Henault and Heartlanders making ‘simple’ exciting

Tickets To Heartlanders Home Games

Coralville, Iowa – Since his first day with the Heartlanders last December, two things have been true about Iowa defenseman Louka Henault: his intensity on the ice is always apparent, and Heartlanders coaches have raved about how good he can be as a young blue liner in the ECHL. 

Things are clicking this year, his fourth year as a professional. He’s played more than 20 minutes a game, quarterbacked Iowa’s first power-play unit, and brought a completeness to his game that has been noticeable. The Heartlanders sit at 7-3-2-0 entering the week, good for 16 points and third in the Central Division.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth with Louka and at the end of the day, he’s still so young (23 years old),” said Heartlanders Assistant Coach Kevin Schmidt. “He’s played some big minutes and we expect him to continue to do that. It’s about managing and maturing his game, and he’s been so good at taking what’s there. He moves pucks quickly and has really good feet. He’s doing a really good job at staying in the moment and learning that every shift there might not be a perfect play.”

“It’s impressive that all of the boys have gotten so close, so quick,” Henault said. “It’s rare to have that. I don’t know if we have the most-talented team, but we play simple, hard hockey. You hear simple, you think easy, but it’s tough to play hockey like that. When you know everyone is going through it together, there’s a comfort. It’s worked for us so far.” 

Heartlanders Head Coach Derek Damon described Henault as one of Iowa’s locker room leaders following a November game against Bloomington. 

“For me, and for everyone in that room, it’s so important with how tight we are as a group,” Damon said. “That group is very tight. It’s a credit to our leaders. As a coach you can sit back a little and watch the guys do whatever it takes for each other. You can sit on the bench and if we’re not playing our brand of hockey, the guys see it, understand it and are like ‘let’s get back to the Lander Way.’ When we get back to our game, guys start to get rewarded for it.”

Iowa acquired Henault from Orlando last season. The Montreal, QC native contributed 15 assists in 49 games, in addition to 50 penalty minutes. This season, he’s almost halfway to those numbers, posting seven points (2g) and 22 penalty minutes in 11 games. 

“We know that teams might not like to play against us with the style we play,” Henault explained. “It requires so much more work. When everyone is doing it collectively, it’s good hockey. Over time, we’ve built confidence and realized we are a winning team.”

Iowa has forced opposing teams to be more on their toes with their physicality this season. Henault has noticed a substantial difference in how the Heartlanders have approached that side of the game. 

“It’s night and day,” Henault said. “Obviously, we have [alternate captain] Nico Blachman that can lead the charge. It doesn’t necessarily look like we have a ‘tough’ team on paper. But what we do have is guys that are willing to stand up for each other. If I face a team like that where I throw a big hit, even if it’s clean, I might get jumped, then maybe I think about it twice and I’ll just angle him off with my stick.”  

We joked with Henault that Heartlanders games, including some road games at Bloomington, have been taking a few extra minutes due to all the penalty minutes. Quick on his feet, Henault quipped, “maybe that’s why we’ve been getting home at 3 AM.” 

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November 24th: Rumble at the Rink

Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!!! On November 24th at 3:00 p.m. as we slam down the puck against the Bloomington Bison. Don’t miss an afternoon of high entertainment from the second you step into the arena for this wrestling-themed game! 

Introducing our REVAMPED 5-Star Ticket Package

If you missed out on the original 5-Star Ticket Pack, don’t worry! We’re excited to offer a revamped version, ensuring the fun continues. With this new package, you’ll receive tickets to all remaining 5-Star games this season and enjoy up to $40 in team store credit!

Mark your calendars for our next 5-Star game on November 30th—grab your revamped package before then and join us for more tailgates, pregame parties and exciting events throughout the season. For more information, click HERE.

Next 5-Star Night: November 30th: Crispy Bacon Night

This night will be one to remember! It’s CRISPY BACON NIGHT! On November 30th, at 6:00 p.m. we will be taking on the Bloomington Bison. But first, make sure to stop by for the Pregame Party at the Hyatt Hotel Exhibit Hall for lots and lots of entertainment. Want more bacon? We’re giving away Bacon Thunder Sticks. Your Crispy Bacon experience doesn't end when you walk in the door... in fact, it's just beginning and will carry over into the game, with specialty concessions, in-game bacon activities, and pork eating contests. Don’t miss out, this is sure to be one of the most unique nights in Heartlanders history.

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Single-game tickets, mini-plans, group tickets, flex tickets and season-ticket plans are available! Call 319-855-1775 to discuss options, or visit this link to make your plans for the 2024-25 season!