USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Hawks Introduce Scouting Staff

Published on September 30, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - Matt Grainda returns and Justin Froese has joined the Waterloo Black Hawks to help the organization build its roster for the 2022/23 hockey season and beyond.

On Thursday, Hawks General Manager Bryn Chyzyk recognized Grainda's continuing contributions and welcomed Froese as the current Waterloo squad prepares for the first home game of 2021/22.

"As our season is beginning, so are the likes of possible prospects from various ages and leagues," said Chyzyk. "But in many ways, hockey is a year-round game at almost every level. It is going to take a lot of time and dedication to find the right players for what we want to accomplish in Waterloo, and I would like to acknowledge the miles and the time Matt and Justin will be putting in for us so that we will be ready for Draft Day in May of 2022. I am thrilled to welcome Matt back to our staff and equally excited to bring Justin into our group."

Grainda is with the Hawks for his fourth season and will continue to track eligible prospects across North America. During the last three years, Grainda has directly contributed to the team's 'war room' during Phase I and Phase II of the USHL Draft. Previously, he spent three seasons working for USHL Central Scouting, and was responsible for prescreening and scouting over 800 participating players for the USHL Combines each year. Grainda earned his MBA in November 2020 from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business with individual degrees in both Marketing and Supply Chain Operations. His undergraduate degree also came from the IU Kelley School in 2010 with a major in Business Management and a minor in Sport Marketing & Management.

Froese will primarily analyze online viewings of the top players across the United States, along with covering Western Canada for the organization. A native of Rivers, Manitoba, and based near Brandon, he attended Brandon University, earning a degree in physical education and business administration. Justin has eight years of scouting experience with FC Hockey, four of them as the service's Head of Western Scouting. He has appeared on radio shows and sites such as Sportsnet and Yahoo respectively, while contributing insights as a guest analyst for newsletters like Hockey's Arsenal and Jack Han's Hockey Tactics.

Waterloo plays at Young Arena Friday against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m. Fans in attendance for the home opener will receive a schedule poster, presented by Karen's Print Rite. It is also the first Fleet Farm Friday of the season. For seats, visit tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2021


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