Schweighardt Scores Game-Winning Goal for Iowa Heartlanders

Defenseman's late power-play tally sinks Cincinnati Cyclones, 4-3

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:53am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the intense, explosive motion of a hockey player scoring a game-winning goal, with the player's form and the puck dissolving into vibrant, unrecognizable brushstrokes.A dramatic, last-minute power-play goal secures a crucial victory for the Iowa Heartlanders in their playoff push.Coralville Today

Iowa Heartlanders defenseman T.J. Schweighardt scored a game-winning, 5-on-3 power-play goal with 1:03 left to defeat the Cincinnati Cyclones, 4-3, on Saturday at Xtream Arena. Each team scored twice in the third period, with Cincinnati tallying a pair of power-play goals to overcome two deficits, but Iowa responded each time with goals from Keltie Jeri-Leon and then Schweighardt for his first professional tally.

Why it matters

The Heartlanders' victory over the Cyclones keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive ECHL Western Conference. Schweighardt's clutch goal in the final minutes showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games down the stretch.

The details

Chase Wutzke earned the win in his first professional start, making 26 saves including five on breakaways. On the game-winning goal, Jaxon Nelson won a right-dot face-off straight back to Schweighardt, who unleashed a quick right-handed shot that beat Kaidan Mbereko. Earlier in the third, Gabriel Bernier had tied the game at 2-2 with a power-play goal for Cincinnati.

  • Schweighardt scored the game-winning goal with 1:03 remaining in the third period.
  • Bernier tied the game at 2-2 for Cincinnati with a power-play goal at 2:26 of the third period.
  • Nelson gave Iowa a 2-1 lead at 4:05 of the second period.
  • Coughlin scored to tie the game at 1-1 in the first period.
  • Fontaine gave Cincinnati a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game.

The players

T.J. Schweighardt

Iowa Heartlanders defenseman who scored the game-winning goal.

Chase Wutzke

Iowa Heartlanders goaltender who earned the win in his first professional start, making 26 saves.

Jaxon Nelson

Iowa Heartlanders forward who won the key face-off that led to Schweighardt's game-winning goal.

Gabriel Bernier

Cincinnati Cyclones forward who scored a power-play goal to tie the game at 2-2 in the third period.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine

Cincinnati Cyclones forward who scored the opening goal of the game.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us tonight. The guys really battled back and showed a lot of character to get the two points.”

— T.J. Schweighardt, Defenseman, Iowa Heartlanders

What’s next

The Heartlanders will conclude their homestand against the Cincinnati Cyclones on Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m. for Cartoon Day.

The takeaway

Schweighardt's clutch, game-winning power-play goal in the final minutes showcased the Heartlanders' resilience and ability to win close games as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the ECHL Western Conference.