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February 24, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


KEEP 'EM COMING: Report from the Road

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. The Heat are now an impressive 5-1 on their nine game road trip, with three games left to play on the trip. Abbotsford's good fortune on the road has translated into a dogfight for playoff spots in the North Division. The Heat are now alone in 3rd place, two points back of the Rochester Americans for second in the North, while Manitoba is two points back in fourth place. Lake Erie remains 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 most point totals with 19 goals, 24 assists totalling 43 points, while also posting a team high plus minus rating of +16. David Shantz is playing well in the month of February, posting 5-3-1 record with a 2.39 GAA and a .918 save percentage.

The Toronto Marlies played host to the Abbotsford Heat and got hammered in a 5-1 decision in AHL action on Monday (Feb 15) afternoon. Mikael Backlund scored twice in his return to the Heat while Olivier Latendresse also added a pair of goals. Cam Cunning scored in his fourth consecutive game to open the scoring 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 (Feb 19) night. The Providence Bruins scored three unanswered goals in the third period to double up the Heat 4-2. Brad Cole and Jason Jaffray scored for Abbotsford, but the Heat dropped their first game of the season in regulation after holding a lead through two periods.

On Saturday (Feb 20), 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 on January 30th. The Heat moved to 4-1 on the road trip and boarded the bus back to Providence for a rematch with the Bruins on Sunday (Feb 21) afternoon.

On Sunday (Feb 21), 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 to the tally. Brett Sutter finished the game with one goal and two assists on the night. David Shantz started in goal for the Heat and made 41 saves for the win.

The Heat will face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a rematch TONIGHT in Connecticut, then move on to face the San Jose Sharks affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, on Friday and Saturday (Feb 26 & 27) evening in Central Massachusetts.

The Heat finish off their nine game road trip in Worcester and then head home for a 10 game home stint in March. The Heat face match ups with the Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins) - Mar 2 & 3, Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks) - Mar 5 & 6, Lake Erie (Colorado Avalanche) - Mar 12 & 13, Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens) - Mar 26 & 27 and the Manitoba Moose (Vancouver Canucks) - March 29 & 30.

The Heat begin this week with a game in Bridgeport versus the Sound Tigers (NY Islanders) on February 24, puck drops at 4pm PST. You can catch all the action on Country 107.1 FM with Dave Sheldon calling every game, home and away.

Abbotsford Heat Team Store Open All Saturdays in March

Starting March 6th the Abbotsford Heat team store located at the AESC will be open on Saturdays from Noon to 2:30 p.m. Please enter through AESC main doors (University Way) to access the team store.

There great items in store including Reebok replica Heat Jerseys, branded hoodies and scarves. Heat Up Your Wardrobe in March with the Abbotsford Heat!

Next Home Games

vs.

Tuesday, Mar. 2 @ 7:30 p.m. & Wednesday, Mar. 3 @ 7:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Providence Bruins (NHL Affiliate Boston Bruins) roll into town with a couple of local hockey products Zach Hamill (Port Coquitlam), John Lammers (Langley), and Kirk MacDonald (Victoria).

These two teams have split the only two games played thus far this season. The Bruins scored three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Heat 4-2 on Feb 19.Port Coquitlam's Zach Hamill led the way in points for the Providence Bruins with three assists, while Langley native John Lammers opened the scoring for the Bruins. Jason Jaffray with his 19th goal of the season and Brad Cole with his first goal in 53 games scored the second and final goal for Abbotsford. On Feb 21, the Heat scored three unanswered goals in the third period as they ran away with a 5-2 win over Providence. Shawn Weller scored a pair of goals for the Heat, including the game winner, while Brett Sutter scored once and added two assists in the win. Mikael Backlund and Riley Armstrong also scored for the Heat , Armstrong's goal coming on a shot from centre ice that bounced awkwardly past Providence goalie Dany Sabourin.

Players to Watch: Zach Hamill is a first round draft pick of the Boston Bruins, taken 8th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. Hamill hails from Port Coquitlam, BC and has already established new career highs in goals, assists and points this season. Hamill spent the majority of the past five seasons with the WHL's Everett Silvertips and also took part in the 2008 Canada-Russia series.

John Lammers was a line mate of Hamill's in Everett. The Langley, BC native was a 3rd round selection for the Dallas Stars in the 2004 NHL Draft. Lammers had an outstanding final year of junior hockey in Everett, scoring 38 goals and 75 points on a line with Hamill. However, his AHL career has been a series of stops and starts with the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks organizations. Since his arrival in Providence, Lammers has been re-teamed with Hamill and has started to once again produce offensively.

