I'm sure that headline has you wondering...WHAT?

The winning goal came in unlikely fashion; the Fighting Saints' Ty Jackson’s shot was stopped at 12:46 in the 3rd period, but Waterloo’s attempt to clear the puck out of the slot ended up in the net instead, as a Black Hawks defender deflected the puck. As a result, the game was settled on a rare “own goal.”

So, a promising start went unfulfilled for the home team at Young Arena Tuesday, with Dubuque edging Waterloo 3-2. The Black Hawks led 2-1 at the first intermission. However, Aidan McCarthy came on in relief of Erik Portillo and stopped all 18 shots he faced in the final 40 minutes, earning credit for the victory in the process. A neutral zone takeaway during the final seconds of a Black Hawks power play, sent Waterloo to the lead at 5:46. Griffin Ness jabbed the puck free just outside the Dubuque blue line, and Ryan Drkulec turned that into a goal, stepping into the offensive zone to fire a low shot past Portillo’s stick.

Dubuque answered 1:35 later; Dylan Jackson’s pass from the right corner wormed through traffic and was swatted in by Thomas Middleton. However, the Hawks went back ahead at 10:03 while shorthanded. Jacob Bengtsson’s clear off the glass took a favorable bounce and went right to Dane Montgomery on a two-on-none breakaway. Montgomery set up Ness from the left hashmark and the Hawk captain buried his chance. Middleton’s second goal of the night was the only score of the second and left the teams level through 40 minutes. Jackson created the opportunity for his second assist of the night, with Middleton finding the top corner while shooting from near the top of the right circle.

BACK IN PARTY TOWN FRIDAY NIGHT
On Valentine's Day, no love will be lost, when the Black Hawks host their other Dupaco Cowbell Cup rivals, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Be sure to stick around after the game for "Love on Ice". Several couples will be married on the ice in the Cedar Valley's largest group wedding ceremony! For tickets, call the box office at (319) 291-7680 or visit waterlooblackhawks.com/tickets.

More From AM 950 KOEL