The Waterloo Black Hawks' season begins Thursday during the United States Hockey League Fall Classic in Chicago, and listeners can tune in for live coverage on 1650 The Fan.

The Hawks open the schedule against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.  The game will be available in the Cedar Valley on 1650-AM, 102.3-FM, and across the internet at 1650thefan.com as part of the Courtyard by Marriott Black Hawks Network.  Pregame coverage will begin at 3:10.  Live video is also available via FloHockey.
 
"We're proud to give Black Hawks fans options to follow the team in whatever way is the best fit, especially as we open this season with our first four games away from Young Arena," said Black Hawks President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Greene.  "I would like to thank our longtime partners at 1650 The Fan for their great coverage, as well as all of our radio sponsors, notably title sponsor Courtyard by Marriott.  These broadcasts are only possible through the support of these loyal local businesses."

Black Hawks games have been carried on The Fan for more than two decades.  The AM/FM station is operated by locally-owned Coloff Media, which also serves listeners through 93.5 The Mix, Corn Country 106.5, and Cruisin' KCFI.  Select Black Hawks games will be heard on KCFI this season to accommodate other coverage commitments on The Fan, which is also home to Chicago Cubs baseball, Iowa State athletics, the National Football League, NCAA Tournament basketball and more.  Check the 'Broadcast Calendar' page at 1650thefan.com for updates.

Last season, the Black Hawks were one of just seven USHL teams to offer game broadcasts on terrestrial radio.

Ahead of each game, tune in 20 minutes before puck drop to hear pregame coverage, including insights from Head Coach Brett Olson.  After the final horn, stay tuned for the Cadilac Xtreme Bowling Center Postgame Show, with a rundown of the game's big moments, scores from around the USHL, and the Karen's Print Rite Three Stars.

Tim Harwood will provide play-by-play coverage.

The first home game at Young Arena this fall will be on Friday, October 2nd when Waterloo hosts the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 6:35.  Tickets are available now from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 296-7581.