Bloomington, IL — Forward Jack O’Brien scored the shootout-winning goal in the bottom of the third round, and the Iowa Heartlanders moved to 2-0-0-0 for the first time in team history with a 6-5 win over the Bloomington Bison Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena. The game lasted three hours, tied for the longest regular-season game in Heartlanders history.  

Keltie Jeri-Leon scored twice in regulation, registered three points and then scored in the second round of the shootout. Riley Mercer won his first professional game, making 25 saves. 

Bloomington tied the game four times and Iowa only trailed once (3-2) before reestablishing a 4-3 lead in the second. O’Brien tied the game at three with 9:17 to go on the power play, then Jeri-Leon scored his first of two in the frame two minutes later.  The fourth goal forced Hugo Ollas from the game (19 saves, 4 GA). Callum Tung took the shootout loss with 22 saves (1 GA).

The Heartlanders scored twice in the first period but Bloomington took a 3-2 lead at first intermission. Iowa led, 1-0, and 2-1. Jonny Sorenson scored first on the power play, tapping home a right-post rebound at 5:45 of the first period. Nolan Orzeck and Yuki Miura assisted. After the Bison tied it, the Heartlanders used speed to take the lead back. Isaac Johnson richocheted a centering pass on the rush from Brandon Schultz over the shoulder of the goaltender with 9:48 to go in the first. 

Bloomington’s Kyle Jackson scored twice and had three points in the first period. He set up Riku Ishida for the go-ahead goal on the man up with 2:34 left in the first.

The Heartlanders are back at home Sunday at 3:00 p.m. for Jammies & Jerseys Night vs. Tulsa.

Box Score

Tickets to Heartlanders Home Games

Get Tickets — Sunday, October 19th vs. Tulsa: Jammies & Jerseys

Roll out of bed and throw your jammies on as the Heartlanders take on the Tulsa Oilers on October 19th at 3:00 p.m. Show up in your nap-time best and join our pajama contest on a Sunday that’s anything but scary. 

Get Tickets — Wednesday, October 29th vs. Fort Wayne

Be there when the puck drops against the Fort Wayne Komets on October 29th at 7:00 p.m. for an electrifying match.

$10 Online Youth Tickets

Available NOW! 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). 

Make sure you’re here: Call 319-569-4625 or visit iowaheartlanders.com/tickets/ticket-plans to learn more about ticket package options or group ticket pricing for company outings, birthday parties or community groups of 10 or more.

For Corporate Partnerships call 319-855-1775 or info@iowaheartlanders.com. Align your business with the excitement of the Heartlanders coming off their best season yet. Partnerships can range from in-arena signage, such as dasherboards and video board advertisements, to digital and social media collaborations, reaching over 20,000 followers. Our team is eager to work with businesses to create tailored corporate partnership packages that meet specific marketing and business objectives.

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