Black Hawks Finish 3-Game Road Trip With A Win

Waterloo started their three game road trip at the USHL'S Western Conference leading Fargo Force by falling in Fargo last Thursday night by a score of 4-2. Then they played two games in Sioux Falls on Friday and Saturday night.

SATURDAY NIGHT
The Black Hawks scored five unanswered goals in the last 23 minutes of play Saturday to come away with a 6-4 road victory over the Stampede at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. It didn't look good at first when Waterloo fell behind 4-1 just past the midpoint of regulation. Teddy Lagerback got things started for Black Hawks in the first period. Then Waterloo scored on a power play just minutes before the end of the 2nd period. Casey Severo flicked a rebound shot past the Stampede's goalie. The 3rd period comeback started with David Gucciardi’s deflected shot snuck in under the crossbar to make the score 4-3. Gucciardi made his presence known again with rocket shot from the top of the circle to tie the game.

In addition, the team's post-game recap showed that Waterloo went ahead for the first time Saturday less then a minute later. Wyatt Schingoethe got a close-range chance, in the crease, putting Waterloo on top. The Black Hawks and rookie goaltender Emmett Croteau had to play through a six-on-three power play situation for a time, but Croteau held off Sioux Falls. Croteau made nine saves during the third and a total of 29 for the win in his USHL debut. The game ended with an empty net goal from Max Sasson.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Friday night at Sioux Falls things didn't go as well. Two Stampede players scored two goals apiece Friday during a 5-1 victory over Waterloo. In the 2nd period, Max Sasson recorded Waterloo’s only goal firing a shot to the top corner over the Stampede goalie’s left shoulder. Waterloo took the loss despite outshooting the Stampede in each period and by a final count of 36-27.

THE ROAD AHEAD
The Black Hawks remain on the road for games next weekend in Dubuque and Chicago before returning to Young Arena on Tuesday night, January 19th vs Omaha.