On Saturday, May 10th, the Iowa Heartlanders announced that Head Coach and General Manager Derek Damon has signed a multi-year extension.
Damon’s previous two seasons in the Heartland did not inspire fans. Iowa went a combined 49-73-19-3 and was unable to get out of the cellar of the Central Division. However, not all of this can be attributed to Damon, as call-ups, injury accumulation, and 2022-23 ownership uncertainty weighed heavy on the team. The Heartlanders did have a nine-game point streak (including a seven-game win streak) that saw the team in second place just after Thanksgiving of 2023, which is when injuries began taking over the team.
Damon addressed the organization and media as he signed his extension: “I’m thrilled to sign this extension with the Heartlanders. This community holds a special place in my family’s heart and it’s been an honor to become a part of eastern Iowa since we moved here before our inaugural season. As a team, we have unfinished business in year four and are looking forward to taking the next step and reaching the Kelly Cup Playoffs.”
Iowa was put in a difficult situation during Damon’s tenure which made it difficult to put a competitive team on the ice. President Matt Getz is putting a vote of confidence into his head coach and general manager with this extension, an indicator that he believes this team will succeed with the former Florida Everblade behind the bench. This likely absolves him from Iowa’s rough seasons.
The reaction from the Heartlanders community was very mixed. Some congratulated the coach, and one even offered their belief that the team playing more aggressive hockey and getting better results in 2023-24 should be accredited to Derek Damon. Others, most of whom have been openly critical of how the team has played, believe the team should have gone in a different direction this offseason. Heartlanders media director and broadcaster offered the quote “Derek is one of the best guys out there. Has done amazing things for our players, team, and the growth of the sport in our community.”
Regardless of what the staff, supporters, and critics may say, this is a crucial season coming up for the Iowa Heartlanders, and Damon will be expected to find a way to lead the team into a fight for a playoff position. The Landers have five months until the 2024-2025 season starts and have clearly started the offseason fast making the quickest coaching (re)hiring in the ECHL.
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