Sports stats



USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview

September 17, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Starting in Chicago

The Waterloo Black Hawks begin the 2013/14 season on the road this Saturday evening versus the Chicago Steel. Last year, the Hawks and Steel met twice, each claiming a victory in the opposing building. Waterloo owned a 5-4 edge in aggregate scoring, thanks to a 4-1 decision in the final matchup on March 12th. Cal Petersen appeared in net during both meetings, stopping 93.9% of the shots he faced. Although the Hawks led the USHL in power play efficiency, the Steel turned Waterloo away on all six opportunities. The only other scheduled meeting between Chicago and Waterloo will be on December 27th at Young Arena.

Narrow Margins

History suggests that the Black Hawks can expect Saturday's contest to be close. Over the past dozen years, nine of Waterloo's season-opening games have been settled by one goal apiece. In each of the other three, the winner finished on top by only two tallies. Four of the previous five Black Hawks schedules have opened with a road game. The last time Waterloo started a season versus Chicago, the Steel prevailed 6-4 in 2007.

Horton Hears A (Goal) Horn

Veteran forward Jake Horton was the leading scorer during the Black Hawks' exhibition schedule. The Lake Elmo, Minnesota, native recorded three goals and three assists for six points over six preseason games. Four of his six points came in power play situations. Before an injury cut short his 2012/13 campaign, Horton had recorded seven goals and five assists in 28 appearances.

Road Record

The Black Hawks set a franchise record with 19 road victories last winter. On the way to also scoring a team record 273 goals, Waterloo did slightly more damage offensively away from home than at Young Arena (137 to 136 goals respectively). Several Hawks players who could take the ice Saturday in Chicago put their name on the scoresheet more often during away games. Notably, Liam Pecararo notched six of his eight goals on the road last season. Brandon Salerno, Austin Vieth, John Wiitala, and Dane Cooper also recorded more of their points during away games in 2012/13.

Preseason Recap

The Hawks were 5-1 during their two week USHL exhibition schedule. The prevailing theme of the preseason was close games. All but one contest was settled by two or fewer goals. Waterloo posted a pair of shutouts but also did not score more than four goals during any single game. The Hawks tested themselves against a few teams they will see early in the season; Waterloo met the Sioux City Musketeers and Tri-City Storm. Three of the Hawks' first ten regular season games are against those opponents.

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from September 17, 2013


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.

Other Recent Waterloo Black Hawks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central