"ALL IN" VIDEO SERIES

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE PEOPLE OF BLACK HAWKS HOCKEY

For 60 seasons, hockey has been part of Waterloo's identity. The Black Hawks have celebrated championships and provided a proving ground for players who have gone on to remarkable success in the NCAA, the NHL, and the Olympics.

The "All In" Video Series offers background and insights on the Black Hawks story from the coaches and staff who are part of it every day. See what makes the Waterloo Black Hawks unique in American junior hockey.

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ALL IN — THE WATERLOO BLACK HAWKS STAFF

Waterloo Black Hawks staff members take great pride in the fan experience on game nights. Although the USHL season officially starts in late September and ends in late April, making that fan experience memorable is a 12-month job. Members of the Black Hawks organization work throughout the year with corporate partners, season ticket holders, and the entire Cedar Valley community to keep Waterloo's great hockey tradition moving forward.

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ALL IN — TODD KLEIN

EPISODE 1 — TRAINER, TODD KLEIN

Todd Klein is the longest-serving member of the Black Hawks. He has been part of the organization since 1996, on the bench for more than 1,500 USHL games. "TK" has been recognized with a variety of assignments from USA Hockey, serving internationally with several U.S. Junior Select Teams. He brings expertise and perspective which can only come with more than two-and-a-half decades working with top junior players and helping to assure that they stay healthy and on the ice.

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ALL IN — SPENSER POPINGA

EPISODE 2 — STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH, SPENSER POPINGA

Spenser Popinga will be starting his 10th season in the Black Hawks organization during the fall of 2022. In that time, he has introduced dozens of young players to training methods and nutrition strategies which have helped them gain an edge in the USHL and beyond. In this video, current and former Waterloo skaters talk about Spenser's impact. While strength and conditioning is his area of expertise, Spenser's dual role as equipment manager means no one spends more time at the rink assuring that the Hawks are ready to play on game night.

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ALL IN — MATT SMABY

EPISODE 3 — HEAD COACH, MATT SMABY

Just the third Black Hawks head coach during the current century, Matt Smaby's first season behind the bench was 2021/22. He came to Waterloo after working as an assistant at the professional and college level. Smaby's long playing career included parts of four seasons as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Before that, he was a member of two Frozen Four teams at the University of North Dakota. A rugged defenseman during his days on the ice, Smaby's broad knowledge of the game from playing at a high level in Europe and North America give him insights he can share with current Waterloo skaters.

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ALL IN — PD MELGOZA

EPISODE 4 — ASSISTANT COACH, PD MELGOZA

PD Melgoza was one of many new faces at Young Arena in the fall of 2021. His expertise working with goaltenders includes time spent at the college level (Alaska-Anchorage) and as an instructor for USA Hockey. As a player, Melgoza developed while minding the crease for the L.A. Junior Kings and the California Wave. At the junior level, Melgoza spent time in the Empire, Minnesota, and Superior International Junior Hockey Leagues. The 2022/23 season will be his second with the Black Hawks.