Mercer, Iowa Extend Win Streaks to Three in 4-1 Victory over Texas
Published on December 31, 2025 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Wild overpowered the Texas Stars in a 4-1 victory at Casey's Center on Tuesday night. Riley Mercer turned aside 28 shots to win his third consecutive start to begin his AHL career.
Texas outshot Iowa 11-7 in the first period.
Gerry Mayhew broke through to open the scoring on the power play 8:15 into the middle frame. After Hunter Haight sent a pass down to the goal line, Mayhew stepped to the top of the crease and chipped a shot through Arno Tiefensee (17 saves). Dylan Gambrell picked up the first of his three assists on Mayhew's goal.
The Wild outshot the Stars 18-17 through 40 minutes of play.
Bradley Marek scored the eventual game-winner 1:54 into the third period when he collected Caedan Bankier's centering feed and whipped a shot inside the right post.
Artem Shlaine pulled Texas back within a goal on the man advantage at 4:45.
Iowa picked up a crucial insurance goal on the power play 2:57 later when Haight blasted a rebound opportunity off Ben Jones and into the back of the net.
Ryan Sandelin scored on the empty net with 1:04 remaining to seal the win.
Iowa outshot Texas 30-29. The Wild finished 2-for-3 with the man advantage while the Stars went 1-for-2 on the power play.
Iowa and Texas square off again on Wednesday, Dec. 31 for New Year's Eve Bash, presented by Greater Des Moines Partnership, Pizza Hut & 93.3 KIOA.
Iowa Wild hockey is presented by Kwik Star. For more information on Iowa Wild hockey, please visit www.iowawild.com. Season tickets for 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans can purchase season tickets for the upcoming season at https://www.iowawild.com/wild-365.
Iowa Wild home games are played at Casey's Center. Iowa Wild games are now streaming on AHLTV on FloHockey. Fans can visit FloHockey.tv now to create a free account, purchase subscriptions for the 2025-26 season, and watch all Iowa Wild games online.
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