USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview

Published on April 22, 2013 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Games One, Two, and Three

After three matchups, the Waterloo Black Hawks have an edge in the high-flying, best-of-five playoff series against the Fargo Force. Austin Ortega scored with under two minutes remaining in regulation Wednesday to give the Force a 3-2 win in Game One. Friday, the Hawks held off a Fargo comeback in Game Two, earning a 5-4 decision behind two goals from Austin Vieth, plus a goal and an assist by Victor Newell. In Game Three Sunday, Waterloo protected home ice as the series moved to Young Arena. Vince Hinostroza led the Hawks with a hat trick, the eleventh in the postseason during modern franchise history. His was one of five Waterloo skaters with multiple points during the 6-4 victory.

High-Scoring Series

Fourteen games have been played so far among the eight teams who qualified for the USHL playoffs. The two highest-scoring contests have been between the Black Hawks and Force. In Game Two, the teams combined for nine goals, then beat that total by one in Game Three. The Dubuque Fighting Saints and Muskegon Lumberjacks scored seven goals together in the Saints' 4-3 win during the second game of their series, the next most offensive game during the 2013 playoffs. Ten combined goals was the highest total during the playoffs last season, happening in a game between the Fighting Saints and Teams USA and also during a Hawks win against the Tri-City Storm on the same night.

Vieth Makes Big Contribution

Austin Vieth broke a 1-1 tie during the first period of Game Two Friday, then scored the eventual game-winner in the second period. During 45 regular season appearances, Vieth had neither a multi-goal performance, nor a game-winner. Waterloo acquired the Marinette, Wisconsin, native from the Janesville Jets. In 13 NAHL games, Vieth had a dozen points; he tallied six goals and eight assists during regular season USHL play.

Leibinger Lights Lamp

In early February, the Black Hawks made a deal to bring defenseman Chris Leibinger from Muskegon to Waterloo. He was credited with 20 shots on goal in 20 regular season appearances after the trade, but broke through for his first goal Sunday. Leibinger's score in the third period tied the Hawks and Force at 4-4. The Michigan Tech recruit then set up the game-winner by Ryan Papa less than two minutes later. Leibinger notched seven assists for the Hawks in the regular season after four goals and six helpers with the Lumberjacks.

Going Forward

The Hawks and Force play Game Four Tuesday, and if necessary, Game Five will be in Fargo Wednesday. The winner of the set will play either the Sioux Falls Stampede or Lincoln Stars, who conclude their series Tuesday.

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 22, 2013


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