USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

O'Connell Joins Spartan Contingent

March 9, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - The Black Hawks will be well-represented in East Lansing into the distant future, as forward Gavin O'Connell became the third current Waterloo skater with a commitment to Michigan State on Thursday.

O'Connell joins second-year teammates Owen Baker and Patrick Geary on the Spartans' list of recruits. Two former Black Hawks are on Michigan State's active roster: junior forward Kyle Haskins and sophomore defenseman David Gucciardi. The Spartan hockey staff also includes Director of Hockey Strategy, Video and Analytics Dan Sturges, a member of the Black Hawks' 2004 Clark Cup Championship team.

Waterloo Head Coach Matt Smaby noted O'Connell's development through nearly two full seasons with the Hawks.

"Gavin has continually played his way into bigger opportunities and been an important part of our group," said Smaby. "It will be fun to watch Gavin as he continues to develop in the NCAA, and I think there will be a lot of people in the Cedar Valley who will be increasingly interested in Michigan State hockey."

During the month of February, O'Connell was Waterloo's leading scorer with 11 points (six goals, five assists), and for the season, he is the fourth-highest scoring Hawk with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists). Among the Wayzata, Minnesota, native's 15 goals, three have been game-winners, including overtime scores on January 14th versus Des Moines and February 11th at Tri-City. At +19, O'Connell's plus/minus stands third on the team. He played in his 100th regular season game on February 17th against the Buccaneers.

As a rookie last year, O'Connell was one of two Hawks to appear in all 62 regular season games. He produced eight goals and 16 assists. O'Connell also converted two of three shootout attempts in 2021/22, with both goals proving to be shootout winners.

Twenty-one Black Hawks have college commitments. North Dakota is the only other school with commitments from three current Waterloo players.

O'Connell and the Black Hawks start this weekend on the road in Sioux Falls tomorrow. Returning home Saturday, Waterloo hosts the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 6:05 p.m. The Hawks will wear Cedar Valley Origins jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game to benefit Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Good seats are still available from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.




United States Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2023


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