Iowa Voluntary Suspension Approved, Won't Play in 2026-27, Sedley Loaned to Belleville, Stange Assigned to Florida and More

 

Wasn't going to post a blog today, but a few things happened in the last 24 hours that are worth mentioning:

 

1. I am sure most of you have seen by now that the Iowa Heartlanders requested, and the ECHL Board of Governors has approved a voluntary suspension for the 2026-27 season. What does this mean? I am not an expert by any means, but here is what will and, more importantly, could happen:

• For sure, Iowa will not operate next season (2026-27).
• The suspension allows the team to keep its league membership.
• Iowa does not fold and does not surrender its franchise rights.
• When this happens, teams can look at everything from ownership, financial restructuring, arena issues, searching for investors, and plan for relocation. As you will see in the press release, the Heartlanders have not stated which of these possibilities they are pursuing. Here is the press release if you  haven't seen it: https://iowaheartlanders.com/news/2026/03/echl-board-of-governors-approves-voluntary-suspension-of-iowa-heartlanders-operations-for-2026-27-season
• This has happened many times before in the ECHL. While there are a few examples of teams returning to the same city, many more either relocate or fold and sell their franchise. 

What does this mean with the Heartlander's not operating next season?

• Player contracts are not retained. Players become free agents or are assigned elsewhere by their AHL/NHL affiliates.
• The Minnesota Wild will be looking for a new affiliate for 2026-27. With the recall/ reassignment deadline a week from tomorrow (March 18), something to watch for is whether Minnesota reassigns some of their NHL/AHL contracted players currently with the Heartlanders to other ECHL teams.
• With the New Mexico Goatsheads beginning play next season and Iowa not playing, there will be a shakeup in the Mountain and Central Divisions.

 

2. If you monitor AHL transaction you noticed that the Springfield Thunderbirds loaned forward Sam Stange to Florida yesterday. I am sure this was a disappointment to Coach Martinson, as I think there was an expectation that Stange would return to Allen. Florida is affiliated with AHL Springfield and NHL St. Louis, but my understanding is that it will be changing next season. I will try to get more details at practice today.   

 

3. Defenseman Sam Sedley has been loaned to the Belleville Senators and will miss the series with Idaho. Sam certainly deserves the opportunity.  Here is how Sedley ranks among ECHL defensemen.

• #1- game played (56)
• #3 - power play points (23)
• #3 - power play assists (22) 
• #4 - assists (35)
• #5 - points (41) 

 

4. Coach Martinson is still working on adding to the roster before the weekend. Stay tuned! 

 

DID YOU KNOW: With some ECHL players approaching 10 fights, a reminder:

 

When players reach 10 fighting majors, they’re suspended for one game. Each subsequent fighting major is a one-game suspension. At 14 fights, suspensions become two games. If the opposing player is assessed an instigator penalty, the fight doesn’t count.