Black Hawks Battle to the End in a Loss-Back at Home This Weekend
The sound of the puck going "clang" off the goal post represents just how close the Waterloo Black Hawks are to start turning losses into wins. That sound was left echoing across Young Arena Tuesday night as many of their shots missed finding the back of the net by mere inches. Meanwhile, the Omaha Lancers poured it on in the 2nd period with four goals, including two within 24 seconds of each other. The Lancers prevailed with a 4-3 decision, but the home team didn't go down without a fight.
According to a team game re-cap: Waterloo trailed 4-0 when the teams emerged from the locker room after the 2nd intermission. The Black Hawks breakthrough came when Luke Bast connected with Matt Argentina scoring his third goal in as many games. The 4-1 score held when there was less than 3 minutes to go in the game, when Nick Wallace connected with Owen Ozar who "tickled the twines" for his team-leading 11th goal of the year. The Black Hawks final goal came with 1:41 to play. After pulling their goalie, and playing 6 on 5, Cooper Wylie found Wyatt Schingeothe who then beat the Lancers' goaltender. Despite lifting their netminder again and going to a late power play, Waterloo was unable to level the score as the clock expired.
Waterloo goes on the road for their next game this Friday vs. the Lincoln Stars. Then the two teams play again on Saturday, but this time the Black Hawks will host the Stars, followed by a Sunday afternoon matinee game vs. Tri-City. Read more about the Black Hawks special Military Appreciation Weekend below.
Honoring veterans and all active military personnel this weekend
According to a team press release: for more than a decade, the Black Hawks have honored those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces by wearing a patriotic or military-themed jersey (see photo above) during an annual weekend dedicated to veterans. This season, that weekend will be Saturday, March 13th and Sunday, March 14th.
In past seasons, the organization honors veterans in mid-November around Veterans’ Day or on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. However, due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, and postponed games, the team has moved their "Veterans Weekend" to March.
"It was not possible to follow the typical schedule this season, but I have no doubt that Black Hawks fans will respond enthusiastically, and hopefully many of our former servicemen and women will be able to be with us next weekend.” said Black Hawks President of Business Operations Joe Greene
Live bidding for the sweaters will be conducted following Saturday’s game, (the team will still wear the jerseys Sunday). The auction will benefit the Miehe Veterans Transitional Home in Waterloo. The facility is administered by Americans for Independent Living and offers accommodations for servicemen in need. Its goal is reducing veteran homelessness in Black Hawk County.
The Black Hawks will also recognize current and former service personnel with free admission to both games. Veterans’ tickets will be available to pick up from the box office in person on each game day. Fans can also "pick your own ticket price" for the Sunday afternoon game. Fans will be able to select how much their ticket will cost at the box office (minimum of $7.00). Every dollar above the minimum will be donated to Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs to support their efforts such as a food pantry and gym memberships for local veterans. This offer is only available at the box office on game day.
Seats for all remaining Black Hawks home games are on sale now and are available here. Fans are reminded that face coverings are required to attend Black Hawks games, in compliance with Waterloo’s continuing mask mandate. Doors open one hour prior to game time (no early entry).