USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Rinzel Wins USHL Accolade

Published on March 6, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - Sam Rinzel scored goals during both of the Waterloo Black Hawks' weekend games, spurring the United States Hockey League to recognize him as the Defenseman of the Week on Monday.

Rinzel joined teammates Aaron Pionk (two awards) and Ben Robertson as a Defenseman of the Week this season. With four weeks at the top, Waterloo has celebrated more weekly awards by blue liners than any other team. In addition, current Hawk Nate Benoit was named Defenseman of the Week in November while he was a member of the Omaha Lancers. Including forwards and goaltenders, Waterloo players have been recognized with seven USHL weekly awards in 2022/23.

Last Saturday in Lincoln, Rinzel's second period goal completely erased a Hawks deficit. Waterloo had fallen behind 2-0; by the early second period it was 2-1 when Rinzel scored from the right point. He added an assist in the third period as Waterloo pulled away to claim an eventual 6-2 road victory over the Stars. It was Rinzel's sixth multipoint game of the season.

The next day in Sioux City, the Hawks fell behind 2-0 again. Rinzel's second period power play goal drew the visitors to within one. However, Waterloo could not manage an equalizer, ultimately falling 6-2. Rinzel was +1 for the weekend.

Rinzel's three-point road weekend pushed his season scoring total to 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists). That includes two power play tallies and three game-winning goals, tying him in the latter category for the most among USHL defensemen. He is +14 this year.

Last summer, Rinzel was selected in the First Round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He was taken with the 25th overall pick and became just the fourth Waterloo player ever chosen in the opening round. He is also the first among that group to play for the Hawks after his draft day. Rinzel is committed to the University of Minnesota.

The Hawks complete a three-game road swing on Friday in Sioux Falls before returning home to host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Seats for Saturday are available from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2023


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