Forward Sal Viviano has been selected by his teammates as the Waterloo Black Hawks' captain for the 2026/27 season.

Viviano learned he had been chosen for the leadership role Wednesday after practice.  The 19-year-old from Grand Blanc, Michigan, is Waterloo's top returning scorer from the 2025/26 season.
 
"It's a long road ahead of us.  We're not perfect," Viviano told his teammates in the locker room after receiving an updated jersey with the "C" stitched on the front.  

"We need every single one of you to lead the way, Viviano continued.  Letters don't matter in the end.  Everyone here is a big part of this group.  Everyday we push ourselves to be better, and that's what it's all about."

Viviano played in 61 of 62 games last winter.  He notched 16 goals and 24 assists.  Viviano was also selected to appear in USA Hockey's All-American Game in January.  Through five games this year, he has tacked on three more points (two goals, one assist), while helping Waterloo to a 4-0-1 start.

The Hawks also named Jimmy Rieber, Toby Carlson, Dylan Nolan, and Colin Dustin this season's alternate captains.  Rieber is currently on injured reserve, but his 60 appearances last season led to his selection in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks.  Rieber is committed to Miami.  Carlson is also in his second year with the Black Hawks and was sidelined by injury late last spring.  He returned to action this fall with one goal in his first three games after recording 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 2025/26.

Nolan is spending his third season in the United States Hockey League and second with the Hawks; he opened his junior career with the Tri-City Storm.  Tied for the team lead with three goals currently, the future Colorado College skater is on track to play in his 100th regular season game later this month.  Dustin is skating in the USHL for the first time this fall.  He has two goals in five appearances and comes to Waterloo from the Rochester Jr. Americans of the North American Hockey League.  Dustin will play college hockey at Niagara.

Cheer on Waterloo's new captains this Saturday when the Black Hawks host the Madison Capitols at 6:35.  The organization will pay tribute to beloved country singer Dolly Parton throughout the evening, which has been designated 9 to 5 Night.  For seats, call the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680 or visit tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.