Waterloo Black Hawks: Statement on the Death of Rob Kenny

3:33 p.m. update: The last paragraph was updated to correct the names of Mr. Kenny's children.

From Tim Harwood/Waterloo Black Hawks

The Black Hawks issued the following statement Friday following the death of former Waterloo forward Rob Kenny in an automobile crash:

"The Waterloo Black Hawks organization was saddened to learn of Rob's untimely passing and offer our sincerest respects and sympathies to his loved ones.  Rob contributed to the team for two seasons as the organization and community were still adjusting to junior hockey.  His personal accomplishments and the success of the Black Hawks in his rookie season (1986-1987) helped strengthen hockey in Waterloo.  We look back with pride, not only on what he did as a player, but also on his efforts coaching youth hockey in recent years near his home in Florida.”

Kenny was killed before dawn Wednesday morning in an accident on Interstate 75.  He was 41.

Originally from Virginia, Kenny played in Waterloo from 1986 through 1988, recording 45 career goals and 54 assists.  He ranks among the Black Hawks top 25 players in regular season goals, assists, and points and appeared in the 1988 USHL All-Star Game, scoring a goal for the South Division.  In the spring of 1987, Kenny and the Black Hawks defeated the Dubuque Fighting Saints in a best-of-five playoff series, then came within one win of topping the Rochester Mustangs for a berth in the Clark Cup championship series.  The Black Hawks would not advance past the opening round of the playoffs again until the 2002-2003 season.

After skating for Waterloo, Kenny joined the varsity hockey team at Northeastern University.  From the Huskies program, he advanced into the professional ranks in the American minor leagues and Europe.  Following his retirement as a player, Kenny went into coaching and player training with Pinnacle Hockey Group of Pembroke Pines, Florida.

He is survived by his wife Janelle and children Ryan, Sean, and Ella. A memorial fund has been established for Kenny's family; more information is available from Pinnacle Hockey's website, pinnaclehockey.net.

He is survived by his wife Janelle and children Steve, Kelly, and Rick.  A memorial fund has been established for Kenny's family; more information is available from Pinnacle Hockey's website, pinnaclehockey.net.