Tonight’s Waterloo Black Hawks Game vs. Omaha Declared No Contest

Friday’s game at Young Arena between the Omaha Lancers and Waterloo Black Hawks has been declared “No Contest” by the United States Hockey League (USHL) as the result of recent circumstances encountered by the Omaha organization, according to a team press release.

What's going on in Omaha?

A USHL statement says the league has been in contact with the Lancers' players and it was determined it is in the best interest of the players to postpone this weekend's games. USHL representatives will be in Omaha today to meet with the team.

SI.com's Hockey News reports that multiple sources are saying that players from the team are planning a boycott of this weekend's games. Omaha was scheduled to play the Black Hawks tonight, along with the Lincoln Stars and Des Moines Buccaneers this weekend.

Budget cut-backs lead to confusion among the Lancers' team/organization

The Hockey News article explains;  reported budget cuts by the Omaha franchise led to players not having road meals paid for by the team. Plus, players were allegedly forced to pay for their own hockey sticks and tape. Both of those situations, break standards set across the league that is supposed to be completely free to play in.

USHL players must maintain their amateur status to be eligible for a college scholarship. They do not receive any stipends or compensation like some other leagues.

Chaos in the USHL's Omaha organization

The article goes on to explain that "video services were allegedly taken away from the players, depriving coaches of a crucial teaching tool".  Multiple sources told Hockey News that "all of these cuts led to an impasse between coach/GM Chadd Cassidy and the team's president and ownership."  Depending on who you listen to, Cassidy was either fired or "stepped down". In the meantime, the Lancers' have hired an interim coach.

What if I had tickets for tonight's Black Hawks game?

Fans have the option to hold on to their tickets for use for a rescheduled Black Hawks vs. Lancers game or exchange them for any of the other home games remaining on Waterloo’s home schedule.  For more information contact their box office.

The Black Hawks’ Saturday game against the Sioux City Musketeers is unaffected by this situation and will be played as scheduled at 6:05 p.m. at Young Arena.