USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Witek Welcomes Ivy League Challenges

Published on December 12, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-Mitch Witek may not have known he was coming to Waterloo as he began preparing for the 2011-2012 season, but as of Monday the Black Hawks defenseman knows where he will be going next after announcing his commitment to Yale University.

"I had an idea of where I wanted to go to school, but I never thought that hockey would bring me to the Ivy League," Witek said about his experience in juniors.

The Downers Grove, Illinois native was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Gamblers during the week prior to the start of the regular season. Appearing in 20 games for the Hawks so far, he has seven assists and a +3 plus-minus rating. With three points during the third weekend of November, the United States Hockey League recognized him as the USHL Defensive Player of the Week. Prior to becoming a Black Hawk, Witek played 35 games with the Green Bay Gamblers last season and dressed for ten contests with the Chicago Steel in 2009-2010. He had one assist and a +8 rating in those games.

"When players like Mitch get the chance to attend prestigious institutions like Yale, it's a great reminder to everyone of the kind of kids we have playing for the Black Hawks and in the USHL," said Waterloo Black Hawks head coach P.K. O'Handley. "On the ice, he has had an opportunity and made the most of it. That has opened to door to a much bigger opportunity in the classroom, which will continue to be a benefit for the rest of his life."

Witek is the third Black Hawk to make a Division I college commitment in less than a week. Last Thursday, Witek's defense partner Eddie Wittchow announced that he will attend the University of Wisconsin. Black Hawks forward Ryan Papa confirmed his plans to be a St. Cloud State Husky last Tuesday. Twelve Waterloo players now have college commitments.

Witek will join former Black Hawk Anthony Day on the Bulldogs' roster next season. Day is currently a college freshman. Hawks alumni also had a recent presence at Yale during goaltender Ryan Rondeau's four year tenure which ended last spring.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2011


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