Black Hawks forward Ty Mason sits down to discuss his final season in USHL, his run to the Clark Cup last year and his upcoming commitment to Western Michigan University
Ty Mason is looking to close out his junior hockey career strong. Currently in his second season in the United States Hockey League, Mason has seven games to go in the Waterloo Black Hawks’ regular season before the 20-year-old makes the leap to the collegiate level.
After being acquired from the Fargo Force last season, Mason has found a home in Waterloo, growing with each game that goes by. After posting 17 points over 53 games last season, Mason’s game has taken off this year, recording 24 goals and 20 assists across 54 games in the 2025-26 season.
During an interview on Tuesday afternoon, Mason touched on what has enabled him to achieve a higher level of success during his second year in the USHL.
“I think it was a confidence thing last year. When I went to Fargo, I knew I was a good player, but there were definitely some stepping stones that I needed to get past with my learning curve,” Mason said. “This year, my role has changed; I’m playing more minutes and more power play, but I think the main thing is my confidence. I know what I’m capable of.”
Prior to coming over to the USHL, Mason spent time with the Brooks Bandits, who split the year between the Alberta Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League. Mason spoke about why he made the jump to the USHL and the differences he’s noticed between the leagues.
“I just wanted to put myself in a position to play against guys at the highest level possible for junior hockey. It made my decision pretty easy to come play against better players,” Mason said. “The USHL is a lot heavier, whereas the BCHL is super skilled with much less defending. Everyone seems a little more dialed in, helping them perform better.”
Coming over to a team midseason can be a tough task for any player, but Mason really compliments the work the Black Hawks organization did to make him fit in right away.
“Once I got traded, I got here [Waterloo] and was welcomed right away by my teammates,” Mason said. “The staff was unbelievable, and our facility is great. We have a great rink, incredible fans, and they always show up and support, ringing their cowbells. It’s a fun spot to play.”
The Black Hawks’ fans show up, bringing energy to the rink, something that Mason felt was one of the best parts of his USHL experience.
“The fans make it easy. They are incredible, whether it’s our starting lineup, a hit or a fight, they’re always the first ones cheering,” Mason said. “It’s definitely super special, and they make it really easy for us to want to perform in front of them.”
This season, the Black Hawks find themselves with a record of 14-37-2-2, working their way through a rebuilding year with a younger group after making a run to the Clark Cup finals last season.
“When I was acquired last season, we weren’t in a position where we knew we were going to the Clark Cup final. As the season went on, we were playing really good hockey and just carried that belief into the playoffs,” Mason said. “This year, we have a lot of younger guys and find ourselves at the bottom, but it always ends up working out for teams like that. I’m going to age out and won’t be here next year, but I truly believe that it’ll be a better year for Waterloo next year because of the experience our group had this season.”
Mason has taken it upon himself to become a leader on this young Black Hawks team, becoming an assistant captain and then eventually wearing the “C” after former captain Brock Schultz was dealt to the Sioux Falls Stampede.
“It’s an honor to receive a letter. After we traded Brock, it helped me take on an even bigger role in the leadership department,” Mason said. “It’s special to me when younger guys come into their first year in the league, look up to you and come to you with questions. I’m always happy to help out and teach the younger guys about what experiences I’ve been through.”
The Black Hawks find themselves in good hands with former National Hockey League coach and player Scott Gordon being tasked with the head coaching role in Waterloo. Mason touched on how he and Gordon connected once the hiring was announced this summer.
“Scott and I talked in the summer after he was hired. I didn’t really know a whole lot about him, but once I talked and researched him, I saw he had a long pro career and coached in the NHL,” Mason said. “He’s made an impact right away. He knows the game really well and passes his knowledge onto us every day.”
Upon completion of this season, Mason will be heading to Western Michigan to further his hockey career with the Broncos at the NCAA level.
“They reached out to me during my second year of junior, when I was 17. They told me they like me as a player, and after talking it over with my family and agent, we talked a few more times, and they offered me a spot, which I accepted,” Mason said. “I’m super excited to get started there and join that winning culture that’s been built by their amazing coaching staff.”
As the 2025-26 season winds down and Mason wraps up his junior career, the Saskatchewan native talked about some goals over the remaining seven games.
“I just want to have my junior hockey career end on a high note. I want the team and me personally to have a good rest of the season,” Mason said. “I want to enjoy this final stretch with my team and string some wins together with these guys.”
The Black Hawks return to action on Friday night when they travel to Plymouth to take on the USA Hockey NTDP. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.