The Iowa Heartlanders have added to their defense corps with two signings, and also added a forward on a tryout contract.
Heartlanders head coach and general manager Chuck Weber announced the team has signed defensemen Thomas Stewart and Lordanthony Grissom to ECHL contracts.
Stewart skated for Bloomington last season and recorded 10 points (5-5-10) in 45 games.
The 22-year-old joined the ECHL last season after a three-season career in the OHL with Oshawa and Barrie.
His most-prolific offensive season in the OHL came in 2023-24 with the Generals and Colts, where he scored eight goals and 25 points in 69 games.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound blueliner is a Toronto, Ont. native.
“Thomas had a solid rookie year in Bloomington and knows about the Heartlanders and what we’re trying to create here,” Weber said in a statement. “He’s excited to come to Coralville for the 2025-26 season.”
The 29-year-old Grissom played for Norfolk and Jacksonville last season. He put up seven points (1-6-7) in 32 games, including three Kelly Cup Playoff contests.
The 6-foot-4, 229-pound Grissom is preparing for his fourth ECHL season. He skated for Allen, Greenville, Norfolk and Jacksonville.
In 2022, the Detroit native won an SPHL championship with Peoria. He wore a letter for four years at Aurora University and was team captain from 2021-23.
“LA is an experienced defenseman that plays heavy and is known for his physicality,” Weber noted. “We are looking forward to him settling in and being a positive influence on the back end.”
Additionally, forward Devin Sanders has signed a tryout contract after tallying four goals and nine points in 13 games for SPHL Quad City last season.
Sanders is starting his second professional campaign. The 23-year-old, right-handed shot attended Niagara University and played for the ACHA team for two years, scoring 77 points (36-41-77) from 2022-24.
“Devin comes highly recommended,” Weber said. “We’re excited to see him compete for a spot on our roster.”