USHL/Black Hawks Cancel Remaining 2019/20 Season

Continuing concerns related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic have prompted the United States Hockey League to cancel all remaining 2019/20 games, including the 2020 Clark Cup playoffs, the USHL announced on Wednesday.

Social distancing measures to control the spread of COVID-19 could extend far into the summer, according to health authorities.  Under these conditions, leaders of the USHL’s member clubs decided the league’s best course is to turn full attention toward preparing for the 2020/21 season.

“As we have said throughout this situation, our top priority is the health and safety of our players, fans, and staff,” said Black Hawks Head Coach P.K. O’Handley.  “From a hockey standpoint, I would like to say how proud I am of this team and also use this moment as another opportunity to remind them that they should be proud of themselves.”

The Waterloo Black Hawks will provide fair value to all 2019/20 ticket buyers to make good on their unused seats.  Specific “Roll It Forward” policies related to various types of tickets are detailed below.

“We appreciate the loyalty of Black Hawks fans, who have been very patient as we have run into so many unprecedented moments during the last week,” said Black Hawks President of Business Operations Joe Greene.  “On behalf of the organization, we would like to thank all of our fans for their role in making Young Arena the best place to play in junior hockey.

“During the weeks and months ahead, the Black Hawks organization will continue to employ our full-time staff, and we are evaluating a strategy to compensate Black Hawks game night staff.”

When the USHL season was suspended on March 12^th, the Black Hawks were 33-14-2.  Waterloo finishes 2019/20 with the best record in the Western Conference and tied for second overall in the league.

 “Roll It Forward” Ticket Redemption/Credit Policy

Season Tickets: For season ticket accounts which were paid in full by March 12^th, fans will receive the dollar value of the eight un-played regular season home games credited toward their 2020/21 season ticket renewal.  In addition, each of these accounts will receive two bonus buddy tickets which may be redeemed for a Black Hawks home game (excluding Thanksgiving) played before December 30, 2020.  Any fans who have season tickets which have not been paid in full should contact Parish Mason to determine the particulars of their situation. 

 The Black Hawks will be calculating and processing credits for the remainder of this week.  The team requests that fans refrain from calling or stopping in to discuss their specific circumstances until Tuesday, March 24^th or later.

Seven Game Voucher Pack: Un-redeemed vouchers may be redeemed for 2020/21 home games played before December 30, 2020 (INCLUDING Thanksgiving).

Group Tickets: Any group which has paid for a group experience, luxury suite, the Budweiser Hospitality Area, or Smitty’s on the Glass will be contacted directly by a Black Hawks representative no later than May 4^th to arrange a 2020/21 ticket package alternative.

Single Game Tickets: Single game ticket buyers will receive a 3x1 “Roll It Forward” credit in the form of 2020/21 ticket vouchers.  Under this plan, each ticket purchased will yield three vouchers for the ticket bearer which may be redeemed for any 2020/21 home game (excluding Thanksgiving) played before December 30, 2020.  Please hold your tickets at this time; a future date when game tickets may be exchanged for 2020/21 vouchers will be announced in the weeks ahead.