The Abbotsford Heat lost 5-1 to the Houston Aeros (AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) to split a weekend series at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre (AESC) on Saturday night.
Rookie Johan Larsson recorded two goals and two assists and the Aeros scored three power play goals to hand Abbotsford their tenth regulation loss in 32 games at the AESC. Roman Horak drew his third assist of the weekend on the Heat’s only goal.
Houston’s Johan Larsson scored his first of two goals on the power play just 2:37 into play. The visitors led 1-0 after 20 minutes.
Larsson added his second goal 23 seconds into the second period to give Houston a 2-0 lead, but Greg Nemisz brought the Heat back within a goal at the 9:18 mark. Nemisz’s second of the season was set up by passes from Krys Kolanos and Roman Horak.
The Aeros added an even strength goal at 14:13 of the third period to lead 3-1 after 40 minutes, and two power play goals to hand the Heat a loss in their final game of the four game homestand.
Barry Brust made 20 saves on 25 shots in his 26th start of the season. The Aeros outshot the Heat 26-25.
The Heat power play finished without a goal on two opportunities, while the penalty kill negated three of six Aeros man-advantages.
The Heat will kick off their upcoming 13-day road trip in Hamilton on Tuesday night with a 4:30 PM PST puck-drop. From there they’ll travel to Rochester, Toronto, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio before returning to the AESC on March 22nd and 23rd to take on the Rockford IceHogs (AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks).
For tickets and more information on the Heat, please call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
Photo Credit: Wesley Emms