Iowa picks up important standings point at Kalamazoo, 5-4 (OT)

Kalamazoo, MI – Kaid Oliver tied the game at four with 2:19 to go, ensuring the Iowa Heartlanders earned an important standings point at the Kalamazoo Wings in a 5-4 overtime loss Saturday at Wings Event Center. Kyle Blaney scored with 31 seconds remaining in the extra session. Iowa and Kalamazoo each have 60 points, which is tied for fifth in the Central Division.On the tying goal, Connor Russell tossed from neutral ice to net front. Kalamazoo batted it down, but it sat free at the left door step and Oliver slammed it in for his 11th of the season.Luke Nogard scored first at 3:28 of the first, but Kalamazoo scored the next three to take a 3-1 advantage into first intermission. Bryce Misley set up the Nogard goal, lowering his shoulder at the right post and backhanding it to the slot for an open Nogard.The second period was much better for Iowa; they scored twice to even the game at three. At :41 of the second, Jake Smith drove net front and found day light, shoving the puck in for his 21st of the season, assisted by Zach White. With Iowa down one, Kris Bennett redirected the puck from the left post and it found a home at the top right corner of the net. Bennett has goals in four straight and a league-best 29 strikes this campaign.Logan Lambdin scored a short-handed strike at 2:59 of the third to give Kalamazoo a 4-3 leadTrevor Gorsuch made 31 saves against Iowa and improved to 5-1-0 in the season series. Hunter Jones blocked 37 in defeat.Box ScoreThe Heartlanders have six home games left at Xtream Arena and the club’s next 3-game home stand is Mar. 23-26 vs. Fort Wayne and Cincinnati. The game on Wednesday Mar. 23 vs. Fort Wayne is presented by the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors. It’s Elementary School Night on Fri., Mar. 25 vs. Cincinnati, presented by MidWestOne Bank. On Mar. 26, Iowa hosts Cincinnati again for First Responders Night, presented by Steindler Orthopedic Clinic. All puck drops this week are at 7:00 p.m.Tavern Blue Fore Packs are available for all home games this season, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, VIP Parking and discounts from Tavern Blue restaurant. Tickets for the game are also available by calling 319-569-GOAL.  Upcoming Home Games- Wednesday, Mar. 23rd at 7:00 p.m. vs. Fort Wayne – game presented by Iowa City Area Association of Realtors- Friday, Mar. 25 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Cincinnati – Elementary School Night presented by MidWestOne Bank- Saturday, Mar. 26 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Cincinnati – First Responders Night presented by Steindler Orthopedic Clinic

The Heartlanders 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.