Black Hawks tighten USHL West standings

Since February began, the Waterloo Black Hawks have played six games and had one postponed due to inclement weather (Feb. 4 vs. Lincoln). During that span, the team went 3-1-2 and picked up eight out of a possible 12 points in the United States Hockey League Western Conference standings. The Black Hawks (50 points) now trail the Omaha Lancers (55) and Lincoln Stars (51) in the USHL West standings with approximately 20 games remaining per team.

Also, during that span, the Black Hawks made some trades, sending Trevor Owens, Jay Williams and Peter Hand to different squads, while picking up Stephon Williams at goaltender, Alex Barron on defense, Danny Elser at forward and Vladislav Lysenko on defense.

After last Friday's victory versus the Fargo Force, some of the new players spoke about how they've blended into the team and how it feels to be with the organization.

"The transition has been really easy," said Williams. "The guys took me in really well. It's a good group of guys and this organization is run really well. (Waterloo) is a great city with a great fan base, so it's been a really easy transition for me. I couldn't be happier to be here."

Barron echoed Williams' thoughts when talking about the Waterloo fan base.

"It's a pretty unbelievable feeling (to play here)," Barron said. "I've always hated playing at this rink because the fans are so crazy. They always gave me a hard time, but being on the other side of that now is an amazing feeling. They are just absolutely amazing."

Last Friday, the Black Hawks faced off with the Fargo Force at Young Arena. Last season, the teams battled to a line brawl and a Force victory. This season, the Black Hawks got their revenge, winning 4-1. Black Hawks goals came from Max Edson, Ryan Papa, Ian McCoshen and Eddie Wittchow, while Fargo's lone goal came from Colton Hargrove.

The Dubuque Fighting Saints left Waterloo Saturday evening with a 4-3 shootout victory. Taylor Cammarata put Waterloo on the board first in the second period, but Mike Matheson answered for Dubuque in the same frame. Waterloo and Dubuque traded goals in the third period, with Matthew Caito scoring for the Saints and AJ Michaelson answering for the Black Hawks.

Matheson scored a second time in the third period, but Tony Cameranesi forced overtime for the Black Hawks with just 2:17 remaining in regulation. A scoreless overtime led to a shootout, with Matheson being the only shooter for either team to convert their show.

The Black Hawks return to action Friday in Dubuque, then return home for a pair of games against Fargo and Des Moines on Saturday and Sunday.