Heat Hot Sheet

Published on February 21, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


The Abbotsford Heat closed out a busy week on their nine game road trip, playing four games in the past seven days and posting a 3-1 record in that span.Mikael Backlund scored twice in his return to the HEAT while Olivier Latendresse also added a pair as the Abbotsford HEAT hammered the Toronto Marlies 5-1 in AHL action on Monday afternoon in Toronto. Cam Cunning scored in his fourth consecutive game to open the game for the Heat and David Shantz turned aside 22 shots to pick up the win.The Heat then played their first of two games versus the Providence Bruins on Friday night. The Providence Bruins would score three unanswered goals in the third period to double up the Heat 4-2. Brad Cole and Jason Jaffray would score for Abbotsford, but the Heat would drop their first game of the season in regulation after holding a two period lead.On Saturday, Matt Keetley made 23 saves and Keith Seabrook scored with just 1:38 remaining as the Abbotsford Heat shutout the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 1-0. For Keetley, it was his first start since a 4-1 loss to Texas back on January 30th. The Heat would move to 4-1 on the road trip and head back to Providence for a rematch with the Bruins on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday, Shawn Weller bagged a pair of goals in the 5-1 win for Abbotsford over Providence, while Mikael Backlund, Riley Armstrong and Brett Sutter added singled in the win. Brett Sutter finished the game with one goal and two assists on the night. David Shantz returned to the nets for the HEAT and made 41 saves for the win.

The Heat is now an impressive 5-1 on their nine game road trip, with three games left to play on the trip. The Heat will face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a rematch on Wednesday night in Connecticut, then move on to face the San Jose Sharks affiliate, the Worchester Sharks, on Friday and Saturday evening in Central Massachusetts.

Abbotsford's good fortune on the road has translated into a dogfight in the North Division. The Heat is now alone in 3rd place, two points back of the Rochester Americans for second in the North, while Manitoba is now two points back in fourth place. Lake Erie continues to remain in the hunt, just four points back of the Moose and six points back of the HEAT.

Jason Jaffray continues to lead the Heat in goals, assists and points with 19 goals, 24 assists and 43 points, while also posting a team high plus minus rating of +16. David Shantz has played well in the month of February, posting 5-3-1 record with a 2.39 GAA and a.918 save percentage.

The Heat will finish off their nine game road trip before heading home for 10 home games in the month of March. The Heat will face affiliate teams from the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks. Boston brings in first round draft pick Zach Hamill with the Providence Bruins. Hamill, from Port Coquitlam BC, led the Bruins to a 4-2 win over the HEAT this past Friday. The Heat will then face the Worcester Sharks, San Jose's affiliate. Former Vancouver Giants goaltender and CHL shutout champion Tyson Sexsmith joins the Sharks for his first season of pro hockey. When the Lake Erie Monsters come to town, they will bring in local boys Brock Bradford (Burnaby BC), Josh Aspenlind (Langley BC) and Travis Gawryletz (Trail BC). The Hamilton Bulldogs return with their North Division leading team in mid March and see North Vancouver's Ben Maxwell return to the Lower Mainland. To wrap up the month, the Heat will once again see a sold out building as the Vancouver Canucks affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, make their way to the AESC.

The HEAT will begin their week with a game in Bridgeport versus the Sound Tigers. You can catch all the action of Abbotsford Heat hockey on Country 107.1 FM. Dave Sheldon will have the call of every game, home and away. The HEAT will take on the Tigers this Wednesday night, beginning with the HONDA WAY pre game show at 3:45 pm. The drop of the puck from The Arena at Harbor Yard will start at 4 pm.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2010


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