Submitted. The Abbotsford Heat defeated the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate to Toronto Maple Leafs) 4-3 on Saturday, November 9th at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). The Heat remain in first place in the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Western Conference.
The Heat improved their winning streak to six games, with all six victories coming by a one goal margin. First star Michael Ferland scored two goals, including his first professional goal, in addition to a second period fight with Sam Carrick. Ben Street put up another solid showing with two assists and second star honours.
Photo by Clint Trahan, Abbotsford Heat
The Marlies opened the scoring on the first shot of the game at 2:44 by Josh Leivo, assisted by Trevor Smith and Spencer Abbott. The Heat answered back with three goals in 1:57 near the end of the first period. The first goal by Markus Granlund, assisted by Chad Billins and Greg Nemisz came at 17:31. Paul Byron scored next, assisted by Ben Street and Markus Grandlund at 18:39. Michael Ferland put the Heat up 3-1 at 19:28, assisted by Blair Jones and Ben Street.
The Marlies cut the Heat lead to one with a goal by Petter Granberg at 0:35 of the second period, assisted by Spencer Abbott. The Marlies then tied the game 3-3 on a goal by Stefan Legein at 18:31, assisted by Trevor Smith and Josh Leivo.
Michael Ferland scored the game winning goal with less than five minutes remaining in regulation time, giving the Heat their sixth consecutive win.
Joni Ortio was credited for the win, stopping 19 of 22 shots. Ortio has now won all five of his starts with Abbotsford. Drew MacIntyre made 30 saves on 34 shots for the Marlies.
Abbotsford was two for four on the man advantage, and killed off all three Toronto power plays.
The Abbotsford Heat will host the Marlies again tomorrow afternoon, November 10th, at Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre at 4PM. The first Family Day of the season will feature a family skate after the game on the ice at the AESC. The Heat will then start a seven game road trip next week, before returning home to face the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks) on Friday, November 29th and Saturday November 30th. The Heat offer London Drugs Family Packs starting at $83, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, soft drinks, and popcorn. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.