The Waterloo Black Hawks came and visited us at the K-98.5 Studio before they hit the road for their 2017/2018 season opener.

Waterloo Black Hawks forwards Jackson Cates and Ethan Johnson come to our main office to deliver our season tickets, and they even brought some sweet treats. They weren't diet friendly, but we figured we can burn off the calories next weeked when the Black Hawks have their home opener.

On a side note, I might have to cheer a little louder for Cates, but that's because he wears the number I always wore... when I was much young... playing baseball, #10.

SEASON OPENER: On The Road
This weekend Waterloo travels to Sioux Falls to battle the Stampede in the two team's season opener. Last year, the two teams played a wild – but nearly even – six-game set. Waterloo was 3-2-1 in the series.

NEW RULES: Overtime & Faceoffs
New for the 2017/2018 season is a change to the overtime format. During the regular season, the overtime has been shortened from seven to five minutes, and it will be feature three-on-three hockey. We might notch a few more whistles blown after a faceoff. The draw must be controlled first by a stick; centermen who kick or glove the puck to a teammate will be whistled for a faceoff violation.

SEASON OPENER HISTORY:
During P.K. O’Handley’s 15 years as head coach of the Waterloo Black Hawks, no season-opening game has been settled by more than a two-goal margin. Under O’Handley, the Hawks are 9-5-1 in debuts. The only instance in which Waterloo opened against Sioux Falls was in 2004/05 when the Hawks prevailed 4-2 on the road. Last season, Waterloo’s campaign began with a 3-1 loss to the Buccaneers in Des Moines.

Stats provide by Tim Harwood (Waterloo Black Hawks Media Relations)

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