From the Heat. The Abbotsford Heat lost to the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) 1-0 in overtime on Friday night at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). The Heat are now 26-14-2-1 on the season and currently sit second in the West Division.
Photo by Clint Trahan/Abbotsford Heat. Jordan Kremyr of the Abbotsford Heat at Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre on January 24, 2014 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Markus Granlund and Max Reinhart continued their strong play, creating a number of excellent scoring chances but were unable to beat Joacim Eriksson. Joni Ortio was also solid in net for the Heat, turning aside 28 of 29 shots.
The teams competed hard in the first period but couldn’t beat either goalie despite a number of good chances. Abbotsford outshot Utica 13-7 through 20 minutes.
The second period was again scoreless for both teams, with the Heat outshooting the Comets 24 to 16 through two periods. Max Reinhart was stopped on a shorthanded breakaway for the Heat’s best opportunity of the period.
Despite a combined 11 power plays, regulation time ended in a scoreless tie.
Utica’s Benn Ferriero scored the game winner at 2:22 of overtime, assisted by Alex Biega.
Abbotsford was zero for five on the power play while killing off all six of the Comets man advantages.
Joni Ortio made 28 saves on 29 shots, while Joacim Eriksson stopped all 36 shots he faced.
Tomorrow night the Heat will host the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) again at 7:00 PM PST. For tickets please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.