USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview

Published on March 28, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


A Full Weekend

For the fourth time during the last 13 weeks, the Black Hawks will play three games in three days. The run starts at the Ice Box against the Lincoln Stars on Friday (7:05 p.m.) and Saturday (6:05 p.m.). Second place in the USHL Western Conference is up-for-grabs during the consecutive matchups. Currently, Waterloo holds the spot by three points, but Lincoln could close to within one point before Friday. The Stars play on Wednesday morning against the Tri-City Storm. As of today, both teams have nine games remaining. Then on Sunday, Waterloo visits the Sioux City Musketeers at 3:05 p.m. The most recent meeting between the teams was also on a Sunday after Waterloo had been in Lincoln the night before. The Musketeers prevailed 6-2 on March 5th.

Breaking Even (or Better)

In addition to this weekend's games, the Hawks are away from Young Arena for a fourth consecutive game on April 7th in Sioux Falls. Waterloo's first win during any of those contests will be the team's 15th road victory of the season and assure the club a .500 finish on hostile ice this season. Excluding the neutral site games during the USHL Fall Classic, the Hawks are 14-9-1 during true road affairs in 2022/23. Last season, the team posted a 10-19-1 record. Waterloo's last season with at least 15 road wins was 2019/20, when the Hawks won 17 times in opposing rinks, even though the season was shortened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Road Streak

Ben Robertson has recorded either a goal or an assist in six consecutive road appearances. It is the second-longest active streak of its kind in the USHL right now. The string of road points began with an assist in Lincoln during the Black Hawks' last visit on March 4th. Home or away, Robertson has been an important component in the Waterloo power play; he leads the team with 15 power play points.

Less is More Away from Home

On average, the Black Hawks put more shots on goal than any team in the USHL: 35.4 per contest. However, during true road games, Waterloo is 7-1-0 on nights when the other team has more shots. Surprisingly, the Hawks are just 7-8-1 in road matchups where they outshoot their opponents.

Recent Games

Gavin O'Connell scored a goal and set up another, while Ben Robertson recorded two assists last Friday during a 3-2 Black Hawks victory against the Des Moines Buccaneers. O'Connell's third period goal turned out to be the game-winner. Hosting the Omaha Lancers on Saturday, the visitors scored the only goal of the opening period, then added three in the third for a 4-0 decision. During the loss, Waterloo outshot the Lancers 35-25, including 17-9 during the third period.

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

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2023


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