Coralville, Iowa- Following the conclusion of their ten-game road trip, the Iowa Heartlanders found themselves in need of some help in defense. With captain Kevin McKernan remaining on reserve due to his injury and Kyle Masters returning to the Iowa Wild of the AHL, the Heartlanders brought in players in a way they have done frequently in the past: by making a trade.
Derek Damon’s calls to the league for defensive help were answered by the Orlando Solar Bears, who were willing to part with Louka Henault, who played ten games for Orlando this season and 41 for the Jacksonville Icemen in 2022-23. Henault has not had a chance to shine this year, playing in just half of Orlando’s games this season and looking to earn his way into the lineup.
On the other side, Iowa parted ways with Jesse Jacques, who will be remembered in the Heartland as an exciting young forward who found ways to give the team an advantage in close games, regardless of the opponent, over the 33 games he played with Iowa. He will surely be missed for his work ethic, competitive edge, and seamless play with forward Nick Campoli. Solar Bears everywhere should be thrilled to see Jacques in the Purple and Orange.
Looking forward for the Heartlanders, Gavin Hain has been called back up to the Iowa Wild right before playing a game during his stint in Coralville. The Second Place Heartlanders will put their six-game home winning stream to the test and welcome the first-place Toledo Walleye for three games from Friday through Sunday, at 6:30, 6:00, and 2:00, respectively. Saturday will be the Teddy Bear Toss, a minor league hockey tradition that you can read about here, and Sunday is the Elementary School Game and Team Photo Giveaway Day.
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