After leading the Iowa Heartlanders to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2024-25, head coach and general manager Derek Damon is moving to the USHL.
The Heartlanders announced on Monday that Damon has been named the Head Coach and President of Hockey Operations for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, and that the search for a new Heartlanders Head Coach and General Manager will begin immediately.
“Being a part of the Heartlanders will always hold a special place in my heart,” Damon said in a statement. “Since our inaugural season, we have worked tirelessly to make the Heartlanders winners and continue to grow our game in eastern Iowa. It has been nothing but a pleasure to get to work with and meet so many of our fans and partners that are creating a bright future for the Heartlanders.
“I’d like to thank our Owner Michael Devlin and Team President Matt Getz for their unwavering belief in me and their support through this transition.”
Damon was the Heartlanders’ Head Coach and General Manager since 2022, and was one of the original members of the inaugural season team in 2021-22 as an assistant coach.
This season, he elevated the Heartlanders to the team’s best campaign ever; Iowa finished with 36 wins and 83 points in 2024-25, then won three post-season games in the Heartlanders’ first-ever playoff appearance.
Beyond that, Damon was a key driver behind the scenes with numerous youth hockey organizations in Eastern Iowa. During his time, participation in programs such as the Jr. Heartlanders and Learn-To-Play/Learn-To-Skate has soared, with Damon and Heartlanders players dedicating endless hours to the expansion of youth hockey in The Corridor.