A standout weekend has made Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Ben Finkelstein the first non-goaltender to win three United States Hockey League player of the week awards.

The USHL announced Monday that Finkelstein is its Defenseman of the Week for the second week in a row and for the third time since the closing days of January.

In each of the last two weekends, Finkelstein has recorded four points over two games. His average of 1.57 points per contest since joining the Black Hawks ranks fifth in the USHL and leads all league defensemen.

Facing the U.S. National Team Development Program Under17s, the Boston College recruit recorded a second period power play goal Friday. It was his second power play goal of the season, contributing to a current total of 13 power play points. The Hawks prevailed, 6-1

Two of Finkelstein’s three assists on Saturday were also in power play situations. For good measure, two of his assists helped to break tie scores as Waterloo eventually came away with a 6-4 victory. Finkelstein’s +4 plus/minus margin for the weekend ranked second only to Mason Palmer (+5).

During a remarkably short period of time, the Florida Panthers’ draft pick has added a consistently dynamic element to Waterloo’s offense. In just 14 appearances, his 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) lead all Hawks defensemen and rank 16th among the USHL’s blue-liners. Finkelstein’s 18 assists stand fifth among all Waterloo skaters, regardless of position.

THIS WEEKEND: Finkelstein and the Hawks meet a pair of in-state rivals. On Friday, Waterloo visits the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Then on Saturday the Black Hawks return to Young Arena on Saturday to face off against the Sioux City Musketeers. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. It’s a college night; all college students will receive tickets for $8 in advance ($9 on game day) by showing their photo ID when picking up their order. To order or for more ticket details, call the Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

Contributed By: Tim Harwood (Waterloo Black Hawks Media Relations)

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