Heartlanders visit Wheeling for weekend

Wheeling, WV – The Iowa Heartlanders (15-8-3-1, 34 points) take on cross-division foe the Wheeling Nailers (19-5-1-0, 39 points) for the first of two straight games Saturday at 6:10 p.m.

The two games this weekend are the only two against each other this season, a change brought about in part because the Nailers are now a member of the ECHL’s North Division for the first time since 2017-18. The Heartlanders play in the Central Division. 

Friday, both teams played road games. The Heartlanders opened a road trip at Toledo and dropped in the shootout, 4-3. Wheeling visited Cincinnati and won, 3-1.

Iowa is second place in the Central Division, one point ahead of Fort Wayne. Wheeling is first place in the North Division with 39 points, two points ahead of Norfolk. 

Tickets to Heartlanders Home Games

Know Before You Go Guide For Home Games

Broadcast Information

Audio Broadcast: Mixlr.com/GoHeartlanders

FloHockey Video Broadcast (Subscription Service): https://flosports.link/3AZr3GZ

Need To Know:
- T.J. Walsh leads Iowa with eight goals and scored twice in Iowa’s 4-3 shootout loss. He also added an assist.

- Jules Boscq tops Iowa defensemen with five goals and 14 points. 

- Iowa is in the second game of six straight on the road.

Affiliates: Iowa Heartlanders (Minnesota Wild/Iowa Wild) | Wheeling Nailers (Pittsburgh Penguins/Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins)

All-Time Series 

The Heartlanders are 11-10-3-0 all time vs. the Nailers, and won two games against Wheeling last season. Iowa owns a 6-3-0-0 record at Wesbanco Arena, their best away record against any current or former Central Division opponent (Wheeling moved to the North Division this season). 

Almost every major category in the team’s all-time history is tied or at a razor-thin margin. Iowa has scored first 11 times (Wheeling 13). The Heartlanders and Nailers are nearly equal in come-from-behind wins (Iowa 4, Wheeling 3). Iowa has 71 goals ever against Wheeling, and the Nailers have 72. 

Scouting Wheeling

The Nailers had their longest winning streak ever (13 games) snapped Dec. 20 vs. Toledo and enter Saturday 2-2-0-0 in their last four games. During the streak (Nov. 9 – Dec. 14), Wheeling outscored opponents, 60-20. The Nailers also put together a 15-0-1-0 record from Nov. 2 – Dec. 14. 

Over the winning streak, Kyle Jackson was second in the ECHL with 21 points (9g). 

Reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Year Taylor Gauthier is back with Wheeling for his third season. ECHL rookie Sergei Murashov has 12 wins this season to lead the Nailers. 

Already an historic December

The Heartlanders have two games left in the month, but have already established marks for the team’s winningest December ever (7-3-0-1 record). Prior to this season, Iowa’s winningest December was five (5-5-2-0 record in team’s inaugural season, 2021-22). 

Iowa ended October at 2-2-1-0, making that the winningest October in Heartlanders history.

$10 Online Youth Tickets

Starting in January, grab $10 online youth tickets to any Heartlanders home game! Purchase 1 regular-priced ticket, and get $10 online youth tickets (age 17 and under) to any seating section (excluding glass/premium seats). 

Hat Trick Package Now Available

Get Tickets To 3 Unforgettable Nights + A Heartlanders Hat, starting at $45. 

Wild, Wild Midwest Night (Country Night): Saturday, January 18 at 6:00 pm vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters

Stick It To Cancer Night: Saturday, February 15 at 6:00 pm vs. Toledo Walleye

Fan Appreciation Night: Saturday, April 12 at 6:00 pm vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

December 21^st: Christmas in Coralville

Festive cheer for all on Sat., Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Bloomington! We’re making the magic of the holidays come alive in the Heartland with joyful entertainment, activities and enchanting decorations! We are truly making it feel like a Winter Wonderland in Xtream Arena. Also take advantage of a Holiday Stocking Ticket+ Opportunity.

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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!