Stars streak to 6-1 win over Heat

Published on January 29, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


CEDAR PARK TX: The Texas Stars scored twice in each period to hand the Abbotsford Heat a 6-1 loss in the Lone Star state.

The Stars were paced in the game by two goals by Garrett Stafford, as well as singles by Travis Morin, Aaron Gagnon, Francois Wathier and Sergei Korostin. Abbotsford was able to notch just one goal on the evening, as Jason Jaffray once again provided the offence.

David Shantz made his first start in goal since being recalled from Victoria of the ECHL earlier in the week. Shantz allowed 6 goals on 26 shots. Texas goaltender Matt Climie picked up his first win in three tries versus the Heat this season, as he was sharp in turning aside 36 of 37 Heat shots.

Travis Morin opened the scoring in the game midway thru the opening period. Morin was able to take in a perfect feed from Wathier and go in on a breakaway on Shantz. Morin's low shot over the pad and under the blocker opened the scoring for the Stars at 9:16.

Jason Jaffray was able to answer right back for the HEAT. After stealing a clearing attempt out of the Stars zone, the Heat forward beat Matt Climie with his original shot, only to have the shot squirt thru the pads of Climie and trickle wide. Jaffray never quit on the play, followed the puck behind the goalie and jammed the puck in the open side to tie the game at one. Jaffray's 17th had the teams tied at 12:35.

The tie was to last only 90 seconds though, as Garrett Stafford was able to walk in from the blue line and hammer a shot towards Shantz that beat the goaltender thru a deflection and a screen. Stafford's first of the game gave the Stars a 2-1 lead after one period despite being outshot 14-9.

In the second period, the Stars applied pressure to the Heat, which turned into two early second period goals. Stafford was able to bank a shot in from the right side boards off a Heat defender, off Shantz, off the post and in to give the Stars a two goal cushion at 1:39. At 4:04, Aaron Gagnon scored the Stars first power play goal of the evening, batting a rebound out of mid air and past a screened Shantz. Gagnon's 10th of the season gave the home town squad a 4-1 lead heading to the final frame.

In the final stanza, the Stars added two more as Francois Wathier and Sergei Korostin eached scored on deflected point shots past Shantz. Of the six goals that went past the Heat keeper on Friday night, four were deflected, one was batted out of mid air and one was on a breakaway.

These same two teams will meet on Saturday afternoon here in Austin, as the Heat will look to win for their first time in four games. You can catch all the action on Country 107.1 FM, with the HONDA WAY pregame show at 4:45 p.m. Dave Sheldon will call all of the action at 5 pm, from the Cedar Park Center.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from January 29, 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