The Waterloo Black Hawks have announced that they plan to raffle off a piece of history for a great cause. One lucky Waterloo hockey fan will get to claim the jersey which represented Black Hawks legend Paulie Johnson in an exhibit honoring United States Hockey Hall of Fame enshrinees.

The replica 1960s era sweater was customized with Johnson’s name and #11 on the back. Beginning last autumn, it was on display at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul - home of the Minnesota Wild - in a showcase for Minnesotans who have achieved hockey greatness. Johnson’s family has donated the jersey to be raffled for the benefit of Waterloo youth hockey. Tickets will be available during Waterloo Black Hawks games and from Waterloo Youth Hockey Association representatives for $10 each, with the winner selected during the Hawks game against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on December 10th.

“Someone is going to get a great Christmas gift. Whether the raffle winner keeps this jersey for themselves or gives it to another fan of Waterloo hockey history, they’ll be doing something good for the future of hockey in the Cedar Valley. This is a sweater with a story, and we appreciate the Johnson family putting it toward this worthy cause.” - Black Hawks Vice President of Sales and Marketing Joe Greene

Johnson passed away in July at age 81. Joining the Black Hawks on a fulltime basis in 1965, he was part of three consecutive United States Hockey League championship clubs from 1965/66 through 1967/68 and consistently among the league’s top scorers. When the Hawks returned from a one-year hiatus in 1970, Johnson was back as well and remained through the conclusion of the 1972/73 season. In his seven seasons, he was credited with 283 points (152 goals and 131 assists).

Before joining the Black Hawks, Johnson made a signature contribution to one of the greatest achievements in this history of United States hockey. In seven games during the 1960 Olympic Games, the Minnesota native recorded five goals and three assists, helping Team USA to the gold medal at Squaw Valley. Four years later, he would add another six goals to his Olympic tally during the 1964 Games in Austria. Johnson also represented the United States during three additional International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships (1958, 1959, 1961).

The United States Hockey Hall of Fame enshrined Johnson in 2001. The Black Hawks retired his number shortly thereafter.

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