Iowa Heartlanders rally for 3-2 OT win over Fort Wayne Komets

Defenseman Mike Koster scores game-winner 24 seconds into extra period

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:50am

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The Iowa Heartlanders overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Fort Wayne Komets 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Heartlanders defenseman Mike Koster scored the game-winning goal just 24 seconds into the extra period to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

The Heartlanders' come-from-behind victory showcases the team's resilience and ability to battle back from a multi-goal deficit. This win is crucial for Iowa's playoff positioning as they continue to fight for a postseason berth in the competitive ECHL Central Division.

The details

The Komets jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 12 minutes of the game, but Iowa responded with three unanswered goals. Yuki Miura pulled the Heartlanders within one late in the first period, and Matt Sop tied the game at 2-2 midway through the second. In overtime, Koster scored the game-winner off a rebound to complete the comeback. Goaltender Riley Mercer made 28 saves for Iowa after allowing the two early goals.

  • The Komets scored the first two goals in the opening 12 minutes to take a 2-0 lead.
  • Yuki Miura scored for Iowa with 7:05 remaining in the first period to make it 2-1.
  • Matt Sop tied the game at 2-2 halfway through the second period.
  • Mike Koster scored the game-winning goal 24 seconds into overtime.

The players

Mike Koster

Iowa Heartlanders defenseman who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Yuki Miura

Iowa Heartlanders forward who scored a goal to pull the team within one in the first period.

Matt Sop

Iowa Heartlanders forward who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Riley Mercer

Iowa Heartlanders goaltender who made 28 saves and earned the win after allowing two early goals.

Nathan Day

Fort Wayne Komets goaltender who made 23 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up and kept battling back. That's the kind of resilience this team has shown all season.”

— Mike Koster, Iowa Heartlanders defenseman

What’s next

The Heartlanders will return home for a three-game series against the Indy Fuel, starting on Friday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m. for 'Rock The Rink' night.

The takeaway

The Heartlanders' come-from-behind victory in overtime showcases the team's ability to fight through adversity and grind out crucial wins as they push for a playoff spot. This resilient performance will give the team momentum heading into a critical homestand against a divisional rival.