USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Witek Gets USHL Weekly Nod

Published on April 9, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-For the second time this season, Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Mitch Witek has been selected as the United States Hockey League's CCM Defensive Player of the Week, the USHL announced Monday.

While visiting the Dubuque Fighting Saints last Friday, Witek assisted on the first Hawks goal, scored by Mike Huntebrinker, which started Waterloo back from a 2-0 deficit. The Black Hawks eventually lost 4-3 after taking a lead in the third period. Behind by the same margin Saturday when visiting the Green Bay Gamblers, Witek again helped Waterloo light the lamp for the first time on a goal by Vince Hinostroza early in the second period. He gave the Hawks their first lead later in the second, scoring the second goal of his USHL career, against his former team. Then in the waning minutes of the frame, Witek added one more assist on the Aaron Pearce goal which proved to be the game-winner in the 5-3 contest. All totaled, he notched a goal and three assists, while leading Waterloo defensemen with a +3 plus/minus rating over the weekend.

Just before the start of the season, Waterloo acquired Witek in a trade with Green Bay. Having missed just one game this season, Witek leads Hawks defensemen with 24 points. A native of Downers Grove, Illinois, Witek is committed to Yale.

"All players want to have success against a team they're traded from, so I expect he'll remember that goal for a long time," said Hawks head coach P.K. O'Handley. "His teammates razzed him a little after his first goal [against Sioux Falls on March 23rd], and I think everyone was pretty excited about this one too."

In November, Witek was the first Black Hawk player this season to be chosen for one of the league's weekly awards. Hinostroza, Jamie Hill, Mark Naclerio, Taylor Cammarata, and Scott MacDonald have each been named the USHL's Offensive Player of the Week at least once since. A Black Hawk has been either the Offensive or Defensive Player of the Week on eight occasions.

The Hawks conclude their 2011-2012 regular season at Young Arena this weekend. Friday, Waterloo hosts the Tri-City Storm, before the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders visit on Saturday. Both games begin at 7:05. Tickets are available online from waterlooblackhawks.com or from the Black Hawks Box Office after 11:30 Wednesday.

Check out the Waterloo Black Hawks Statistics

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



United States Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2012


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