Heartlanders Extend Points Streak to Six Games, Beat Bison 5-3

Elliot Desnoyers scores twice in the third period to lead Iowa to victory over Bloomington.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Iowa Heartlanders scored the first three goals of the game and got two late third-period goals from Elliot Desnoyers to defeat the Bloomington Bison 5-3 on Wednesday night at Xtream Arena. The win extends the Heartlanders' points streak to six games.

Why it matters

The Heartlanders have been one of the hottest teams in the league lately, picking up points in six straight games. This win over a divisional rival keeps them in the playoff hunt in the competitive Central Division.

The details

The Heartlanders jumped out to a 3-0 lead through two periods, with goals from Jonny Sorenson, Max Patterson, and Matt Sop. Bloomington scored twice in the third to make it 3-2, but Desnoyers restored the two-goal lead with 10 minutes left and then added an empty-net goal in the final minute. Goaltender Riley Mercer made 30 saves to earn the win for Iowa.

  • The Heartlanders tied a team record with 24 shots on goal in the first period.
  • Jonny Sorenson scored his 12th goal of the season in the first period to open the scoring.
  • Max Patterson and Matt Sop scored in the second period to give Iowa a 3-0 lead.
  • Bloomington scored twice in the third period to make it a 3-2 game.
  • Elliot Desnoyers scored two goals in the third period, including an empty-netter, to seal the 5-3 win.

The players

Elliot Desnoyers

A forward for the Iowa Heartlanders who scored two goals in the third period to lead his team to victory.

Jonny Sorenson

The captain of the Iowa Heartlanders who scored the opening goal of the game in the first period.

Riley Mercer

The goaltender for the Iowa Heartlanders who made 30 saves to earn the win.

Lou Felix Denis

A forward for the Bloomington Bison who scored one of his team's three goals in the loss.

Callum Tung

The goaltender for the Bloomington Bison who made 36 saves but took 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 on the road Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Indy. Iowa is next at home for Luck of the Landers against Kansas City on Wed., Mar. 18 at 7:00 p.m.

The takeaway

The Heartlanders' hot streak has kept them in the playoff hunt in the Central Division, and this win over a divisional rival shows they have the firepower to compete with the top teams in the league.