Waterloo took a big step forward this weekend, winning 2 out of 3 games and picking up 4 points to dig themselves out of the cellar of the USHL's Western Division. Now, with games against two inter conference foes, Omaha and Des Moines this coming weekend, the team can make up ground if they can get some crucial wins and get back in the play-off chase.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON VS TRI-CITY
During a Valentine's Day game, Tri-City Storm's goalie Connor Hopkins showed "no love" for the Black Hawks stopping 25 shots, as the Storm prevailed 2-0. According to a team game re-cap, Hopkins shut-out performance came one day after he allowed four goals on 11 shots during a relief appearance for injured starter Todd Scott.

The Storm took their initial lead on a controversial call when Tri-City defenseman Guillaume Richard knocked down Black Hawks' goalie Jack Williams in the crease. Klapka put the puck into the net, and it was ruled a good goal. The Storm then added an insurance goal in the second period when Nicholas Donato lifted a sharp angle chance over Williams. Waterloo’s netminder made 28 saves in his first appearance since December 18th.

Tommy Hawk modeling the Black Hawks' Iowa Stars replica jersey - Photo by: Townsquare Media - Shawn McKenna
Tommy Hawk modeling the Black Hawks' Iowa Stars replica jersey - Photo by: Townsquare Media - Shawn McKenna
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IOWA STARS JERSEYS ARE UP FOR BENEFIT AUCTION
The Black Hawks wore Iowa Stars replica jerseys during this past weekend's games to benefit Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. The Stars were the state’s first NHL farm club, and played one season in Waterloo in 1969/70. The regressive auction has opened with a “buy it now” bid price on each sweater. The bid amount for any given jersey will be periodically reduced until it is sold or until the auction ends on March 1st. To buy or bid click here.

SATURDAY NIGHT VS. TRI-CITY
Waterloo's Ryan O'Hara scored a late game-winning as the Black Hawks came out on top by a score of 5-4 against Tri-City Storm Saturday night at Young Arena. Mason Reiners missed the net in an attempted shot as the clock rolled under one minute to play. Then Max Sasson collected the puck off the rebound and dropped it to O’Hara between the circles, and with 53 seconds left, O’Hara was on target for the decisive score.

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FRIDAY NIGHT AT DUBUQUE
Waterloo rallied to tie Friday’s game four different times before pulling ahead of the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the final three minutes for a 7-6 win at the Mystique Ice Center. It was the Black Hawks’ highest-scoring performance of the season, and their first win against an opponent from the USHL's Eastern Conference after an 0-6-0 start in cross-conference contests.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE - BACK AT HOME ON SUNDAY
Next up, the Black Hawks are on road game Friday night at Omaha, then they have a stop at Des Moines on their way back home to take on the Lancers again next Sunday, February 21st at Young Arena. A limited amount of tickets are available by clicking here.

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