The youngest player on the Waterloo Black Hawks roster has a college commitment following forward Cayden Jackman's Thursday announcement that he will skate at Western Michigan University.

Jackman – who turns 17 next month – is spending his first full season with the Black Hawks.  He is the 12th player on Waterloo's current roster who has chosen his NCAA destination.
 
Last season, Jackman made his Black Hawks debut during a two-game series against the Fargo Force the weekend before Thanksgiving.  He also returned to Waterloo for two games just after Christmas.  In all, Jackman played in four Hawks games during 2025/26.  He also skated for the National Team Development Program Under 17s on five occasions, while playing primarily for the St. Louis Blues AAA program.

Last week, Jackman notched his first USHL point with an assist against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.  The goal tallied by Cody Sokol was the first scored by the Black Hawks this season.

Jackman is the son of former NHL defenseman Barret Jackman, who appeared in 876 NHL regular season games, primarily for the St. Louis Blues.

Western Michigan's 2026/27 roster includes two former Black Hawks.  Sam Huck will be a sophomore for the Broncos, coming off a freshman season where he scored four goals and four assists in 24 games.  Ty Mason is entering his first season at the college level after serving as Waterloo's captain last winter.

The Black Hawks visit Fargo for games this weekend while working toward the home opener at Young Arena against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Friday, October 2nd.  Seats for all Black Hawks home games are on sale now from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.