Bloomington, IL — Iowa Heartlanders forward Isaac Johnson scored with 57 seconds to go to make it a one-goal game, but Bloomington Bison goaltender Dryden McKay blocked 36 shots and 14 in the third period to best the Heartlanders, 3-2, Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena.

Lou-Felix Denis gave the Bison a 2-1 edge with 10:46 to go and Sullivan Mack’s empty-net strike provided insurance for a 3-1 Bloomington lead. Iowa did not relent in the final minute, answering Mack’s goal 24 seconds later with a bank shot off the goalie from Johnson for a 3-2 deficit. The Heartlanders pumped more shots on net in the final minute but couldn’t solve McKay, who moved to 5-0-1 ever vs. the Landers.

Iowa outshot Bloomington, 16-8, in a scoreless first frame.

The second period increased in excitement as it went along. First, Grant Porter sniped in a bottom of the right circle show on a two-on-one, giving the Bison the game’s first goal at 13:10 of the second. Next, five minutes later, Riley Mercer saved back-to-back chances on a breakaway, then a two-on-one, giving the Landers breathing room to pick up their goalie. Seconds later, Max Patterson sniped in Iowa’s first goal on a three-on-two rush, wristing it top shelf from the left dot for his tenth of the season.

The Heartlanders and Bison play twice more this weekend in Illinois – Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Iowa is next at home Fri. Mar 27 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Cincinnati for Landerpalooza, pres. by iHeartMedia. The Heartlanders continue the weekend with Hard Hats on Ice, pres. by Van Meter on Sat., Mar. 28 vs. the Cyclones. Iowa concludes the homestand vs. Cincinnati on Sun., Mar. 29 for Cartoon Day. 

Tickets start at $10 for all Heartlanders home games. Heartlanders Family 4 Packs (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, 1 large popcorn starting at $69) and the Deer & Beers Ticket Bundle (1 ticket and 2 domestic beers for $25) are now available. 

Box Score

Tickets to Heartlanders Home Games

Get Tickets — Friday, March 27th vs. Cincinnati: Landerpalooza
Presented by iHeartMedia

Celebrate the start of the weekend on March 27th at 7:00 p.m. with Landerpalooza! The Heartlanders and the Cincinnati Cyclones face off in one of the wildest nights of the year, where the party never stops. Join us for an evening of excitement and partying, and cheer your Heartlanders on to a win! 

Get Tickets — Saturday, March 28th vs. Cincinnati: Hard Hats on Ice

Presented by Van Meter

Celebrate the individuals who build and strengthen Eastern Iowa with Hard Hats on Ice Night! The Heartlanders and the Cincinnati Cyclones clash on March 28th at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a night of special tributes and dedications to those who work to improve Iowa every day. 

Get Tickets — Sunday, March 29th vs. Cincinnati: Cartoon Day

Your new favorite cartoon airs March 29th at 3:00 p.m. — it's the Heartlanders vs. the Cincinnati Cyclones! Our first-ever Cartoon Day is filled to the brim with wacky, animated chaos straight from the big screen. Make sure to stick around after the match for a postgame skate — presented by The Family Dental Center.

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.

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