9 Iowa hockey teams to check out

While Iowa hockey doesn’t get the same recognition as its northern neighbor, the Hawkeye State’s connections to the game are deep.

Iowa is also home to a number of professional and semi-pro teams, from the Iowa Wild in the AHL, five different squads in the USHL, and more—meaning you can catch a game in just about any corner of the state.

So allow me to tell you about some of Iowa’s cool hockey teams and to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Could I beat that team’s mascot in a 100-meter dash? (Note: I have never skated, which is why we’re doing a foot race. Also, I love the variety of mascots in lower-level sports leagues!)

American Hockey League:

Iowa Wild

Season: October-April

Tickets: $27-$62

The Iowa Wild host the Grand Rapids Griffins at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines for Hockey Fights Cancer on Nov. 4, 2022. (Tim Garland / Iowa Wild Photographer)

Originally known as the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League, the Iowa Wild moved to Iowa at the beginning of the 2013 season. Since then, the Wild have provided Central Iowa fans with a chance to see the best minor league players.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Nope. Crash has those athletic feline characteristics that will put me to shame.

(Courtesy Iowa Wild)

United States Hockey League:

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

Season: September-April

Tickets: $16.50-$26.75

(Courtesy Tyson Niles Photography)

Playing in Cedar Rapids as the RoughRiders since 1999, this USHL Eastern Conference team has won three Anderson Cups and one Clark Cup, with dozens of former players going to the NHL. The RoughRiders play at the ImOn Ice Arena, informally known as the The Stable, which is the coolest nickname.  

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Under no circumstances would I win a race against him. Ricochet is a horse!

(Courtesy Tyson Niles Photography)

Des Moines Buccaneers

Season: September-April

Tickets: $12-$101

(Courtesy Des Moines Buccaneers)

The Des Moines Buccaneers were founded in 1980. Throughout its successful USHL Western Conference history, the Buccaneers have won four Clark Cups and four Anderson Cups. The Bucs have sent dozens of players to the NHL and more when including coaches and support staff, according to Media Relation Director Ashley Chase, and advanced to the conference semifinals during the 2018-19 season.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? I would win effortlessly. Winger is a one-eyed parrot. That is a cakewalk.

(Courtesy Des Moines Buccaneers)

Dubuque Fighting Saints

Season: September-April

Tickets: $16-$28

(Courtesy Stephen Gassman)

Founded in 2010, the current iteration of the Dubuque Fighting Saints has made quick work in its brief history, securing one Anderson Cup and two Clark Cups. The USHL Eastern Conference team is also the defending back-to-back-to-back champion of the Dupaco Community Credit Union Cowbell Cup. Eight former Fighting Saints played in NHL games during the 2022-23 season, according to Blake Theisen, broadcasting and media relations manager.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Fur sure. Bernie the St. Bernard would be easily distracted.

(Courtesy Stephen Gassman)

Sioux City Musketeers

Season: September-April

Tickets: $12-$20

(Courtesy Homan Photography)

The Musketeers have played in Sioux City since 1972 and call the Tyson Events Center home. The franchise has won three Anderson Cups and four Clark Cups in the Western Conference of the USHL, including in 2022. The Musketeers have made the playoffs more times than not throughout its history. This success has led to more than 30 players reaching the NHL, according to Austin Davis, the Musketeers’ game night operations manager.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Absolutely. Charlie Battle’s thick beard would slow him down.

(Courtesy Homan Photography)

Waterloo Black Hawks

Season: September-April

Tickets: $19-$30

(Courtesy Stephanie Lyn Photography)

Founded in 1962, the Waterloo Black Hawks play in the US Hockey League (USHL), the highest junior hockey league. The Black Hawks play in the Western Conference of the USHL.

The Black Hawks have had dozens of former players play in the NHL. This talented team has won the Clark Cup, the playoff title, and three Anderson Cups—the regular season title. 

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Easily. Tommy Hawk is a bird. No chance with those puny legs.

(Courtesy Stephanie Lyn Photography)

North American Hockey League:

North Iowa Bulls

Season: September-April

Tickets: $7-$20

The North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League play in the Mason City Arena. They’ve bounced around between leagues, but it hasn’t stopped them: They’ve won the West Division five times and the Central Division three times, and were national champions four times in two different leagues, most recently in 2021.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Nope. Not because I will lose, but because I wouldn’t try—for my fear of being thrown in the air by Brutus the Bull.

North American 3 Hockey League:

Mason City Toros

Season: September-March

Tickets: $7-$20

Just like their North Iowa counterparts, the Mason City Toros of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) play in the Mason City Arena in the West Division.

The Toros used to go by the Bulls until the Amarillo Bulls relocated to Mason City in 2021. They’ve dominated the NA3HL by winning the league four times, and were division champions eight times.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? See above, re: being thrown by a bull, but this time by Bruiser the Bull.

ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League):

Iowa Heartlanders

Season: October-April

Tickets: $16-$40

(Courtesy Iowa Heartlanders)

Founded in 2021, this Coralville-based ECHL team is affiliated with the AHL’s Iowa Wild, itself affiliated with the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild. Playing at Xtream Arena, the Heartlanders ended their first season with a record of 29-33. Despite the losing record, the Heartlanders have one of the crispest logos in minor league sports.

Could I beat the mascot in a 100-meter dash? Not at all. With a name like Dash, I have no chance in a 100-meter dash.

(Courtesy Iowa Heartlanders)