USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Preview

Published on February 9, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


The Series Continue

The Black Hawks have already played multiple games against each of this weekend's opponents, earning a win and absorbing at least one loss versus the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Lincoln Stars, and Sioux City Musketeers. Waterloo is 1-2-0 in matchups versus Cedar Rapids, having won the most recent game in a shootout, 4-3, on New Year's Eve. The Hawks visit the RoughRiders Friday, then play on home ice against the Stars and Musketeers on Saturday and Sunday respectively. In addition to being 1-1-0 against both Lincoln and Sioux City, the aggregate goal totals in both series are even or nearly so. The Hawks and Stars have each scored six goals against each other, while Waterloo has a 10-9 margin ahead of Sioux City in total goals.

Top Five

Friday's game between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids brings together two of the United States Hockey League's top goal scorers. The Hawks' Nick Swaney is tied for third in the USHL at 22 goals. Ross Colton of the RoughRiders has 21, fifth-most in the league. Swaney has dressed for two of Waterloo's three games against Cedar Rapids this season and owns one goal. However, Colton has been at his sharpest against the Hawks, tallying four goals in three games, including the first goal in two of the three contests.

Power Play Distribution

When the Black Hawks hosted the Madison Capitols on Saturday, Zach Yon and Collin Saccoman each delivered power play goals. They are now among nine power play contributors in 2015/16. David Cotton has had the hottest hand, with six power play goals this winter. By comparison, 14 different players had found the net during an advantage by the end of last season.

Hein Closing In

Three assists in two games vaulted Waterloo captain Ronnie Hein to fifth in that statistical category among all USHL players this season. Hein has now set up 25 goals this year. With 22 games remaining on the Hawks' schedule, the Waterloo captain is only nine assists shy of Tom Novak's team-leading total of 34 from 2014/15. At his current pace, Hein could be flirting with 40 helpers by the end of the regular season.

Weekly Recap

The Des Moines Buccaneers recorded four goals in just over two minutes midway through the opening period last Friday, eventually outdistancing the Black Hawks, 6-3, and ending Waterloo's three-game winning streak. Back home the following evening, Madison Capitols goaltender Garrett Metcalf turned away 42 shots in a 5-2 win. The Black Hawks were held at bay during even-strength situations, recording both of their goals on the power play. Within 48 hours of the matchup, Waterloo made a trade to acquire Metcalf.

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2016


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