Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview, September 27th
September 27, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Waterloo Black Hawks News Release
First of Many
The Black Hawks meet the Des Moines Buccaneers this Saturday at 6:05 p.m. During the 2022/23 season, the teams will face each other a total of eight times, more games than the Hawks will play versus any other opponent. Over the course of eight matchups in 2021/22, Waterloo was 5-3-0 against the Bucs. Goaltender Emmett Croteau was in the crease for four of those wins, and Hawks veteran forward Garrett Schifsky had a series-high four goals. Des Moines’ top returning scorer is Henry Bartle (four goals, 20 assists in 56 games).
Singular Focus
Saturday’s game represents one of three instances this season when the Hawks will have only one game during a weekend. The others are October 8th (home versus Tri-City) and November 5th (home versus Sioux Falls). Last season, there were also three occasions when Waterloo only played once in a week. In those circumstances, the Hawks made the most of their opportunity each time, upending Cedar Rapids (3-0) October 1st, Sioux City (5-2) November 20th, and Des Moines (5-1) December 10th.
College Commitments
The Black Hawks open the year with 20 players committed to NCAA Division I schools. The list includes four programs with two commitments apiece: Colorado College (Gavin Lindberg, Aidan Shirey), Michigan State (Owen Baker, Patrick Geary), Minnesota State (James Hong, Aaron Pionk), and North Dakota (David Klee, Keith McInnis).
Patiently Waiting
A handful of Black Hawks did not skate during the USHL Fall Classic. The group includes forwards Grayson Badger and Zach Bade, defensemen Gennadi Chaly and Aidan Shirey, and goaltender Jack Spicer. Shirey played in seven games for the Hawks last season; the others in the group are awaiting their USHL debuts. Chaly was acquired from the Tri-City Storm after spending the preseason in Kearney. Spicer served as Emmett Croteau’s backup during last weekend’s Falls Classic action.
Recent Games
For the second consecutive year, the Black Hawks split their games during the USHL Fall Classic. Last Saturday, Aaron Pionk scored early in the first period; four other teammates also recorded their first Waterloo goals, and the Hawks outdistanced the Youngstown Phantoms 5-2. Gavyn Thoreson notched a goal and an assist. Sunday, USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program produced a pair of power play scores in the second period and vaulted to a 3-2 win against Waterloo. Gavin Lindberg assisted on one Hawks goal, then scored the other during a power play in the third.
For complete box scores from previous Black Hawks games, visit ushl.com.
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