Federkow, Nilsen choose Heartlanders

Coralville, Iowa – Defensemen Hakon Nilsen and Connor Federkow (pronounced: fed-der-KOW) have signed ECHL contracts with the Iowa Heartlanders.

Nilsen, 26, is entering his sixth professional season and first in North America. Over the last five seasons, the 6-foot-2, 205-lb., right-handed shot has skated in Norway, Czechia and Denmark. He produced five goals, 21 points and 67 points for Herlev in Denmark’s top professional league last season.  

Federkow and Nilsen are two of eight defensemen to sign with the team for the 2024-25 season. 

Federkow is originally from St. Catherine’s, ON, stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 188-lb. Federkow registered nine assists and 120 penalty minutes for OHL Niagara in 2023-24.

You may have heard we made some big news in our final game of the 2023-24 season – our first-ever sellout in team history! That game featured a pre-game tailgate and fireworks (literally and figuratively) inside Xtream Arena, and we are going to recreate that high-energy, 5-star fan experience at 5 specific games during the 2024-25 season. Join the fun of those 5 experiences by purchasing our new 5-Star Ticket Package.

Full-season tickets are currently on sale, and deposits can be placed for 18-game plans, group outings, birthday parties, suites and the United Iowa Financial Party Plaza. Call 319-855-1775 to discuss options, or visit this link to make your plans for the 2024-25 season! 

Stay tuned to Iowa Heartlanders social media (@goheartlanders) for upcoming theme night announcements and promotional calendar updates. Sign up here to be notified by text message for team news and updates ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season. 

2024-25 roster

Goaltenders (1): William Rousseau

Defensemen (8): Jules Boscq, Louka Henault, Bogdans Hodass, Chris Lipe, Lincoln Erne, Zeteny Hadobas, Connor Federkow, Hakon Nilsen

Forwards (10): Yuki Miura, Will Calverley, Jonny Sorenson, Adam Goodsir, Nico Blachman, Jack O’Brien, Dakota Raabe, Parker Aucoin, Ryan Miotto, Zach Dubinsky

Quotables

Head Coach & General Manager Derek Damon: “Connor is a versatile player that is capable of potentially playing both defenseman and forward for us this year. He adds grit to our lineup and a team-first mentality that made him a fan favorite when he played for London and Niagara in the OHL. We are excited to give him his first shot in professional hockey and expect him to have a strong training camp with us in a few months.” 

"Hakon is another great add for us - a two-way player that has shown can do a little bit of everything to impact the game. He's had some nice seasons overseas professionally and we expect him to be a strong contributor to our defensive corps this season. We feel very good about the blue line we've built so far, bringing in some good size and skill that will help us defend our paint." 

Nilsen played parts of five professional seasons in Norway’s top professional league. He skated for four seasons in the OHL with Flint and helped the Firebirds qualify for the OHL postseason for the first time in 2017. 

Federkow compiled four goals, 18 points and 225 penalty minutes over three OHL seasons (153 GP). He helped London advance to the 2023 OHL Finals. He is 21 years old.