Heartlanders blank Cyclones, 2-0, for fourth straight win

Iowa Heartlanders goaltender Riley Mercer records second career shutout in victory over Cincinnati Cyclones.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Iowa Heartlanders defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones 2-0 on Friday at Xtream Arena. Heartlanders goaltender Riley Mercer stopped all 30 shots he faced to record his second career shutout. Iowa got goals from Isaac Johnson and Yuki Miura in the win, their fourth straight victory.

Why it matters

The Heartlanders' shutout win extends their winning streak to four games, their longest of the season so far. Mercer's strong goaltending performance was crucial in securing the victory over the Cyclones.

The details

Mercer blocked 11 shots in the first period, 11 in the second, and 8 in the third to preserve the shutout. Johnson opened the scoring with a goal late in the second period, and Miura added an insurance goal in the third period in his 300th career game with the Heartlanders.

  • The Heartlanders struck first at 18:11 of the second period.
  • Yuki Miura added an insurance goal at 17:48 of the third period.

The players

Riley Mercer

Iowa Heartlanders goaltender who recorded his second career shutout, stopping all 30 shots he faced.

Isaac Johnson

Iowa Heartlanders forward who scored the opening goal in the second period.

Yuki Miura

Iowa Heartlanders forward who scored an insurance goal in the third period, his 300th career game with the team.

Ken Appleby

Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender who made 39 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Heartlanders are home on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. for the CORNIEST NIGHT in hockey history on Cornfed Country Night, presented by Iowa Corn. The night includes a Corn Thunderstick Giveaway, specialty jersey auction on DASH Auctions, pregame pyrotechnic show, country tunes, and legendary corn games.

The takeaway

The Heartlanders' fourth straight win, powered by a dominant goaltending performance from Riley Mercer, demonstrates the team's ability to string together victories and maintain momentum as they push for a strong finish to the season.