Former Vancouver Canucks goalie Dany Sabourin is now the main man between the pipes with the Providence Bruins. Sabourin, now 29, was originally a draft pick of the Calgary Flames and was coached by Heat Head Coach Jim Playfair when the Flames affiliate team was located in Saint John, NB. Sabourin spent time in the NHL with the Flames, Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations, playing 57 NHL games over during the span of five seasons. Sabourin in now in his ninth season in the AHL and is enjoying his best season as a pro.

The Providence Bruins are in a playoff fight of their own currently locked in a three team race with Bridgeport and Hartford, with the teams being separated by just three points.

CHUCK A PUCK presented by Cadbury - March 3

Come to the game and purchase your Chuck A Pucks on the main concourse with net proceeds in support of KidSport! Pucks that land on the main target will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize. One lucky puck thrower each night will leave with a prize pack courtesy of Cadbury! Pucks are sold for $2 each, or 3 for $5.

Upcoming Home Games

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Friday, Mar. 5 @ 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, Mar. 6 @ 6:00 p.m.

Former Vancouver Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith returns to BC with the Worcester Sharks (NHL Affiliate San Jose Sharks) to take on the Heat.

The San Jose Sharks affiliate enters Abbotsford leading the Atlantic Division. Worcester is in a three team dogfight with Manchester and Portland for the top spot that division. Worcester's strength is in their balanced scoring and their rookie goaltending. Worcester has seven players who have scored at least 30 points so far this year and goaltender Alex Stalock racked up 35 wins so far in his first season of AHL hockey.

Tyson Sexsmith comes into his rookie season in the AHL as a player who now needs to wait his turn. For the past three seasons in the WHL, Sexsmith has arguably been the CHL's best goalie. Sexsmith led his team, the WHL's Vancouver Giants, to three straight 100 point seasons, three division titles and a Memorial Cup Championship. Sexsmith also became the all time CHL leader in career shutouts, with 26 career shutouts in just over 160 games played.

North Vancouver's Michael Wilson is the only BC born player on the Sharks. After signing a pro contract with the Sharks in 2008, Wilson is now in his second full season with the Sharks. The 6'1, 185 lbs defender has four goals on the season for the Sharks.

LADIES NIGHT MARCH 6TH

25% off all ladies merchandise including T-shirts, Hoodies and Athletic Wear at the Heat Store located on the concourse behind section 101.

Chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate to Pistachio ladies clothing boutique.

Community Corner: March 5

For more information contact: ashieh@abbotsfordheat.com

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Friday, Mar. 12 @ 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, Mar. 13 @ 4:00 p.m.

Division rival Lake Erie Monsters return to Abbotsford as the Heat battle it out for a coveted playoff spot. Brock Bradford (Burnaby), Josh Aspenlind (Langley), and Josh Gawryletz (Trail, BC) of the Monsters return for a visit home.

CHUCK A PUCK presented by Cadbury - March 12

Come to the game and purchase your Chuck A Pucks on the main concourse with net proceeds in support of KidSport! Pucks that land on the main target will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize. One lucky puck thrower each night will leave with a prize pack courtesy of Cadbury! Pucks are sold for $2 each, or 3 for $5.

Community Corner: March 12

For more information contact: tsilverthorn@abbotsfordheat.com

Community Corner: March 13

For more information contact: cgrant@abbotsfordheat.com

Hawkey's Hot Readers Visits Abbotsford Schools

The Abbotsford Heat will be making several visits this week as part of "Hawkey's Hot Readers" program presented by HSBC. All visits will be at 1pm and several classes will have a chance to meet the Hawkey, the Heat Mascot.

Tuesday February 23rd - Dave Kandal Elementary

Wednesday February 24th - Harry Sayers Elementary

Thursday February 25th - Sandy Hill Elementary

Friday February 26th - Ten Broeck Elementary

Hawkey will see each classroom for half an hour and a Heat representative will read a story then discuss the importance of reading. Hawkey's Hot Readers program presented by HSBC, teaches children in grades K-5 the importance of reading while sharing in the excitement and enjoyment of a good book.

If you would like Hawkey to visit your classroom or would like more information please contact sgarrett@abbotsfordheat.com



American Hockey League Stories from February 24, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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