Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview
April 5, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release
Something to Play For
Entering the final days of United States Hockey League regular season play, the Black Hawks and their weekend opponents all have an attainable goal they still hope to achieve. The Hawks are currently tied for second place in the Western Conference with the Lincoln Stars. If Waterloo has a more successful weekend than the Stars, the Hawks would be positioned to claim home ice during the first round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Saturday's opponent - the Dubuque Fighting Saints - has the same aspiration: the Saints are currently tied for third in the Eastern Conference but can climb to second with a pair of wins and two Green Bay regulation losses. Meanwhile, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders visit Friday with their eyes on the Anderson Cup. A win for Cedar Rapids during either of their final two games would yield a share of the league's regular season championship; the RoughRiders lead Green Bay by two standings points.
All Four One
Yuri Terao's four-goal game against the Sioux City Musketeers Saturday was the first by a Black Hawk in more than four years. Vince Hinostroza was the last Waterloo skater to achieve the feat. He did it during an 8-3 victory against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on March 17, 2012. Like Terao, Hinostroza celebrated his remarkable performance in front of Young Arena fans. Terao now needs one point for 40 this season.
Taking Their Seats
The Black Hawks anticipate that the crowd in attendance for Friday's game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders will push season attendance over 70,000. Saturday's turnout will determine whether Waterloo eclipses last season's total of 72,759. This season will be the 13th consecutive year attendance at Young Arena have averaged over 80% of the building's 2,979 seating capacity.
40 Win Club
Should goaltender Cale Morris preside over a victory on Friday or Saturday, he would join the Black Hawks' exclusive 40 win club. Only two Waterloo junior-era netminders have 40 regular season wins. Matt DiGirolamo was the first to cross the threshold in 2007/08. Cal Petersen followed in 2013/14 and climbed to a club record 51 wins. Morris holds the club shutout record with seven.
Weekly Recap
Three victories solidified Waterloo's playoff status. Garrett Metcalf shutout the Des Moines Buccaneers with 33 saves in a 5-0 decision last Tuesday. Friday against the Lincoln Stars, Sam McCormick led the way to a 5-4 win with two goals and an assist. Then Saturday, the line of Yuri Terao, Shane Bowers, and Georgs Golovkovs drove the Sioux City Musketeers to distraction, combining to accumulate ten points in a 6-4 tilt.
United States Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2016
- Bucs Fall in OT - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Stampede Move into Final Playoff Spot with Thrilling OT Win - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Two Lumberjacks Alumni to Participate in the Frozen Four - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview - Waterloo Black Hawks
- 2016 U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team Roster Announced - U.S. National Team
- Mark Miller off to Fast Start with ECHL's Rapid City Rush - Omaha Lancers
- Playoffs Made, Matchup Pending - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Stars Raise More Than $21,000 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Lincoln Stars
- Murray, Babinski Sign ECHL Contracts - Omaha Lancers
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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