Indianapolis, IN – Jake Smith scored for the 5th straight game and snapped a wrister from the bottom of the right circle in with 68 seconds to go, the game-winning goal that provided the Heartlanders a 2-1 win over the division rival Indy Fuel Sunday at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.Smith has scored in five straight games (8g, 5a) and broke over the right-wing line for the game-winning strike. Looking net front, he threw an extreme angle shot in for his first ECHL game-winning marker. Corbin Kaczperski blocked 28 shots in the win and Iowa is now riding a franchise-best five-game point streak (3-0-2-0).Derek Whitmore scored the game’s opening goal with 13:41 to go in the second, his first professional goal in 1444 days. The 11th year professional has scored 104 career goals in North America combined between the AHL and ECHL. He toe-dragged the puck between his legs and backhanded it in through the legs of the netminder at the right doorstep.CJ Eick tied the game for Indy at even strength with 7:40 to go. In a scoreless first period, Corbin Kaczperski blocked nine shots and stopped Indy’s only power-play chance.Thomas Sigouin took the loss with 18 saves.Box Score
The Heartlanders continue a five-game road trip at Indy Sun., Jan. 16 at 2:00 p.m. The road trip continues with a contest at Toledo Fri., Jan. 21 at 6:15 p.m., and games at Wheeling Sat., Jan. 22 at 6:15 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 23 at 3:10 p.m.Upcoming Home GamesWednesday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Indy – College NightFriday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Kalamazoo - Boy Scouts NightSaturday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Kalamazoo – Marvel ™ theme nightSeason 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.
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