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USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Hawks Name Eick New Assistant

August 29, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - C.J. Eick has joined the Waterloo Black Hawks' organization as an assistant coach for the 2023/24 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

Last winter, Eick's first fulltime coaching opportunity took him to Hartford, Connecticut's, Trinity College. He had previously spent six full seasons playing in the ECHL, appearing in over 400 professional regular season and playoff games. The former forward's experience also includes four years at Michigan Tech University. Eick spent three winters skating at the junior level, including two in the USHL.

"We are thrilled to add C.J. Eick to our Coaching Staff," said Waterloo General Manager Bryn Chyzyk. "He fits our culture and is the type of person that we want as part of our organization. He has the ability to connect with young players at a high level, and the Black Hawks will benefit greatly from his skill set."

Wearing an assistant coaches' whistle for the first time last fall, Eick helped Trinity to a first-place tie in the NCAA Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference. Overall, the Bantams were 16-8-1. The program led the NESCAC in scoring (3.2 goals per game) and scoring defense (1.4 goals allowed per game).

"Throughout the process of assessing candidates, it was evident that C.J. has a tremendous ability to communicate, is extremely personable and genuine, has vast playing experience and hockey knowledge, and is passionate and driven," said Black Hawks Head Coach Matt Smaby. "We think C.J.'s going to be a great addition to our organization and someone that will be a wonderful resource for all of our players."

Like Smaby and Hawks' Assistant Brett Olson, Eick had a notable professional playing career. Beginning late in the winter of 2015/16, the Appleton, Wisconsin, native initially signed with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. Subsequently, he also was a member of the league's Kansas City Mavericks and Indy Fuel. Eick skated in 381 regular season games, notching 42 goals and 56 assists. His most productive scoring campaign was with Kansas City in 2018/19 when he tallied 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) and was +12 in 70 games. Eick was a member of three teams which reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs, contributing seven points (four goals, three assists) in 22 postseason games.

During a four-season stint at Michigan Tech, Eick helped the Huskies to the 2015 NCAA Tournament during his junior year and scored a goal in the Huskies' regional overtime loss to St. Cloud State. Overall, he played in 145 college games, recording 14 goals and 38 assists. Those stats included four shorthanded goals. Eick's career plus/minus differential at the college level was +22.

Away from the ice, Eick graduated from Michigan Tech with a bachelor's degree in sports and fitness management. He began establishing his coaching resume as an instructor for the Michigan Tech Hockey Schooland has also worked with other hockey development organizations.

Eick began his junior career with the North American Hockey League's St. Louis Bandits in 2009/10. He returned to his home region in northeastern Wisconsin during the following two seasons, producing 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 113 regular season games for the Green Bay Gamblers. Eick was a member of Green Bay's 2012 Clark Cup Championship team. The Gamblers also reached the championship series in 2011, providing the opportunity for Eick to play in 23 total Clark Cup Playoff contests.

The Black Hawks open the 2023/24 season on September 22nd against the Fargo Force during the 2023 Dick's Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic. The Hawks' home opener is on Saturday, October 14th versus the Omaha Lancers. Tickets for all 2023/24 Black Hawks home games at Young Arena are currently available online from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

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United States Hockey League Stories from August 29, 2023


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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