Veteran Hawk Commits to Buckeyes

October 30, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release

Waterloo, Iowa-Still at the outset of his second season in junior hockey, Waterloo Black Hawks forward John Wiitala has committed to play college hockey for Ohio State University, the Hawks announced Wednesday.

Through seven appearances this season, the Lakeville, Minnesota native has recorded three assists. Wiitala had six goals and five assists while playing in 51 games as a USHL rookie in 2012/13. Voted the co-winner of the team's Most Improved Player award by his teammates in 2012/13, Wiitala is part of the Hawks' leadership team this season.

"John brings great character and work ethic to the rink," said Black Hawks Head Coach P.K. O'Handley. "I am very happy for him personally and look forward to watching him develop his game this winter."

Wiitala is the 12th member of the 2013/14 Black Hawks to secure an NCAA Division college commitment. He is the first member of this season's Waterloo squad to choose a Big Ten university. Current Buckeye forwards Matt Johnson and Anthony Greco spent time with the Black Hawks during their junior hockey careers.

The Black Hawks continue the 2013/14 schedule this evening when they visit the Tri-City Storm at 7:05 p.m. The team returns to Young Arena Saturday to host the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Tickets are on sale from waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

United States Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2013

• Storm Score Four, End Losing Skid - Tri-City Storm
• Storm Tops Black Hawks 4-2 - Waterloo Black Hawks
• Stampede Can't Slow Down U.S. Under-18 Squad in Ann Arbor - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Lancers "Mo-Bros" to Participate in "Movember" 2013 - Omaha Lancers
• Phantoms Notebook: Week No. 7 - Youngstown Phantoms
• Saints Host Flight Night and More on Friday - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Robbie Demontis Commits to Yale - Muskegon Lumberjacks
• Harvard Beckons Hawks' Horton - Waterloo Black Hawks
• Des Moines Buccaneers Weekend Notes - Des Moines Buccaneers
• Veteran Hawk Commits to Buckeyes - Waterloo Black Hawks
• Ice Forward Pritchard Makes College Commitment - Indiana Ice
• Affiliate Collin Peters Joins Lumberjacks for the Weekend - Muskegon Lumberjacks

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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