MERCER, IOWA EXTEND WIN STREAKS TO THREE IN 4-1 VICTORY OVER TEXAS
Dec 30, 2025DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Wild overpowered the Texas Stars in a 4-1 victory at Casey’s Center on Tuesday night. Riley Mercer turned aside 28 shots to win his third consecutive start to begin his AHL career.
Texas outshot Iowa 11-7 in the first period.
Gerry Mayhew broke through to open the scoring on the power play 8:15 into the middle frame. After Hunter Haight sent a pass down to the goal line, Mayhew stepped to the top of the crease and chipped a shot through Arno Tiefensee (17 saves). Dylan Gambrell picked up the first of his three assists on Mayhew’s goal.
The Wild outshot the Stars 18-17 through 40 minutes of play.
Bradley Marek scored the eventual game-winner 1:54 into the third period when he collected Caedan Bankier’s centering feed and whipped a shot inside the right post.
Artem Shlaine pulled Texas back within a goal on the man advantage at 4:45.
Iowa picked up a crucial insurance goal on the power play 2:57 later when Haight blasted a rebound opportunity off Ben Jones and into the back of the net.
Ryan Sandelin scored on the empty net with 1:04 remaining to seal the win.
Iowa outshot Texas 30-29. The Wild finished 2-for-3 with the man advantage while the Stars went 1-for-2 on the power play.
Iowa and Texas square off again on Wednesday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve Bash, presented by Greater Des Moines Partnership, Pizza Hut & 93.3 KIOA.
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