The Waterloo Black Hawks hockey team came up short during the first half of John Deere Weekend against the Des Moines Buccaneers, according to a published report. The team will have a shot at redemption this coming Saturday when they play the Chicago Steel during the second half.
Either way, youth hockey in the Cedar Valley will benefit from the fourth annual tribute to John Deere, which sees the unique game jerseys worn by the local entry of the United States Hockey League auctioned to benefit local hockey causes. The previous three seasons saw auctions of the sweaters sporting Deere colors and the insignia raise more than $30,000.
"For generations, John Deere has been a pillar of the Cedar Valley's communities," Waterloo Black Hawks head coach P.K. O'Handley said. "We are honored to represent them again this season."
The Waterloo Youth Hockey Association, the Waterloo Warriors, Waterloo Leisure Services' "Learn to Play Hockey" lessons and United Sport and Athlete’s Bench Buddies program are among the programs to benefit from the benefit.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to support the youth of the area," team president Doug Miller said. "Without the backing of Deere & Company, this fundraising effort would not be possible. We thank them for their leadership and are proud to partner with them in this one aspect of the many things they do to make life better in the Cedar Valley."
The Black Hawks went up 1-0 but allowed the Buccaneers to notch two goals and did not score again.
Youth hockey benefits from semi-pro team's tribute to Deere
A Waterloo, Iowa semi-pro hockey team paid tribute to John Deere by wearing green and yellow sweaters with the Deere insignia.