Hinostroza Joins Defending Champs

October 17, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release

Waterloo, Iowa-After leaving a strong impression during several exhibition performances, former Waterloo Black Hawks forward Vince Hinostroza was recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks Friday, less than two weeks into the NHL season.

Hinostroza was drafted by Chicago in 2012 between his second and third seasons in Waterloo. He signed with the Blackhawks last spring following his sophomore year at Notre Dame, where he averaged a point-per-game for the Irish during his two seasons. The First Team All-Hockey East selection was Notre Dame's leading scorer in 2014/15.

Over the course of three seasons in Waterloo from 2010/11 to 2012/13, Hinostroza appeared in 151 USHL regular season games. He stacked up 53 goals and 73 assists, adding up to 126 points. During the Black Hawks' junior era, those totals rank 12th (tied), eighth (tied), and ninth (tied) among the club's career leaders. Waterloo reached the Clark Cup Championship Series in 2012 and won a silver medal at the 2012 Junior Club World Cup while Hinostroza wore Black Hawks colors.

Chicago hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday. Hinostroza - a native of Bartlett in Chicago's western suburbs - could become the first former Waterloo player to make his NHL debut since Eriah Hayes in January 2014 if he is in the lineup for the tilt. Sixteen former Black Hawks have previously reached the NHL and played in a regular season game. None of those Waterloo alumni have suited up with Chicago.

This season, three former Hawks have been on NHL ice: Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks), Craig Smith (Nashville Predators), and J.T. Brown (Tampa Bay Lightning). Like Hinostroza, Pavelski, Smith, and Brown played multiple seasons in Waterloo and inked professional contracts after two years in the NCAA. The trio Hinostroza is following each made their NHL debuts before the end of the calendar year in which they signed.

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