Heartlanders Hot in First, Get Point Thanks to Sokay

December 26, 2021 - ECHL (ECHL)
Iowa Heartlanders News Release

Coralville, IA - The Heartlanders scored three times in the first period and Ben Sokay tied the game at five to earn the Iowa Heartlanders a point in a 6-5 overtime defeat Sunday at Xtream Arena.

Sokay's tying goal, his second of the contest, came with 1:27 left at the left doorstep. He curled around, stole the puck and swooped it in at the left doorstep. The Landers allowed the overtime goal on the penalty kill to Darik Angeli.

Angeli also tallied for Kansas City at 3:30 of the first, but then Heartlanders offense got going. Ben Sokay (5:06) scored on his next shift, his third of the season to even the score. He snuck the puck through the legs of the netminder Daniil Chechelev, patiently waiting for the rookie to stretch his legs open. Cole Stallard sniped one in from the left dot at 13:35, and Kris Bennett capped the first period scoring with his team-leading 12th of the season on the breakaway from the left slot.

Trevin Kozlowski made 17 saves (2 GA) and was replaced halfway through the game by Jack Berry (OTL, 17 saves on 21 shots). Daniil Chechelev won with 27 denials.

Billings' fifth of the season also came on the breakaway and provided the Heartlanders a 4-2 advantage at 6:24 of the second. Kansas City scored three times in the third to take a 5-4 lead before Sokay's late tying marker.

The Heartlanders continue Family Week tomorrow on Monday, Dec. 27 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Kansas City: ZOOperstars appearance at game. Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Tulsa is College Night with discounted tickets for those with a .edu email address or college ID.

Season ticket memberships, group tickets, mini-plans, flex vouchers and single-game tickets are available for the Heartlanders inaugural season by calling 319-569-GOAL and visiting iowaheartlanders.com/tickets.

ECHL Stories from December 26, 2021

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• K-Wings Win Winterfest Shootout in Instant Classic - Kalamazoo Wings
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• Walleye Fall to Wings, 3-2, in Winterfest Shootout - Toledo Walleye
• Railers Blanked by Thunder 5-0 - Worcester Railers HC
• Everblades Earn Franchise's 1,000th All-Time Victory with 5-0 Win over Orlando - Florida Everblades
• Cyclones Explode in 7-1 Win over Nailers - Cincinnati Cyclones
• Shorthanded Nailers Snakebitten against Cincinnati - Wheeling Nailers
• Fuel Fall to Komets in Hard-Fought Sunday Matchup - Indy Fuel
• Oilers Win Overtime Thriller on Boxing Day - Tulsa Oilers
• Heartlanders Hot in First, Get Point Thanks to Sokay - Iowa Heartlanders
• Stingrays Drop Post-Holiday Matinee - South Carolina Stingrays
• Admirals Add Two Forwards to Active Roster - Norfolk Admirals
• Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Everblades: December 26, 2021 - Orlando Solar Bears
• ECHL Transactions - December 26 - ECHL
• Fuel Announce Multiple Roster Moves - Indy Fuel
• Solar Bears Sign Thomas Sigouin - Orlando Solar Bears
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• Preview: Everblades Return to the Ice in Orlando - Florida Everblades

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