AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Heat Blast Griffins in Home Finale

Published on April 8, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Ryan Stone collected five points to lead the offense, while Leland Irving kicked aside all 27 shots he faced as the Abbotsford Heat rolled over the Grand Rapids Griffins 6-0 on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at Van Andel Arena.

The loss officially ended the late-season playoff hopes of the Griffins (36-32-2-8). With their home schedule now completed, the team will finish the year on the road, starting with a contest tomorrow in Rockford at 8:05 p.m. EDT. Abbotsford (38-30-4-6) advances closer to the final Western Conference playoff spot after beating the Griffins in all four contests this season.

Abbotsford opened the scoring at 9:25 of the first period. Stone took a shot from the perimeter that deflected off a Heat forward in front of the net directly to defenseman Gord Baldwin, who was able to push a wraparound past goaltender Jordan Pearce.

The Heat would add to their lead in the first few minutes of the second frame. At 1:26, Jon Rheault finished off a scramble by lifting a rebound over the pads of a sprawled Pearce. Seventy-two seconds later, a shot from MacGregor Sharp found its way through traffic and barely slid past the Griffins' goaltender to give the Heat a three-goal lead. Following a Griffins timeout, Thomas McCollum entered the game in relief of Pearce, who made 13 saves on 16 shots on the night.

Stone added to the lead before the period ended at the 18:00 mark. Carter Bancks collected a puck from the corner and centered a pass to Stone, who unloaded a wrist shot that beat McCollum under the arm.

The Heat finished the game strong, adding two goals in the game's final minutes. Stone added his second of the night at 17:14, while Ales Kotalik tallied at 18:42 to complete the 6-0 rout. McCollum registered 23 saves after coming into the game for Pearce.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2011


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