Wild announce new affiliation with Iowa Heartlanders

The Minnesota Wild have agreed to a deal with a new ECHL affiliate.

Thursday, the Wild said the Iowa Heartlanders will become the team’s ECHL affiliate beginning with the 2021-22 season.

"We are thrilled to announce a new ECHL affiliation agreement with the Iowa Heartlanders," Wild General Manager Bill Guerin said. "We look forward to being a part of the Heartlanders inaugural season and helping grow the great sport of hockey while also having the opportunity to develop players at both the AHL and ECHL level in Iowa. This is an exciting day for our organization."

The Heartlanders will serve as a resource for development efforts and personal needs for both the Wild and the Iowa Wild, which is Minnesota’s AHL affiliate.

The Heartlanders are Iowa’s first ECHL team after being approved in January. They will play their first-ever game on Oct. 22.