The Waterloo Black Hawks kicked off a three-game weekend with a 3-0 road win in Omaha. Next up are two home games this New Year's Eve weekend.

Matej Tomek made 31 saves for his first United States Hockey League shutout Thursday (Dec. 28, 2017), as the Waterloo Black Hawks topped the Omaha Lancers 3-0 at Ralston Arena.

Special teams played a big factor in the Waterloo win. Garrett Wait cashed in on a first period power play. Jackson Cates and Jack Drury moved the puck to the front of the net during the second Waterloo advantage; Wait capitalized on the rebound of Cates’ shot at 15:46.

Special teams success of a different kind led to the Hawks building their lead in the final minute of the second. Ethan Johnson came out of the box after a successful penalty kill and kept play alive as Waterloo completed a shift change. Johnson and Ben Copeland set up Cates for a one-touch score from the top of the crease with 32 seconds to go before intermission.

NEXT UP: The Black Hawks return home for for two games this weekend. Tonight will be a thriller inside Young Arena. "Stinkin' Lincoln" comes to Party Town. Plus, the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew will be there for the party.

Ottawa Senators v Chicago Blackhawks
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The drops at at 7:05 p.m. Bud Light will be $2 for fans 21 and over, as well as other select $2 concessions available throughout the evening.

Waterloo concludes the calendar year Sunday versus the Des Moines Buccaneers for a 6:05 p.m. New Year’s Eve home game. For tickets, call the Black Hawks Box Office or visit WaterlooBlackhawks.com.

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