The Waterloo Black Hawks have announced their new slogan for the 2010-2011 campaign, in an effort to encourage fans to get loud supporting their United States Hockey League (USHL) team this season. The slogan is "Party On," and will be featured on t-shirts from the official Waterloo Black Hawks' souvenir store, Party Town Outfitters, next month.
The store gets its name from the nickname of the Black Hawks' home ice, Young Arena. The nickname is Party Town, which has a dual meaning to fans and players alike. Firstly, Glenn Frey's song "Partytown" is played after every Black Hawks goal, which many hope to hear regularly in the 2010-2011 campaign. With talented new forwards hoping to wear out the sound system at Young Arena, a stalwart corps of solid, returning defensemen and a veteran goalie in store this year, opposing teams may not have fun when playing in Waterloo.
First-year forward Vinnie Hinostroza has been in the Cedar Valley just a few short weeks, and he loves it. He is currently staying with Black Hawks housing parents Vince and Cindy Jenness.
"I love the people here," Hinostroza said Friday evening. "I love the town, the area, everything. It's all great."
When Hinostroza was asked about the team's goals for the season, he wasn't sure how to reply, since he is new to the team.
"Obviously, we look to win, to come together as a team to get the job done."
Other members of the team were in attendance as well. Second-year goalie C.J. Motte explained how this season's team compared to and contrasted with last season's team.
"We were able to return several of our defenders, so that squad ought to be very solid," Motte said. "On the other hand, we have new forwards. Hopefully they can pick up (the basics) really well, and we can get off to a faster start than last season."
Last season saw the Black Hawks get off to a very sluggish start indeed, as they were fighting to stay above last place in the division around the middle of the season. The team came together well, however, and managed to make the playoffs.
Blake Thompson is one of the solid defensemen Motte mentioned who is returning. Thompson is in his third year in the league and second with the Black Hawks' organization.
"Personally, my goals are to keep improving, to get bigger, stronger," Thompson explained. "As far as team goals, we hope to be able to rally together and win the Clark Cup (awarded to the champion of the playoffs)."
Black Hawks president Doug Miller, however, hopes every game is filled with fans enjoying the game and atmosphere.
"Everyone loves a party! Whether you're a 10-year-old having a birthday, a married couple celebrating an anniversary or a coworker congratulating a colleague on retirement, parties are great, and there's no argument that the Black Hawks host 30 of the best parties in the Cedar Valley. Even people who don't like hockey have a great time at our games, because the atmosphere is so much fun for everyone," Miller said in a press release last Thursday.
The fun began last Friday in Sturgis Park in downtown Cedar Falls, as the Black Hawks and Lincoln Savings Bank sponsored "Live to 9." "Live to 9" is a free, family-friendly concert which helps families wind down summer. Wagg, a local band, helped fans "Party On" with the Black Hawks, with music beginning at 6 pm. Several of the Black Hawks were in attendance.
Fans were able to pick up copies of the season schedule at Friday's "Live to 9." Those in attendance also had an opportunity to win cool prizes.
Tim Harwood, the Black Hawks' radio play-by-play announcer, greeted fans and prepared for the new season at Friday's event. When asked why a typical college student should attend a game, he paused for a brief second before stating that if you've never been, hockey is a very easy game to pick up. He also said that hockey is a lot of fun to watch.
"We also have a promotion for families who wish to attend the games," Harwood added. "Every Friday night home game, a family can order a "Family 4-Pack," which includes four tickets to the game, a Domino's pizza, four sodas, and a souvenir game program. The cost of the four-pack is less than the cost of taking the same family to the movies for the night, so it's affordable and fun for everyone."
Following Friday's event, the Black Hawks have just a few short weeks to wrap up preparations for the season. In the first preseason game for the Black Hawks this season, Black Hawks' chief rival, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, invade Party Town at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Following three other home preseason games, the RoughRiders return to Young Arena for the Black Hawks' home opener on Oct. 2, also at 7 p.m. Fans can pick up tickets to the preseason games beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 13. Fans who attend the Sept. 21 preseason game against the Des Moines Buccaneers will have first claim to individual regular season tickets.
All other information and updates about the Black Hawks can be found at the team's website, www.waterlooblackhawks.com.
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