Game 20 Preview: Iowa vs. Toledo

Huge promotional week starts Wednesday with College Night

Coralville, IA – The Iowa Heartlanders (5-11-2-1, 11 pts.) host the Toledo Walleye (12-5-0-0, 24 pts.) in three games this week, starting Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. with College Night at Xtream Arena. Those with a .edu email address can claim discounted tickets online here or by showing College ID at the box office on game night.Toledo leads the Central Division by two points and tops the ECHL with 72 goals (4.2/game).The Landers and Walleye meet Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at Xtream Arena as well. Iowa’s first Teddy Bear Toss is Friday, Dec. 10. All bears thrown on the ice after the Heartlanders first goal will be donated to those in need this holiday season. Saturday’s game is Healthcare Heroes Night pres. by Mercy Iowa City. Broadcast Coverage: Listen at Iowaheartlanders.com/listenlive or mixlr.com/goheartlanders. Watch on FloHockey.tv. NHL Affiliates: Iowa Heartlanders (Minnesota Wild/Iowa Wild) | Toledo Walleye (Detroit Red Wings/Grand Rapids Griffins)Last Time OutTrevin Kozlowski blocked a career-best 48 shots, including a penalty-shot denial with two minutes left, and the Iowa Heartlanders came from behind to defeat the Fort Wayne Komets, 2-1, Saturday at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Adrien Beraldo rifled the game-winning goal at 2:29 of the third. Joe Widmar scored to even the score halfway through the second.Kozlowski made 23 saves in the first period, nine in the second and 16 in the third. The only shot that snuck by his grasp was an opening strike from Stephen Harper at 6:41 of the first.Iowa has won both of its road games at Fort Wayne this season.Iowa leaders Heartlanders captain Kris Bennett was recalled to the Iowa Wild Tuesday and entered this week tops among ECHL rookies with 21 points (10g).Bryce Misley is Iowa’s new active leader in goals (5) and points (13). All five of his goals have been on the power play. Kaid Oliver has ten assists, second behind Bennett.Scouting the WalleyeToledo has been one of the best teams in the league since the middle of November, winning seven of their last eight to reach their high-water mark (7 games above .500). Toledo has won four consecutive games, each by one goal. The squad won three straight in overtime in games Nov. 25, Nov. 26 and Dec. 4.Former NHL-er TJ Hensick leads the ECHL with 14 goals and 29 points. Josh Dickinson is second in the league with 25 points (9g).In cage, Kaden Fulcher is best on the team with a 1.77 goals against average and .924 save percentage (3-2-0-0 record). Billy Christopoulos (9 GP, 7-2-0-0 record) has seen the majority of work due to Fulcher’s call ups to Grand Rapids.Season SeriesThe Walleye lead the season series against the Heartlanders, 4-0-0-0, and have scored at least five goals in each matchup. Last time the teams played, Toledo scored three times in the first and cruised to a 6-1 win Nov. 20.Cole Golka has two goals against Toledo to lead all Landers.Marcus Vela has scored six times against Iowa this season. TJ Hensick has dished out seven assists (9 pts.). Upcoming Home GamesToledo is in town for big promotional weekend on Friday and Saturday as well. Friday is the team’s first-ever Teddy Bear Toss, pres. by Steindler Orthopedic Clinic. Fans are welcome to bring teddy bears and other stuffed animals into the game and throw them on the ice after the Heartlanders score their first goal. All stuffed animals will be donated to local organizations helping those in need during this holiday season.On Saturday, Dec. 11, the Heartlanders rematch the Walleye for another Healthcare Heroes Night, pres. by Mercy Iowa City.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.