The Waterloo Black Hawks’ extensive search for a new Director of Ticket Sales officially ended on Tuesday with the announcement that Loras College alumnus Parish Mason has been hired for the post.

Since the beginning of the 2016/17 hockey season, Mason has worked in the front office for the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the Southern Professional Hockey League. There, he helped the club boost group and season ticket sales, as well as overall attendance. Prior to the start of this season, he was promoted to the organization’s Director of Ticketing. Just over a month ago on February 2nd, the Rail Yard Dawgs’ year was highlighted by drawing a record crowd of 6,301 to the Berglund Center.

“I’m confident that our fans will appreciate Parish’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service,” said Black Hawks Vice President of Sales and Marketing Joe Greene. “The hiring process took much longer than we had anticipated, but in the end we feel that we found the right person. We are excited to welcome Parish to the Black Hawks family.”

Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Mason was a 2016 graduate of Dubuque’s Loras College. During his time at the school, he was a member of the Duhawks’ varsity basketball team. Mason majored in Sports Management and Public Relations. Other relevant experiences on and around campus include working with Special Olympics athletes and interning during a summer at the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville.

“I couldn't be more happy to be joining the Black Hawks staff,” said Mason. “After sitting down with Joe and talking about the organization and passionate fan base, I am very excited to get to Waterloo and be a part of PartyTown.”

Mason replaces Evan Schludecker, who departed just prior to the 2018/19 USHL season in order to pursue a ticket sales opportunity with the PGA. Mason will relocate to the Cedar Valley in the weeks ahead as the Black Hawks begin the season ticket renewal process for the 2019/20 regular season.

The Black Hawks’ next home games are this Friday and Saturday against the Des Moines Buccaneers and Sioux Falls Stampede respectively. Both games begin at 7:05 p.m. and are part of the Black Hawks UNI Panther Pride Weekend. The Black Hawks encourage UNI fans to wear purple and gold; college students can take advantage of $9 game day tickets ($8 in advance). To order, call the Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 232-3444.

More From Q98.5