Iowa Heartlanders news release
Coralville, Iowa – The Iowa Heartlanders fell, 2-1, to the Wheeling Nailers Saturday on St. Hat Trick’s Day at Xtream Arena. The Heartlanders outshot the Nailers, 28-24, but could not tie it in the third. Jack Perbix scored the lone goal for Iowa on his first professional shot.
Matt Koopman and Jordan Martel tallied for Wheeling. Drew DeRidder made 22 saves in defeat. Taylor Gauthier made 27 saves for his fifth win of the season series.
Perbix opened up the scoring at 5:18 of the first period, shooting top shelf off a pass from Adam Goodsir. Perbix joined Iowa from Northern Michigan University this week and played five NCAA seasons.
Koopman answered back at 4:29 of the middle frame, sniping from the top of the right circle to tie the game at one. Maxim Cajkovic and William Provost registered the assists.
Four minutes into the closing frame, Martel landed a top-shelf bomb past the right shoulder of DeRidder to take the lead, 2-1, for Wheeling, assisted by Tanner Laderoute and Davis Bunz.
Both teams went 0-for-1 on the power play. Iowa earned three points in the weekend series against Wheeling.
The Heartlanders are next at home on Fri., Mar. 22 at 6:35 p.m., opposing the Wichita Thunder in the 100th home game in team history, featuring $5 youth tickets (online only, with purchase of adult ticket).
On Fri., Mar. 22 at 6:35 p.m., the Heartlanders oppose the Wichita Thunder in the 100th home game in team history, featuring $5 youth tickets (online only, with purchase of adult ticket).
Sat., Mar. 23 at 6:05 p.m. is Heartland Heroes Night against Wichita, honoring the frontline workers that selflessly serve eastern Iowa.
On Sun., Mar. 24 at 2:05 p.m., Iowa wraps up the weekend against Wichita with Faith and Family Day, a team photo giveaway, and the final postgame skate of the season.