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ECHL Iowa Heartlanders

Iowa Nearly Ties in Final Seconds, Wichita Survives for 4-3 Win

March 8, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)
Iowa Heartlanders News Release


Wichita, KS - The Iowa Heartlanders scored with 2:30 to go and nearly tied the Wichita Thunder with multiple chances in the final seconds, but the Thunder held on behind 35 saves from Trevor Gorsuch to outlast Iowa, 4-3, Friday at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Wichita scored three goals in the third to take a 4-2 lead. Next, Casey Dornbach assisted Kyle Masters' third-career goal with 2:36 left, jolting Iowa within one. In the final minute, Evan Boucher (2a in debut) had a pair of shots toed away by Gorsuch in spectacular fashion. The Thunder eventually cleared and hung on for their fourth win of the season series.

Kevin McKernan registered his first career multi-goal game, potting the game's first two goals.

Iowa took a 2-0 lead late into the second, but Jeremy Masella tallied Wichita's first goal with 57.7 to go in the second period. Next, Wichita scored on back-to-back shots from Lleyton Moore and Brayden Watts to take the lead for the first time. Bradley Marek potted the game-winning strike at 7:20 of the third.

McKernan struck first with 2:24 left in the first, wristing a top shelf shot over the goaltender's glove. Boucher and Chris Lipe assisted. Next, McKernan found daylight in front of the net at 2:26 of the second, taking a feed from Boucher and pushing it over the line while falling.

Hunter Jones suffered the loss despite 35 saves.

The Heartlanders' road trip concludes at Wichita Sat., Mar. 9 at 7:05 p.m.

The Heartlanders are next at home to take on the Wheeling Nailers March 13-16 for three games at Xtream Arena. Iowa hosts Wheeling on Wed., Mar. 13 at 6:35 p.m. and Fri., Mar. 15 at 6:35 p.m. March 16th is St. Hat Trick's Day, featuring a Heartlanders Mascot Dash Bobblehead giveaway to the first 500 fans, theme jerseys available for auction and a special appearance by the Kelly Cup, the ECHL's championship trophy.

On Fri., Mar. 22 at 6:35 p.m., the Heartlanders oppose the Wichita Thunder in the 100th home game in team history, featuring $5 youth tickets (online only, with purchase of adult ticket).

Sat., Mar. 23 at 6:05 p.m. is Heartland Heroes Night against Wichita, honoring the frontline workers that selflessly serve eastern Iowa.

On Sun., Mar. 24 at 2:05 p.m., Iowa wraps up the weekend against Wichita with Faith and Family Day, a team photo giveaway, and the final postgame skate of the season.

Join the fun at Xtream Arena in the 2023-24 season

Here are some of the best options to make sure you experience the family-friendly entertainment of Heartlanders Hockey at Xtream Arena this season!

Flex Plans: Enjoy the service, savings and game dates that work best for you! Flex plans include "any game" ticket vouchers that are good for any home game during the 2023-24 regular season.

12-game plans: Grab tickets to your favorite 12 games! 12-game plans include savings on individually priced tickets!

Group Tickets: Make a big impact with your group and spend an evening with the Heartlanders. Starting at a special rate of $15/Ticket. A group comprises 10 or more people and is perfect for parties, families, co-workers, clients and more.

Season Ticket Memberships now available for 2024-25 season

Deposits now available for new season ticket holders: The Heartlanders are excited to welcome new season ticket members to our family for the 2024-25 season and deposits for tickets are now available. Call 319-855-1775 and visit https://iowaheartlanders.com/tickets/season-memberships to start your easy process to becoming a Rose Club Season Ticket Member.

Renewal Process: The Heartlanders have started the renewal process for full season plans (Rose Club memberships) for the 2024-25 season, and the renewal application is now available online here. Once you log in, simply click "Season Renewal Application" under the "My Tickets" tab on the right, then complete the process. Our sales representatives are available to help with the renewal process by calling 319-855-1775. You can also stop by the Mediacom Season Ticket Table behind section 109 at any future game to secure your seat for the 2024-2025 season.

The Heartlanders have added new seating options for the 2024-25 season, debuting Attack Zone Lower, Attack Zone Upper, Defense Zone, and Corner sections to allow fans additional price points to fit their budget.

To retain your seats for the 2024-25 season, a $50 deposit per seat must be made by March 24. On March 25, all seats without deposits will be released and available for purchase by new season ticket holders.

Check out the Iowa Heartlanders Statistics

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