The Iowa Heartlanders will not take the ice next season after the ECHL Board of Governors approved the hockey team’s request to voluntarily suspend operations for the 2026-27 season, the league announced Monday.
The Coralville-based franchise said it will use the hiatus to explore strategic alternatives, including potential investment or ownership partnerships, aimed at securing a sustainable long-term future for the organization.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision that followed months of careful evaluation,” owner Michael Devlin said in a release. “Despite significant efforts to stabilize and strengthen the organization, we concluded that stepping back for a season is the most responsible course while we review long-term solutions. As stewards of the franchise, we believe this step gives the organization the best opportunity to return on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”
Team President Matt Getz said all options were exhausted before the suspension request was made. “We worked through every potential path that might have allowed us to continue uninterrupted,” Mr. Getz said. “Ultimately, we believe this pause provides the organization the best opportunity to position the franchise for long-term success.”
The Heartlanders entered the ECHL as an expansion franchise for the 2021-22 season, playing their home games at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. The team is a developmental affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL’s Iowa Wild, based in Des Moines.
The team expressed gratitude to fans, corporate partners, players, staff and the City of Coralville for their support since the franchise’s founding.
The ECHL said it will continue working with the Heartlanders’ ownership group during the suspension period. The organization will communicate directly with season ticket holders and partners regarding memberships and partnerships.
The Heartlanders will complete the 2025-26 season, with eight home games remaining at Xtream Arena:
- March 18
- March 27-29
- April 10-12
- April 15
Tickets are available at iowaheartlanders.com.
