UPDATED 28/11/13 – The Abbotsford Heat host the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) for their first regular season visit to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC) this weekend.
Heat Goalie Joni Ortio Clint Trahan Photo
Vancouver Canucks legend “Captain” Kirk McLean will be available for autographs and photos at 6pm on Friday November 29th. On Saturday November 30th, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to win $5000 in The Honda Way Shootout, courtesy of The Honda Way Abbotsford.
Kirk McLean is a Vancouver sports legend and played a key role in the Vancouver Canucks’ run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals. McLean played eleven seasons with the Canucks (1987-1998), playing the most games (516) as a goalie in a Canucks uniform and earning the second most wins (211) in Canucks history. McLean was also named a finalist for two Vezina trophies (1989, 1992), named to two NHL All-Star Games (1990, 1992) and was a second team NHL All-Star (1992). McLean was inducted into the Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour in November 2010.
Friday, November 29th– 7:00 PST- Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
Saturday, November 30th– 7:00 PST- Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
Radio: CIVL RADIO 101.7FM
Streaming: TEAMRADIO.CA
*Pre-Game Show begins 15 minutes prior puck-drop
Weekend Preview From The Heat
The Abbotsford Heat remain the top team in the American Hockey League. After taking 12 out of a possible 14 points on a season long seven game road trip, the Heat will begin a six game home stand starting this weekend against the Utica Comets. After having their franchise high nine game regular season winning streak come to an end on November 16th, the Heat have started a new streak as they enter this weekend winners of their last four games. Below are a few of the numbers that stand out from the Heat’s seven game road trip:
4 Consecutive wins
27-17 Heat outscored opponents
10/25 Conversion ratio on the power play
2 Players recorded back to back hat-tricks (Blair Jones & Ben Street)
4 Wins for Joni Ortio (9-0 record on the season)
4 Game winning goals scored by Ben Street (leads the team with 11 goals)
7 Goals scored on November 13th @ Texas (season high)
11 Assists recorded by Chad Billins
6 Game point streak for Markus Granlund
2 Times the Heat erased a two goal deficit to win (Nov. 15th @ OKC & Nov.19th @ Milwaukee)
11 Road wins overall on the season. Lead the AHL in that category.
COMETS @ HEAT
Friday night will mark the first ever regular season visit from the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks). The Heat lead the season series 2-0 after picking up back to back wins on October 30th and November 1st at the Utica Auditorium. Both games were close with the Heat winning by scores of 5-4 (OT) and 4-3. At the time, the Comets were still looking for their first win in franchise history, but since have won four out of their last seven games.
This is the inaugural season for the Utica Comets, who got out of the gates very slow as it was not until the 11th game where they recorded their first win. They are led offensively by Pascal Pelletier who has 14 points (3-11-14) in 13 games played. On the roster are a few of the Canucks top prospects in the organization that will garner interest. Defenseman Frank Corrado, forward Nicklas Jensen, and goaltender Joacim Eriksson will all be in the line-up this weekend and are in their first season in the AHL.
2013-14 Heat head to head stats vs. Utica Comets:
10/30/13- ABB 5 UTI 4 OT @ Utica Memorial Auditorium
11/01/13- ABB 4 UTI 3 @ Utica Memorial Auditorium
Individual leaders in season series:
ABB: Knight: 4 points (1-3-4), Granlund: 2 points (2-0-2), Reinhart: 3 points (2-1-3), Ortio (44/48 saves, 2 wins)
UTI: Ferriero: 3 points (2-1-3), Hamill: 3 points (1-2-3), Corrado: 2 points (1-1-2)
Fans are encouraged to purchase the Comets package, including two tickets to each Friday or each Saturday game against the Comets this season. The Comets package starts at $81, call 1-877-452-HEAT (4238) to purchase yours today.