Every hockey season begins when a collection of familiar players are joined by a complement of new personalities. For months, the Waterloo Black Hawks have been working to put the right group on ice this September.
The United States Hockey League's new Standard Player Development Agreement provides more certainty for both players and teams. As the league noted when introducing these agreements in April, "The SPDA formalizes expectations that already define the USHL experience, including academic support programming, strength and performance resources, billet family housing, travel support, mental wellness services, and access to elite coaching and competition." Many of the players who will be important contributors to Waterloo's success in 2026/27 have indelibly inked their commitment to the team through an SPDA.
Today and throughout the weeks ahead, visit this page to learn more about the veterans and newcomers who will push Young Arena up to full volume starting this fall.
David Sedlacek – Forward
Zatec, Czechia
Sedlacek was one of three first round Phase II picks in April during the 2026 USHL Draft. His play at Karlovy Vary in the Czech U20 league last winter also caught the attention of NHL Scouts in advance of June's NHL Draft.
The 6-foot, 2-inch forward turned 18 while skating for the Energie in January. Sedlacek played in 52 games and tied for third in scoring for Karlovy Vary with 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists). During April, he notched two goals in seven games for Czechia's National U18 team. He returned from the competition in Slovakia with a bronze medal.
In April, NHL Central Scouting positioned him 43rd among European prospects in the spring's final pre-draft ranking. Only two Czech skaters placed ahead of Sedlacek on that list. Although undrafted last weekend, he will come to North America as a candidate for the 2027 NHL Draft with scouts watching each time he takes the ice for Waterloo.
"David will be a great addition to our team," said Black Hawks General Manager Kevin Gibson. "He is a big body with good sense and physicality to go along with strong compete. He is a high-character individual that caught our eye at the international events this past season. He's got the ability to play both center and on the wing."
