Two Remaining Games, Two Scenarios
April 11, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release
Waterloo, Iowa - The Waterloo Black Hawks' first 2024 Clark Cup Playoff game will be next week, and possibly as early as Monday.
With two games left during the regular season, questions remain unanswered about specifically when the Hawks postseason will start and who the opponent will be. Currently Waterloo holds third place in the USHL Western Conference, one point behind the Sioux City Musketeers. The Hawks visit the Dubuque Fighting Saints Friday, then complete the 2023/24 schedule at home Saturday at 6:05 p.m. against the Des Moines Buccaneers. In the event of a tie, Waterloo currently holds the first tie-breaker (regulation-plus-overtime wins).
IF THE BLACK HAWKS FINISH THIRD: Waterloo would host a first round playoff series entirely at Young Arena. The best-of-three set would begin on Monday, April 15th. Game Two would be Tuesday, April, 16th and - if necessary - Game Three would determine which team advances on Wednesday, April 17th. In this situation, the opening faceoff would be at 7:05 each night, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for all fans.
The Black Hawks would meet the Western Conference's sixth seed. Des Moines and the Lincoln Stars are currently competing for that playoff bid; Lincoln leads Des Moines by two points. Waterloo has faced Lincoln in the playoffs each of the last two years. The Hawks' last playoff game against the Buccaneers was in 2007.
IF THE BLACK HAWKS FINISH SECOND: Waterloo would host a Western Conference Semifinal series beginning at Young Arena. Games One and Two during the best-of-five round would be next weekend. The earliest possible start date would be Friday, April 19th. Scheduling for the Western Conference Semifinal will be contingent on whether the first round #3-versus-#6 series is completed on Tuesday or Wednesday.
In this scenario, Waterloo could meet Sioux City, Lincoln, or Des Moines. The Hawks last faced the Musketeers during the postseason in 2022.
Black Hawks season ticket holders will receive free tickets to Waterloo's initial series. Single-game ticket details will be released with the announcement of firm game information.
Saturday's regular season finale will be Waterloo's annual Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Next Generation Wireless. Hundreds of lucky fans will catch one of the free t-shirts tossed into the stands. Good seats are available from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.
United States Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2024
- David Posma Commits to AIC - Omaha Lancers
- Sioux City Musketeers Potential Playoff Dates Unveiled - Sioux City Musketeers
- Two Remaining Games, Two Scenarios - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Gamblers Tender Fitzgerald - Green Bay Gamblers
- Home-And-Home Set with Sioux City Wraps up Regular Season - Lincoln Stars
- Capitols Call up Ryker Lee - Madison Capitols
- Green Bay Signs Colin Fitzgerald to USHL Tender Agreement - USHL
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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