in front during a five-minute power play at the beginning of the second period. However, moments after a subsequent Waterloo advantage, Fargo took the lead at 8:35. Kyle Smolen finished a three-on-two rush, by pushing a shot past Croteau's left skate from just outside the crease. Fargo owned a 24-10 edge in shots at intermission, with all of Waterloo's second period chances coming in the final four-and-a-half minutes.

The Hawks put seven pucks on frame in the final 20, but could not send any of them between the pipes, even spending most of the final two-and-a-half minutes with an extra attacker on the ice.

Croteau's 29 saves and Waterloo's four-for-four penalty killing night went for naught.

The Hawks play their fourth and final game at Scheels Arena this season Friday in a 7:05 p.m. rematch versus the Force.

Waterloo 0 0 0 - 0

Fargo 0 1 0 - 1

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Gramer Fgo (holding), 4:50; Huggins Fgo (tripping), 6:46; LaStarza Wat (hooking), 11:00; McCormick Wat (instigator, major-fighting, game misconduct - instigator), 19:53; Stender Fgo (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 19:53.

2nd Period-1, Fargo, Smolen 4 (Smolinski, Weis), 8:35. Penalties-Smolinski Fgo (bench minor-too many men), 6:21; Cardona Wat (holding), 9:52.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Ness Wat (tripping), 14:03.

Shots on Goal-Waterloo 5-5-7-17. Fargo 14-10-6-30.

Power Play Opportunities-Waterloo 0 / 3; Fargo 0 / 4.

Goalies-Waterloo, Croteau 5-4-1-0 (30 shots-29 saves). Fargo, Hogg 4-3-2-0 (17 shots-17 saves).

A-2,520

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