Last year was an anomaly for the Waterloo Black Hawks, finishing with a losing record and out of the playoffs for the first time in a very long time. Then again, last season was far from normal. The Black Hawks battled through injuries and COVID-19 illnesses. Plus, like many teams in the United States Hockey League, they played through many schedule changes and several weekends where they played 3 games in a row. But that season is over and there are many things to look forward to in this upcoming season.

A return to "normalcy" for the Black Hawks

There's nothing like a hot 90-degree day in June to get you started thinking about hockey. For more Black Hawks fans, they never stop thinking about it. They're hardcore and fall can't come fast enough.  Waterloo's 2021//22 home schedule kicks off playing their arch-rivals from the south, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Friday, October 1st. Over the years,  the Black Hawks have the edge in the series, with a 75-53-13 (W-L-OTL) record vs. Cedar Rapids.

The RoughRiders return to the ice his upcoming season

As if 2020 wasn't bad enough, the August derecho that tore through Cedar Rapids resulted in significant structural damage to the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. The organization missed the entire season and all of their players were dispersed to other teams.

“It is tremendous to have the RoughRiders here to start the schedule as they make their return, and we look forward to having a building packed with hockey fans to rekindle this great rivalry.”  said Black Hawks President of Business Operations Joe Greene in a press release.

Other Black Hawks schedule highlights

The Blacks Hawks will take on the RoughRiders to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their traditional Thanksgiving night game on Thursday, November 25th. Plus, there'll be a Thanksgiving Eve game against the Madison Capitols on Wednesday, November 24. Along with a New Year's Eve match-up with Des Moines. And of course, we can't forget four home match-ups versus the Black Hawks' other staunch rival, the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

2021/22 Waterloo Black Hawks hockey schedule

For the complete schedule click here. If you're interested in getting season tickets for the upcoming season, click here.

CHECK IT OUT: Former Black Hawks Currently In The NHL-Then & Now Photos

https://thefw.com/50-powerful-images-that-capture-winning-moments-from-sports-history/

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