Monsters Edge Heat 3-2

January 16, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Ryan Stoa scored one goal and added two assists to lead the Lake Erie Monsters to a 3-2 American Hockey League win over the Abbotsford Heat at the Abbotsford Sports and Entertainment Centre Friday.

The Heat came out at a feverish pace with Gord Baldwin throwing a thunderous hit four minutes into the game to set the tone. However, it was Lake Erie that would draw first blood on the power play when Ryan Stoa made a tape to tape pass from behind the net and Brian Willsie released a quick wrist shot that beat Heat net minder Leland Irving. The Monsters went to the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.

To start the second period Leland Irving made two spectacular stops on back-to-back shorthanded breakaway chances by Lake Erie forwards Marty Sertich and Brock Bradford to keep the Heat within one. The save of the year on Bradford as Irving was able to get a glove on the Burnaby product Bradford's attempt on goal.

Abbotsford drew even when Keith Aulie drove the net and blasted a shot wide. Colin Stuart collected the puck from behind the net and made a nice move through his legs to shovel the puck on net. Riley Armstrong finished the play by pouncing on the loose puck for his ninth goal of the year.

Then controversy would kick in as the Lake Erie Monsters would regain the lead. TJ Hensick hammered a shot that appeared to beat Leland Irving short side. The goal counted to make the score 2-1 Monsters. Upon video review, the puck actually entered the goal from the outside of the post and thru the mesh. However, there is no replay in the AHL and the goal would stand.

Later in the second frame on the HEAT power play, Staffan Kronwall let a hard rising blast go from the blue line that squared the match at two heading to the final frame.

Ryan Stoa had his third point of the night when he scored on the power play at the 10:06 mark of the third period to give the Monsters the lead for good.

The Heat had several chances in the final minutes, but Lake Erie goaltender Tyler Weiman closed the door. The two teams will square off again Saturday at 4:00 pm at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center.



American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 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.

OurSports Central