Waterloo Black Hawks forward Griffin Erdman has been chosen for the 2023 United States Hockey League All-Academic Team, the USHL announced Tuesday.

The 2022/23 campaign was his first full season in Waterloo.  The 18-year-old from Wilmington, Delaware, is committed to Northeastern University.  Erdman is the first Black Hawk chosen for the league's All-Academic Team since Jack Drury after the 2017/18 season.
 
"Junior hockey at the USHL-level is very demanding, so to be successful on the ice and academically is a tremendous achievement," said Black Hawks Head Coach Matt Smaby.  "I would like to salute all of our high school-aged players; they are still working through the changes and disruptions created by COVID.  Griffin has taken a situation that could be an obstacle and turned it into a strength."

USHL All-Academic Team selections are determined by the league office from among the players nominated for the USHL Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.  Just six players are selected for All-Academic honors each spring from among the league's 16 clubs.

In addition to Erdman and Drury, Jake Horton (2013) and Eamon McAdam (2012) are the other Black Hawks who have previously been named to the All-Academic Team.  Among the group, Horton is the only Waterloo skater to win the league's Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.

During on-ice competition this season, Erdman played in each of the Hawks' 62 regular season games, plus all three playoff matchups.  He produced 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists), as well as a +14 plus/minus differential.  Erdman ranked third on the team in goals and tied for fourth in points.  His teammates voted him the Black Hawks' 2023 Rookie of the Year.  Erdman's total scoring placed ninth among players meeting the USHL's rookie designation, while his plus/minus figure stood fifth.  

Erdman is likely to be Waterloo's top returning scorer for the 2023/24 season.