Three Black Hawks Chosen for Prospects Game

Waterloo Black Hawks Cale Morris, Sam Rossini, and Garrett Wait have been selected by the United States Hockey League and NHL Central Scouting to compete in the 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on January 12th in Omaha.

The selection process for players competing in the game was completed in cooperation with NHL general managers and scouts, NHL Central Scouting, and USHL general managers. All 40 players chosen are eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft, including 27 players that are in their first year of eligibility.

“By being selected for the event, these players have already captured the attention of NHL scouts, and the game provides them another opportunity to be evaluated among the best talent in their age group,” said Bob Fallen, USHL President and Commissioner.

Morris is in his second season with the Black Hawks. The 19-year-old is 7-4-2, with a goals-against average (2.06, 3rd) and save percentage (92.0%, 10th) which rank among the league-leaders. Morris is committed to Notre Dame. Rossini is also a second year Black Hawk. A future Minnesota Gopher, he has played in 20 Waterloo games this season with two goals and two assists. With a +6 plus/minus differential, Rossini is tied for fourth on the team. Wait is also committed to Minnesota. The forward has recorded three goals and an assist in 21 games during his USHL rookie season.

“The prospects are encouraged to showcase their skills and abilities amongst their peers in this competitive and entertaining environment that brings out their best,” said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting.

Morris, Rossini, and Wait are among 40 players who will be split into two 20-man teams – Team East and Team West – for the event. The final rosters, along with coaches and support staff will be announced at a later date.

ast season, the Black Hawks were represented in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game by Brock Boeser, Tom Novak, Tyler Sheehy, and Ethan Spaxman. Boeser and Novak were subsequently selected during the 2015 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators respectively.

The 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is the fourth edition of the event, and it follows a record-setting 2015 NHL Draft that saw 37 USHL players selected by NHL teams. The 2016 NHL Draft will be held June 24th and 25th in Buffalo at the First Niagara Center.