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Jaffray Delivers the Goods

January 7, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Jason Jaffray sees the ice well. Through his first 30+ games this year as a valuable member of the Abbotsford HEAT, the forward has been relied upon for almost every situation and has delivered in full. His vision off the ice led his path here to the Fraser Valley. Jason Jaffray needed a change of scenery.

"I would have kicked myself after my career was over if I hadn't given myself a shot to become a regular NHL player," stated Jaffray in a recent interview. "After five seasons with the Vancouver Canucks organization, I started to feel as though I had "˜career AHL player' written on me. Vancouver is a great organization, but other organizations were out there that would give me a greater opportunity to get myself to the National Hockey League. I had to explore those options."Jaffray's exploration led him right to the Calgary Flames, and subsequently to the Abbotsford HEAT. After a strong Flames training camp, Jaffray was the last player sent to the Flames affiliate here in the Fraser Valley...and he was sent with a message. Work hard, lead by example and be ready.

"We discussed very early with Jason on how to make it to the NHL," says HEAT Head Coach Jim Playfair. "When Jason identified that not only did he have to work hard in the offensive zone, but all over the ice, that is when you saw a change in Jason. He changed from a good player to a player who can change what is happening out there."

Change the game indeed. In his first game back against his old mates in Manitoba, Jaffray delivered a shorthanded breakaway goal that sealed the deal in a 4-2 HEAT win, their first win as a franchise, home or away. Since then, the pride of Olds, Alberta, has set the standard for performance with the HEAT. Jaffray led the HEAT in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, shorthanded goals and power play goals up until he was recalled by the Calgary Flames on January 4th. In addition, Jaffray was named as HEAT player of the month for November and was named to the AHL All Star Team, representing TEAM CANADA in the AHL Classic to be held on January 19th in Portland, Maine. Should Jaffray be assigned back to Abbotsford, he will attend that game. In the meantime, Jaffray will attempt to deliver the goods and make good with the Calgary Flames.

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