Submitted. The Abbotsford Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers) 2-1 in a shootout on Saturday night at the Cox Convention Centre.
Reto Berra shone for the Heat, earning first star honours and making 29 of 30 saves. Paul Byron continued his excellent early season form, tying the game late in the third period.
The first period did not feature any scoring, but there were six penalties handed out by the referees. The Heat were unable to connect on three power play opportunities, while the Barons failed to score on two. The first period also featured a fight between Zach McKelvie and Travis Ewanyk.
The Heat got into penalty trouble in the second period and took four minor penalties, but Abbotsford successfully killed off all four Barons power plays. However, with one second remaining in the period, Joel Broda scored to give the Barons a 1-0 lead.
Paul Byron tied the game with 38 seconds to go in regulation with the Heat goaltender pulled, sending the game to overtime. Byron’s goal was assisted by Markus Granlund and Chris Breen. After 60 minutes, Oklahoma City outshot Abbotsford 26-25.
Neither team was able to score in overtime. In the shootout, Chad Billins and Markus Granlund scored for the Heat, while Reto Berra stopped four out of five Barons shooters.
Abbotsford was scoreless on six power play opportunities, and killed off all six Oklahoma City power plays.
Reto Berra stopped 29 of 30 shots he faced, while Richard Bachman made 28 saves on 29 shots for the Barons.
The Heat will play the Texas Stars (AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars) tomorrow, October 20th, at 3pm PDT. The next Heat home games are Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th against the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche). Friday, October 25th is Heat magnetic schedule giveaway night, with the first 2,500 fans getting a free Abbotsford Heat magnetic schedule. Lake Erie also features three players from the Greater Vancouver area: Stefan Elliott (North Vancouver), David van der Gulik (Abbotsford), and Mark Oliver (Burnaby). To purchase tickets call 1-877-452-HEAT.