For the second straight night, a four-goal second period propelled the Waterloo Black Hawks to a win; Saturday's matchup against the Omaha Lancers finished 4-3 at Young Arena.
In Chicago the previous evening, the Hawks had also seized the lead during the middle frame. That 5-2 victory, coupled with Saturday's result, gives the team their first consecutive wins during the young campaign.
A crowd of 2,709 made their way to Commercial Street for the first game in Waterloo this season. It was the Hawks' largest home-opening crowd since 2017. They cheered the home team's early chances, but ultimately the first period ended in a scoreless draw.
Teddy Townsend produced the first of Waterloo's second period goals at 3:31. His initial try from the right circle was knocked down, but Townsend got to his own rebound and slipped in his first USHL goal.
The lead lasted for just over four minutes until Aleksi Kivioja capitalized on a turnover, sending his quick wrister into the net from the top of the right circle.
Waterloo recorded the next three goals, including a pair on special teams. At 11:17, Grady Deering was jousting for a puck near the top of the Omaha crease while the Hawks were on a power play. It slipped to Adam Zlnka, who was waiting near the post to stuff in a chance. Then at 15:23 while Waterloo was shorthanded, Jakub Altrichter and Carson Reed created a turnover near the Omaha blue line. Skating with numbers, Reed's attempt from the slot was thwarted by Eric Olsson, but Altrichter raced to the edge of the paint to push in the rebound.
Exactly two minutes later, John Mustard added another goal from close range. The rookie's fourth of the season retied him with Zlnka for the team's goal-scoring lead.
The Lancers began tightening the game back up before the period was over. With 18.5 seconds left, Nick Pierre sprang behind the Hawks defense for a breakaway goal, nudging his shot past Calvin Vachon's left skate.
Omaha scored the only goal of the third at 6:31. Ryan Kusler was between the circles to tip Samo Meritahti's shot from the left point. Waterloo's one-goal lead held the rest of the way, even after Olsson came to the bench for a sixth attacker with two-and-a-half minutes to go. The best chance for a change of score came when Connor Brown hit the post of Omaha's empty net from 150 feet away with 90 seconds to play.
Vachon made 30 saves for his second win in as many nights.
Saturday's game was the beginning of a five-game homestand. The run continues Friday against the Lincoln Stars at 7:05 p.m. Fans in attendance will take home a 2023/24 magnetic schedule while supplies last. For tickets, call the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680 or visit tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.
Omaha 0 2 1 - 3
Waterloo 0 4 0 - 4
1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Sluys Oma (tripping), 5:25; Deering Wat (bench minor-too many men), 16:05; Kusler Oma (major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 19:52; Erdman Wat (major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 19:52.
2nd Period-1, Waterloo, Townsend 1 (Nycz, Kerr), 3:31. 2, Omaha, Kivioja 1 (Kenne), 7:41. 3, Waterloo, Zlnka 4 (Deering, Thoreson), 11:17 (PP). 4, Waterloo, Altrichter 2 (Reed), 15:23 (SH). 5, Waterloo, Mustard 4 (Altrichter, Thoreson), 17:23. 6, Omaha, Pierre 2 (Kusler, Meritahti), 19:42. Penalties-Jones Oma (boarding, major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 9:49; Kerr Wat (major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 9:49; Vachon Wat (tripping), 14:06.
3rd Period-7, Omaha, Kusler 1 (Meritahti), 6:31. Penalties-No Penalties
Shots on Goal-Omaha 8-12-13-33. Waterloo 12-9-13-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Omaha 0 / 2; Waterloo 1 / 2.
Goalies-Omaha, Olsson 0-3-0-0 (34 shots-30 saves). Waterloo, Vachon 2-1-0-0 (33 shots-30 saves).
A-2,709
