The Iowa Heartlanders [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/heartlanders-clinch-first-playoff-spot-in-team-history]are getting their captain back for the 2025-26 season. The team announced Tuesday that Yuki Miura has re-signed with Iowa on an ECHL [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/]contract. He is the first player to come to terms with the Heartlanders for Iowa’s fifth anniversary season, and the only player to skate for Iowa every season of Heartlanders history. Miura is one of the ECHL’s best stories, and a model of development that the league is built on. Originally signed to a try-out contract with Iowa for the Heartlanders’ inaugural training camp in 2021, the Lake Superior State graduate quickly ascended into one of Iowa’s best by the end of his rookie season. He has worn a letter with the team since 2022-23, and last season was his first time wearing the “C” as Heartlanders Captain. “We’re excited to be bringing Yuki back for the 2025-26 season,” Heartlanders Head Coach & General Manager Chuck Weber said in a news release. “He’s a Heartlanders through and through. Not only is Yuki important on the ice, but he’s vital to our community. I’m excited to work with him this season and see what he’s going to bring this group as we push forward.” In 2024-25, Miura provided a career-best 21 goals to lead the team and finished second on the Heartlanders in points with 41. The team qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history using Miura’s leadership and production. In the playoffs, Miura scored a goal and two assists for three points in the first round vs. Fort Wayne. The 28-year-old Toyko, Japan native became the first Japanese-born captain in the ECHL. He is first in every major statistical category in Heartlanders history, compiling 54 goals, 71 assists and 125 points over 251 games. If the Heartlanders hope to get back to the post-season in 2025-26, getting their captain back in the fold was crucial. As for Miura, Coralville has become his second home. “Coming from Japan, I’ve found a place I can call home,” Miura told The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/from-japan-to-the-heartland-how-yuki-miura-became-the-first-japanese-born-echl-captain]last spring. “It’s Coralville, Iowa, and it’s something special.” The Heartlanders open the team’s fifth season at Xtream Arena on Friday, Oct. 17 against the Tulsa Oilers. (Photo Courtesy of the Iowa Heartlanders)
