November 4, 2009
Waterloo Black Hawks
Waterloo Black Hawks forward Derek Arnold. (USHL Images)
The Waterloo Black Hawks are proud to announce a new, player-created initiative which will benefit kids in the Cedar Valley.
Over the summer, Black Hawks Assistant Captain Derek Arnold was inspired to suggest "Arnie's Army" as a way Waterloo fans could channel their enthusiasm for the team into something good for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County. Arnold's favorite NHL player is Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers. When he heard about the "Briere Bunch," which raises money for several good causes, Arnold wanted to do something similar in Waterloo to give back to the community.
"I look up to Danny Briere, on and off the ice," said the 19-year-old from Foxboro, Massachusetts. "I know the Black Hawks are role models for a lot of kids in Waterloo, and I hope we can help motivate them to go after their dreams the way we [the Black Hawks players] have gone after ours. Arnie's Army will help the Boys and Girls Club with all the work they do for kids."
Fans who would like to enlist in Arnie's Army can purchase a camouflage wristband, stamped with "Arnie's Army 29" (Derek Arnold wears #29 on his jersey) or a Waterloo Black Hawks hardhat. The Black Hawks are donating the wristbands and hardhats, so all proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County. In addition, the Black Hawks will provide a large quantity of tickets for use by Boys and Girls Club members and anticipate players participating in Boys and Girls Club activities on a regular basis.
"The Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County strives to provide a variety of opportunities for youth in our communities to develop strong character and skills," said Executive Director Jason Barta. "The partnership developed by Derek and the Black Hawks to create Arnie's Army will allow us to continue to provide those opportunities."
The first opportunity to pick up Arnie's Army gear will be Saturday, when the Hawks host the Lincoln Stars at Young Arena. Wristbands and hardhats will be available at the Express Employment Professionals Fan Service Table above Section D.
Arnold ranks second on the team in scoring this season with seven points (7a) through eight games played. The forward is in his second USHL season after posting 32 points (20g, 12a) in 52 games for the Black Hawks in 2008-09.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its 31st season of elite junior hockey in 2009-10. With over 150 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 13 NHL Entry Draft picks currently on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.
It's not just hockey. It's the USHL.
