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Coralville Today
By the People, for the People
Heartlanders Set Attendance Record, Earn Point in OT Loss
Iowa's hockey team draws over 4,000 fans for Cornfed Country Night, but falls 3-2 to Cincinnati Cyclones in overtime
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The Iowa Heartlanders set a new season-high attendance record with over 4,000 fans attending their Cornfed Country Night game against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Heartlanders fell 3-2 in overtime. Nick Carabin and Elliott McDermott scored for Iowa, but the Cyclones rallied with two power-play goals in the third period to force overtime, where Elijah Vilio netted the winner for Cincinnati.
Why it matters
The Heartlanders' strong attendance numbers and competitive performance against a top divisional rival demonstrate the team's growing popularity and competitiveness in the league, even in a tough overtime loss. The team's ability to draw large crowds and push top opponents to the brink is a positive sign for the franchise's future.
The details
Iowa jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with unassisted goals from Nick Carabin and Elliott McDermott. However, the Cyclones stormed back in the third period, scoring two power-play goals to tie the game and force overtime. Cincinnati's Elijah Vilio then netted the overtime winner on a 3-on-2 rush just 40 seconds into the extra session.
- The game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- Carabin scored his third goal of the season at 10:21 of the first period.
- McDermott scored his first professional goal shortly after Carabin's tally in the first period.
- Luke Grainger pulled the Cyclones within one goal early in the third period.
- Gunnarwolfe Fontaine tied the game for Cincinnati with just 21.8 seconds remaining in regulation.
The players
Nick Carabin
An Iowa Heartlanders player who scored the team's first goal of the game.
Elliott McDermott
An Iowa Heartlanders player who scored the team's second goal of the game, his first as a professional.
Elijah Vilio
A Cincinnati Cyclones player who scored the overtime game-winning goal.
Ken Appleby
The Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender who made 35 saves to earn the win.
Riley Mercer
The Iowa Heartlanders goaltender who made 29 saves in the overtime loss.
What’s next
The Heartlanders will host the Bloomington Bison on Wednesday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. to finish a seven-game homestand. They will then hit the road for six straight games starting on Friday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m. against the Indy Fuel.
The takeaway
The Heartlanders' ability to draw over 4,000 fans and push a top divisional opponent to overtime despite the loss demonstrates the team's growing popularity and competitiveness in the league. With a long homestand and road trip on the horizon, the Heartlanders will look to build on this strong performance and continue to grow their fanbase in the Coralville community.
