Submitted.The Abbotsford Heat defeated the San Antonio Rampage (AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers) 4-2 on Teddy Bear Toss night, presented by Sunrise Toyota, at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). The Heat are now 18-6-1-1 on the season and sit first in the American Hockey League (AHL) with 38 points.
Photo by Clint Trahan / Abbotsford Heat
Markus Granlund led the way for Abbotsford with three points (1+2), extending his point streak to eight games. Ben Street maintained his November form after being named CCM AHL Player of the Month, as he and Ben Hanowski each added a goal and an assist. Joni Ortio also continued his strong play and is now 10-1 on the season.
The Heat dominated play for much of the first period, but both Joni Ortio and Jakub Markstrom stopped every shot they faced. The Heat outshot the Rampage 12 to 5 in the period, and both teams each had one power play opportunity.
Hanowski sent the teddy bears flying by opening the scoring at 14:08 of the second period. Hanowski’s power play goal was assisted by Michael Ferland and Mark Cundari. The period featured a steady parade to the penalty box, with 11 minor penalties assessed between the teams.
Street stretched the Heat lead to 2-0 at 1:02 of the third period on another Heat power play, assisted by Granlund and Chad Billins. However, San Antonio tied the game with goals at 2:23 and 11:41 by Bobby Butler and Vincent Trocheck. Just 38 seconds after the Rampage tied the game, Max Reinhart scored a power play goal from Street and Granlund to retake a 3-2 lead. Granlund provided an empty net insurance goal at 19:03, assisted by Hanowski, giving the Heat a 4-2 win.
Abbotsford was three for eight with the man advantage, and killed off all five San Antonio power plays.
Joni Ortio made 29 saves on 31 shots, while Jakub Markstrom stopped 34 of 37 shots.
The Heat will host the San Antonio Rampage (AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers) for the second of the series tomorrow. The Heat will then host the Iowa Wild (AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) on Wednesday December 11th and Thursday December 12th. Please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or go to abbotsfordheat.com for more information.