Black Hawks Lose in Shootout To Stars

The Lincoln Stars claimed two points from a 3-2 Saturday shootout at Young Arena, but before that, the Black Hawks had a strong finish to close regulation and earn a valuable point in the United States Hockey League standings.

Trailing 2-0 through 40 minutes, Waterloo counterpunched with two goals separated by 55 seconds. At 3:01, Phil Beaulieu put back his own rebound from close range beating Cam Hackett to the glove side. Before the period was four minutes old, John Wiitala – his toes just outside the cease – equalized with a one-touch shot created by a Rem Pitlick pass.

The Hawks appeared to take the lead minutes later, but Brendan Shane’s wraparound goal was washed out due to contact in the crease.

Waterloo outshot the Stars 16-1 during the third period and 2-1 in overtime. However, Grant Jozefek was the only player able to convert a shootout attempt over four rounds, giving Lincoln the extra point.

The Stars had used a wealth of first period power play time to establish a 1-0 lead by intermission. On a two-man advantage with 6:00 remaining in the frame, Patrick Polino capitalized on a chance from below the left circle.

Lincoln converted another power play to widen their margin 5:37 into the second period. With traffic in and around the Black Hawks crease, Joe Lappin slipped a shot across the goal line and between the pipes.

One final game still remains on the Black Hawks schedule before Christmas. Friday, Waterloo meets the Des Moines Buccaneers on the road for the first contest between the clubs in 2014/15.

For Saturday's box score, Click Here