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USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Thanksgiving in Party Town

November 20, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa - The Waterloo Black Hawks and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are just days away from their traditional Thanksgiving rendezvous at Young Arena, scheduled for Thursday evening at 7:05 p.m.

The game and associated festivities - including the Teddy Bear Toss - are presented by Lincoln Savings Bank. As of Monday at noon, the Black Hawks report that nearly 80 percent of Young Arena's seats have been sold for the game. However, several hundred tickets still remain, and the team is currently able to accommodate typical family-sized groups. Parties of 10 or more are encouraged to call the Black Hawks front office at (319) 232-3444 for special pricing and assistance. Smaller orders may be placed at any time via tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680 during normal business hours.

One of the most highly-anticipated moments of any Thanksgiving is the Teddy Bear Toss after Waterloo's first goal. Fans will bring hundreds of plush toys to throw on the ice. The bears will find their way to children in need this holiday season with help from Toys for Tots and other local organizations. For that reason, the Black Hawks ask that all teddy bears be new, still including all tags. A limited quantity of stuffed toys will be available from the Black Hawks Fan Services table for a small charitable contribution.

Waterloo's first Thanksgiving home game was played in 1964. The Hawks defeated the St. Paul Steers 5-2 behind four goals by Emery Ruelle. Since 1972, there has been a Thanksgiving home game on all but five occasions. During the game's early years, visiting opponents varied. However, since 2000 the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders have consistently come to Young Arena on the holiday. The teams have played 22 times; Waterloo won last season's meeting 4-1.

Three former Black Hawks who have played in the NHL this season have scored a Thanksgiving game goal. Joe Pavelski notched goals in both 2002 and 2003. Vinnie Hinostroza found the net in 2011. Jack Drury scored twice in 2017. In addition, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Cal Petersen won two Thanksgiving games: 2012 and 2013.

Six RoughRiders and seven Black Hawks who skated in last season's Thanksgiving game could play on Thursday night. The group includes Cedar Rapids forward Ryan O'Connell, who assisted on the RoughRiders' lone goal. Gavin Lindberg and Connor Brown each scored for Waterloo last November. Brown is the only player for either team who could make his third Thanksgiving appearance this week.

Thursday's game will be the first meeting between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids in the 2023/24 regular season and will count toward the Dupaco Cowbell Cup Series standings.

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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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