Iowa Wild Will Open Season Against Texas Stars
The Iowa Wild will face the Texas Stars on October 2, 2026, to kick off the upcoming hockey season.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hockey
The Iowa Wild are scheduled to open their AHL season against the Texas Stars on October 2, 2026. This matchup marks the start of a campaign for a team looking to rebound from a difficult finish last season.
Why it matters
The opener serves as the debut for head coach Stu Bickel, whose leadership is expected to introduce a faster and more physical style of play to the Iowa squad.
The team roster features multiple players standing over 6 feet 5 inches, including one forward measuring 6-foot-7. Head coach Stu Bickel, 39, brings experience from five seasons as an assistant coach.
The players
Iowa Wild
The Iowa Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Des Moines that competes in the American Hockey League.
Stu Bickel
Stu Bickel is the 39-year-old head coach of the Iowa Wild who previously played for the team and the Iowa Chops.
Texas Stars
The Texas Stars are a professional minor league hockey team and the primary opponent for the Iowa Wild's season opener.
The details
Head coach Stu Bickel returns to the organization where he previously played during the 2014-2015 season. The team is aiming to improve upon its performance from last year, when it finished with one of the league's worst records.
Timeline
Stu Bickel played for the Iowa Chops during the 2008-2009 season.
Stu Bickel played for the Iowa Wild during the 2014-2015 season.
The Iowa Wild play the Texas Stars on October 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Iowa Wild are seeking a complete turnaround after finishing with one of the worst records in the league last season. Success in the opener against the Texas Stars would provide an early indicator of whether the team can shift its competitive balance within the division.
The roster move toward a 6-foot-7 forward and other tall skaters signals a deliberate shift toward a more physical, size-based playing style for the team. Fans and analysts will monitor how this physical approach impacts the team's ability to compete against the Texas Stars.
The takeaway
The addition of significant height to the lineup suggests the coaching staff is prioritizing a physical game plan to improve the team's standing. Supporters should look for how this size-heavy roster impacts the team's speed and defensive capability during the first game.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming schedule, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCCI.
