USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview

February 1, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Hawks Reckon with Force

The Black Hawks and Fargo Force (14-16-4) duel for fifth place in the Western Conference during games at Young Arena on Friday (7:05 p.m.) and Saturday (6:05 p.m.). Currently, Waterloo holds the spot by four points, but the margin could be closer before the weekend. Fargo visits the Des Moines Buccaneers on Thursday after sweeping a two-game set at home against the Bucs last weekend. The Hawks visited Scheels Arena for four games earlier this season, winning three times for a 6-3 edge in standings points from the series.

Finishing the First 100

With 98 goals so far in 2021/22, the Hawks expect to record their 100th sometime this weekend. To date, 76 Waterloo tallies have been produced at even-strength (three in four-on-four situations and two while skating three-on-three). The Hawks have 20 power play goals and one shorthanded goal. The 98th is a technical goal representing the difference between Waterloo and the Omaha Lancers in the Hawks' shootout win last Friday.

O'C in Rare Rookie Territory

Gavin O'Connell produced the only goal for either team in Waterloo's successful shootout last Friday. It was his second shootout attempt of the season (the Hawks have only participated in two shootouts). Currently O'Connell and Nicholas Moldenhauer of the Chicago Steel are the only rookies to have produced a shootout winner this season. The USHL defines a rookie as a player in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility (or younger) who has played fewer than 10 league games in previous seasons.

Wrestling with the West

With three months remaining this season, the Black Hawks currently own an 11-12-1 record against rivals from the Western Conference. Including games against Fargo this weekend, five of eight February contests and 22 out of 27 that remain on the Waterloo schedule will be against that half of the league. Notably, all 11 Hawks games in March are within the conference, setting up a pivotal stretch for Waterloo's postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 6-4-1 versus the Eastern Conference.

Recent Games

The Hawks won one and lost one last weekend, consistent with the trend for January: during the month's four weekends, Waterloo split each time. Hosting the Omaha Lancers Friday, the Hawks rallied from a 2-1 second intermission deficit for a 3-2 shootout win, with goals in regulation from Gavin O'Connell and Garrett Schifsky. It was the second time this second that the Hawks have come back after trailing through 40 minutes. Facing an identical score after the second period Saturday versus Sioux City, the gap stretched to 4-1 early in the third. The game ended with a 4-3 final in favor of the Musketeers, despite a goal and an assist by Jacob Jeannette.

For complete box scores from previous Black Hawks games, visit ushl.com.

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2022


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