Heartlanders Announce Front Office Additions, Bring Aboard Uphoff, Pence and Fine

Coralville, Iowa - The Iowa Heartlanders announced three front office additions Tuesday as the team continues to build its staff for the 2021-22 inaugural season at Xtream Arena.

The new additions focus on sponsorships, ticket sales, marketing, team services, and communications.

Molly Uphoff has been named the Heartlanders’ Manager of Ticket & Sponsorship Services. Uphoff will be responsible for fostering relationships with partners, fans, and the community as the team prepares for its inaugural season at Xtream Arena this October.

Prior to joining Deacon Sports & Entertainment, Uphoff served as Season Ticket Sales and Service Manager (2018-21) and Account Executive (2017-18) for the ECHL’s Florida Everblades.

“Molly is a hardworking, talented individual that will be a valuable asset to our team,” said President Brian McKenna. “In addition to her work with the Everblades, Molly has been a leading member of our league as a graduate of the distinguished ECHL Ticket Sales Management University. We are thrilled to bring her on board as Molly will be an important piece to connect with our fanbase and community partners.”

Michael Pence has been named the Heartlanders’ Vice President of Ticket Sales & Marketing. Pence comes to Iowa with an extensive background in NASCAR, minor league sports and collegiate athletics, most recently serving as the Director of Ticket Operations for the University of Tulsa.

Pence will oversee revenue generation of ticket sales, group outings, theme nights and season memberships.

“Mike’s background and diversity of professional experiences immediately jumped out to us and we are happy to have his expertise with the Heartlanders,” McKenna explained. “We will rely on Mike to be a leading member of our team and a visible face in the community.”

David Fine has been tabbed as the team’s Director of Communications. In the role, Fine will handle all aspects of the team’s communications with local media, serve as the team’s broadcaster and be a visible member of the community as Iowa prepares for its inaugural season this October at Xtream Arena.

“David brings a wealth of minor pro hockey experience and passion for the role that is vital for the person in this position,” McKenna said. “We expect David to assist in establishing roots with our local media and community that will help bring professional hockey to life in Coralville.

Fine spent 2017-20 as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the ECHL’s Reading Royals (Reading, Pennsylvania), serving as the team’s voice on its radio broadcast and working with the media to ensure strong coverage of the Royals. Prior to his time with Reading, the Syracuse University graduate broadcasted games for the Tri-City Storm (USHL) in Kearney, Nebraska from 2015-17.

Iowa Heartlanders season ticket memberships, dubbed the “Rose Club” are now available, to make a deposit and to secure your place in line for seat-selection visit iowaheartlanders.com.