May 25, 2013
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Flames Prospects Fall to Late Canucks Rally

September 12, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL) Abbotsford Heat

Penticton, BC - At the Young Starts prospects tournament today the Calgary Flames were just 15 seconds away from clinching a 3-2 victory over the host Vancouver Canucks, but it wasn't to be. A goal for the Canucks tied the game in the final minute and then in the opening moments of 4-on-4 overtime Vancouver struck again - to win the contest 4-3.

Joni Ortio was shown a vote of confidence by the coaching staff starting less than 24 hours after a shaky performance in the tournament opener. After allowing six goals against the Sharks Prospects on Sunday, Ortio bounced back in a big way, stopping 38 of 42 shots on the night, including a breakaway stop late in the contest that preserved a Flames lead. Heat Head Coach Troy Ward on his starting keeper "Ortio performed better, the defense let him down in moments of truth".

19-year-old Patrick Holland scored twice in the loss. Both were set-up by Max Reinhart while 2011 first round pick Sven Baertschi also factored in on the Holland goals, as he continues to impress at the tournament. In the media scrum Holland commented "they (the coaches) put me out there with a great line, it was easy to play". Ward noted "Baertschi and Holland have had their coming out parties these two games".

Michael Ferland thought he had the winner at 16:20 of the third as he whacked a mid-air pass from Dustin Sylvester into the back of the net to give the Flames a lead in the final minutes.

Despite 47 shots, and a late lead, the Flames will be looking for their first win of the tournament on Wednesday when they face the Edmonton Oilers in a battle of Alberta Young Stars-style.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2011


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