USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Griffin Ness Commits to North Dakota for 2020/21

Published on February 5, 2019 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - Forward Griffin Ness' first Waterloo goal was the game-winner during the Black Hawks' first victory of this season; Ness will also have the chance to help the Hawks to their first win of the 2019/20 campaign and many more next winter.

Tuesday, Ness announced his commitment to the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks hockey program, beginning with the 2020/21 academic year.

"Griffin has brought versatility and leadership to Waterloo," said Black Hawks Head Coach and General Manager P.K. O'Handley. "This decision opens the door to a bright future for him - at North Dakota and beyond. It helps establish a strong foundation for our team next season and will give the Fighting Hawks a player prepared to make an immediate impact in the fall of 2020."

After Ness scored the decisive goal on September 29th against the Omaha Lancers, he went on to add three more goals in October and recorded a hat trick versus the Dubuque Fighting Saints November 3rd. In 36 USHL appearances this season, he has a total of eight goals and 19 points, ranking ninth on the team in scoring. During December, Ness was out of the Waterloo lineup for four games in order to appear with the U.S. Junior Select Team during the World Junior A Challenge. He recorded two goals and two assists in six games there - including the overtime winner in the semifinals - to help the American team to a gold medal.

Ness made his Black Hawks debut near the end of the 2017/18 season as an affiliate. He played in five regular season games last spring with one assist. Ness then dressed for six playoff games.

Three Waterloo alumni currently skate for the Fighting Hawks: senior Hayden Shaw, junior Zach Yon, and sophomore Peter Thome. Shaw, Brock Boeser, and Cameron Johnson were all part of the North Dakota program when the Fighting Hawks claimed the 2016 NCAA National Championship.

The 2018/19 Black Hawks season continues this weekend with a Friday road game versus the Des Moines Buccaneers and a Saturday home matchup against the Sioux Falls Stampede. For tickets to Black Hawks game at Young Arena, call the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 5, 2019


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