When Andy Welinski made his United States Hockey League debut almost 16 years ago, Jason Binkley had slightly more USHL experience: Binkley was in the lineup for his second league game that same night.

The October 8, 2010, matchup in Kearney, Nebraska, was between the Green Bay Gamblers and the Tri-City Storm.  Welinski's Gamblers came out on top 4-1, and each defenseman was credited with two shots on goal.  Thursday, the Waterloo Black Hawks announced Binkley and Welinski will be the team's new assistant coaches.
 
"Jason and Andy both bring tremendous experience in the game that will help our players immensely," said Black Hawks Head Coach Brett Olson.  "Having two former USHL players who advanced to success at higher levels of hockey will offer our current Black Hawks great perspective and insight.  They've done things our guys want to do.  I'm very pleased that both have chosen to take their next steps with us here in Waterloo." 

Binkley has been coaching professional teams since 2021.  During most of that time, he has worked for ECHL clubs, including last season as an assistant for the expansion Greensboro Gargoyles.  Previously, the Ohio native was on staff for the Reading Royals for three campaigns.  Binkley was the Royals' head coach for approximately half of that span, leading the squad to 46 regular season victories and an appearance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.  In the fall of 2021, Binkley spent his first season on the bench as an assistant with the Fayetteville Marksmen, months after concluding his professional career.

"I want to thank General Manager Kevin Gibson and Brett Olson for the opportunity to join such a respected and well-known organization," said Binkley. "I am grateful for this opportunity to create a new path in my coaching career and get back into a league where I once played. I am excited to bring my professional coaching experience to Waterloo to help advance our players to the next level of their careers. My family and I look forward to moving to the Cedar Valley and getting to work on the team's quest for a Clark Cup."

During one USHL season, Binkley skated in 56 games, notching four goals and ten assists for the Storm.  His first league goal was scored at Young Arena on November 19, 2010, in a game Waterloo won 4-1.  Although the Storm struggled through that season, Binkley advanced to Ferris State and found success with a Bulldogs program which reached the Frozen Four to cap his freshman year.  With a college career that included 68 total points (six goals, 62 assists), Binkley was one of Ferris State's highest-scoring defensemen during his time in Big Rapids.

As a professional from 2015 through 2021, Binkley played primarily in the ECHL.  Much of that span (223 regular games across four seasons) was with the Ft. Wayne Komets.  Binkley was also a member of the South Carolina Stingrays, Cincinnati Cyclones, Utah Grizzlies, and Jacksonville Icemen.  It added up to 331 appearances and 139 points (28 goals, 111 assists).  In playoff competition, Binkley produced another four goals and nine assists in 28 Kelly Cup matchups.

Welinski is transitioning into a coaching role after reaching hockey's highest level.  A 2011 NHL Draft selection by the Anaheim Ducks, Welinski played his first NHL game for Anaheim on December 11, 2017.  He notched a third period assist on that night's eventual game-winning goal by Logan Shaw in the 3-2 result.  Welinski ultimately made 46 regular season appearances in parts of three seasons, tallying six points (one goal, five assists).  He also skated in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Welinski was a decorated USHL skater, winning the league's Defenseman of the Year award in 2012.  That spring, Welinski's Gamblers edged the Black Hawks during a Clark Cup Final series which extended to a full five games.  During the 2011/12 regular season, Welinski scored 15 goals, which tied for the USHL lead among defensemen.  He accumulated a total of 37 points that year and a +35 plus/minus differential.  Welinski completed his junior career with 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) across 105 games during two seasons.  He also claimed a bronze medal as part of the team which represented the United States during the 2011 World Junior A Challenge.

College hockey brought the Duluth native home to the UMD Bulldogs.  In 154 NCAA matchups, Welinski had 77 points (24 goals, 53 assists).  UMD appeared in two NCAA Tournaments during Welinski's four seasons.  Advancing into the Ducks' organization at the conclusion of his senior year, Welinski played in 327 AHL regular season games through the 2024/25 season.  He owns the distinction of becoming the first San Diego Gulls player to record a hat trick in an AHL contest (March 31, 2017), contributing to his 153 AHL points (42 goals, 111 assists).  He concluded his professional career with Frankfurt in Germany's Elite League.

Before skating in his first junior game, Welinski played for Duluth East High School.  He was coached there by Minnesota hockey legend and former Waterloo Black Hawk Mike Randolph.

The Black Hawks open the 2026/27 schedule during the USHL Fall Classic in Chicago against the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Thursday, September 17th.  The first Waterloo home game at Young Arena this season will be Friday, October 2nd against the Dubuque Fighting Saints.  Visit waterlooblackhawks.com for the complete schedule and details about Waterloo Black Hawks season tickets.