USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview

Published on April 4, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Series in the Balance

The final games pitting the Black Hawks against the Sioux Falls Stampede and Fargo Force will settle the 2022/23 series against each opponent. Waterloo goes to Sioux Falls Friday at 7:05 p.m. Each team has won three of the first six matchup. No game has gone beyond the end of regulation, so both clubs have six standings points in the series. Between Waterloo and Sioux Falls, the team playing on the road has won four of six contests. On Saturday, the Hawks are home at 6:05 p.m. against the Fargo Force. Three of Waterloo's four wins against Fargo have come in overtime or shootout situations. Therefore, the Hawks lead the series points by only an 8-7 count; if Saturday's game is settled in regulation, the winner will claim the series.

Two for 20

Last weekend, Gavin O'Connell nudged his goal total to 19 this season, five behind Garrett Schifsky. The last time two players wearing a Black Hawks sweater scored at least 20 goals in the same season was 2018/19. That year, there were four: Emil Ohrvall, Matej Blumel, Vladislav Firstov, and Joe Cassetti. Besides, O'Connell, several other Hawks are reasonably within striking distance of 20 goals, including Myles Hilman (17), Griffin Erdman (15), and James Hong (15).

No Correlation

The Black Hawks allow opponents a respectable 28.2 shots per game. Lately, there has been little correlation between results and above- or below-average shots-allowed totals. During the last 12 games, other teams have had 27 shots or fewer in five games; Waterloo is 2-3-0 on those nights. The Hawks are 3-2-0 in games when opponents have 29 or more shots. In two games where the other team has amassed exactly 28 shots, Waterloo has one win and one loss.

Ending a Dry Spell

Aaron Pionk's third period goal against the Sioux City Musketeers on Sunday was the first by a Black Hawks defenseman since March 10th. Pionk now has 11 goals this season, which places fourth among USHL d-men.

Recent Games

The Black Hawks played three one-goal games last weekend. Friday, Waterloo allowed 27 shots in the first 20 minutes, yet had a 2-1 lead by the mid-second period. The Lincoln Stars scored three times before intermission, ultimately edging the Hawks 4-3 despite Griffin Erdman's hat trick. Saturday, Waterloo reversed that score during a rematch. Gavin O'Connell scored twice, and the Hawks never trailed. Gavyn Thoreson notched three assists. Sunday's 3-2 loss against the Sioux City Musketeers was the only game in which the Hawks did not have a lead at some point. Waterloo fell behind 3-0 before third period goals by Aaron Pionk and James Hong.

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

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2023


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.

OurSports Central