Coralville, Iowa – The Iowa Heartlanders, proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild, announced Thursday defenseman Kevin McKernan has been named Heartlanders Captain for the 2023-24 season. He is the third captain in team history, joining Kris Bennett (2021-22) and Riese Zmolek (2022-23).
A sixth-year professional from Millbury, Massachusetts, McKernan served as Heartlanders alternate captain last season and scored four goals and 16 points in 40 games. Iowa acquired McKernan from Greenville in the first half of the season and established himself as a leader in the locker room immediately, earning the alternate captaincy in his first few months with the team.
In addition to his strong leadership, McKernan is the first player in team history to hit “veteran” status with the Heartlanders, indicating a player that has skated in at least 260 games played in North American professional hockey.
McKernan started his professional career in 2018 with Fort Wayne. He has played in the Kelly Cup Playoffs three times in his career. Over 264 ECHL games, the right-handed shot has tallied 85 points (16g) and 157 penalty minutes.
Prior to his professional career, McKernan scored 36 points over four seasons at Quinnipiac and was an alternate captain with the Bobcats his senior season (2017-18).
He stands 6-feet and weighs 192 pounds.
The Heartlanders open the season on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Rapid City. The first Friday game of the season is Friday, Oct. 20 at 6:35 p.m. against Rapid City. Rose Club Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, Flex Tickets, Mini-Plans and Single-Game Tickets are available at iowaheartlanders.com/tickets and by calling 319-569-4625. Friday’s game features a magnet schedule giveaway to the first 2000 fans thanks to Paul Park Real Estate.
Under the direction of Heartlanders Hockey LLC, the Heartlanders are looking forward to a successful 2023-24 season and expanding the team’ reach in eastern Iowa. To learn more about corporate partnership opportunities with the club and join the Heartlanders family, please call 319-569-4625 or email info@iowaheartlanders.com.
Kevin McKernan named Heartlanders Captain
Thursday, October 12th
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