USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

'On Wisconsin' for Deering

February 15, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - Waterloo Black Hawks forward Grady Deering will cross the state line to attend college at the University of Wisconsin, he announced on Thursday.

The skater from Des Moines made his college commitment midway through a productive first season in the United States Hockey League. Deering has generated 21 points in 36 Black Hawks games while making important contributions to Waterloo's power play and often being deployed in important faceoff situations.

"We're very happy for Grady to have this opportunity," said Black Hawks Head Coach Matt Smaby. "So far this season, Grady has grown and improved, and we're looking forward to helping him to continue to develop so that he will be ready when the time arrives to step on the ice in Madison."

Deering notched his first goal during a power play on October 27th during a 5-1 Waterloo win against the Lincoln Stars. It was the beginning of a four-game point streak, and adding an assist that night, it was also the first of four multipoint games. On New Year's Eve, the 18-year-old recorded the game-winning goal in the Hawks' 6-2 triumph over the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Deering had another winner the next time Waterloo was on the ice, January 5th for a 4-3 contest at Lincoln.

With 22 games remaining on the Hawks' schedule, Deering's nine goals and 12 assists both rank among the team's top ten marks. Ten of those points have come in power play situations.

Deering is the first Iowa native on the Black Hawks' fulltime roster since Hunter Lellig in 2017/18.

Waterloo's links to the University of Wisconsin hockey program include current NHLers Joe Pavelski and Craig Smith. Each played for the Hawks, the Badgers, and now both for the Dallas Stars. The last two Waterloo players advancing to Wisconsin were goalies; Robbie Beydoun played in Madison during the 2020/21 season before Jared Moe took the crease there the following two winters.

The Black Hawks currently have 19 active players with a Division I college commitment.

Waterloo is in action for three games this weekend, starting on the road in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids on Friday and Saturday respectively. The Hawks are home Sunday to host the Youngstown Phantoms at 3:05 p.m. After the game, fans are invited to participate in a free postgame skate. For tickets, call the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680 or visit tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2024


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