Heat Head Indoors to the SAP Center for Final Game Prior to Holiday Break
December 20, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Stockton Heat News Release
TONIGHT
The Stockton Heat hit the road to San Jose to take on the Barracuda following last night's outdoor game at Raley Field against the Bakersfield Condors.
It will be a return to the familiar for the Heat, who spent the last three days treating a ballpark in Sacramento as their home, returning to the comfort of having a roof over their heads.
For San Jose, it will be a chance to reverse a three-game pointless streak.
LAST TIME VS. SAN JOSE
On December 4th, the Heat battled back from a first-period three-goal deficit, only to be stymied by a Herculean effort from San Jose goaltender Aaron Dell, who stopped 43 saves on his way to the victory.
Kenny Agostino scored two goals for the Heat, while Aaron Johnson scored his first of the season with a highlight reel power-play marker in the third period.
It was the only loss in a stretch of four games that saw the Heat earn six points playing some of their best hockey at that point of the season.
WHO TO WATCH
18-year-old defenseman Oliver Kylington has made a habit of scoring big goals.
He first showed that ability in the first ever Stockton Heat home game, when he let a quick wrister go from the high slot and beat the goaltender for his first-ever pro goal in North America.
Last night at Raley Field, Kylington netted a similar goal through traffic to put the Heat up 2-1 in the third period.
Though it didn't end up as the game-winner, Kylington's goal was a huge boost to the Heat bench and sparked what was a thrilling finish from the "home" team.
Kylington's knack of making plays in key moments or situations has shined brightly over the course of the season. He'll undoubtedly be looking to repeat that success tonight in San Jose.
SHORE-LY A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Before last night at Raley Field, Drew Shore had never played a professional game outdoors.
Seeing that he was one of the many first timers on the ice last night, Shore's game-winning goal in the third period is something he'll never forget.
Visibly thrilled in the locker room, Shore spoke of the opportunity to play in that game as a "great experience" and something he was glad he got to be a part of.
As a kid growing up in Denver, Colorado, playing in the elements might not have always been a daily occurrence - there are a lot of rinks around the state of Colorado; however, Shore got his chance last night and made the most of it.
It's moments like last night's media scrum with Shore that make outdoor games so special. He was one of the happier guys following the game and we're betting that he kept that puck.
ON THE LINE
Tonight's game in San Jose is the final game before the Christmas break that sees the Stockton Heat get some rest before returning to the ice December 26th in Bakersfield.
After the bit of a roller coaster ride that the outdoor experience was, critics may think there could be a let down leading into tonight's game.
But remember, the last time these two teams saw each other at the SAP Center it didn't go Stockton's way, meaning that they'll be out to prove themselves in the Bay Area tonight.
There also is a lot on the line for tonight's game, as the Heat look to reach .500 ahead of their break.
Coach Huska has been adamant that that is one of the main goals at the moment and it would certainly be nice to see a big positive leading into the holiday season.
INTERESTING FACT
The Heat have had a player score two goals in a single game on nine separate occasions.
The last player to do so was Derek Grant, who just so happens to lead the team in those games with four on his books, last Wednesday night when the Heat dropped a 3-2 decision to Bakersfield at Stockton Arena.
In the Heat's last appearance at the SAP Center, Kenny Agostino scored two goals for the first time this season.
Perhaps we'll see Grant, Agostino or another member of the Heat put up two tonight.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Arena: SAP Center
Date: December 20, 2015
Time: 3:00 p.m. PST
Broadcast: AHL Live, Spreaker & iHeartRadio beginning at 2:45 p.m. PST
Leading Scorer: STOCKTON: Two tied with 14 points (Freddie Hamilton and Kenny Agostino)
SAN JOSE: F Ryan Carpenter (21GP, 2-17-19)
For the live, in-game tweets, follow @AHLHeatPR. Stay tuned at the end of the game for the Chase Chevrolet Big Moment of the Game with your chance to win an autographed Oliver Kylington puck.
American Hockey League Stories from December 20, 2015
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- SJ Barracuda Prevail 5-4 in Exciting Comeback Win - San Jose Barracuda
- Ford Scores Team-Leading 11th Goal as Condors Get a Point in Ontario - Bakersfield Condors
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- Checkers Head into Holidays with 4-3 OT Win - Charlotte Checkers
- Monsters Earn Point in 4-3 OT Loss to Checkers - Cleveland Monsters
- Heat Head Indoors to the SAP Center for Final Game Prior to Holiday Break - Stockton Heat
- Rampage Reassign D Gabriel Beaupre to Komets - San Antonio Rampage
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- Admirals Get by Moose in Wild Affair - Milwaukee Admirals
- Gulls Work Late for Third Straight Win - San Diego Gulls
- Reign Fall 3-2 in First Shootout of the Season on Smart Solar Power Teddy Bear Toss Night - Ontario Reign
- Grant, Kylington and Shore Lead Heat to 3-2 Win Outdoors at Raley Field - Stockton Heat
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