From the Heat. The Abbotsford Heat fell to the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) 4-3 in overtime on Saturday night at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). The Heat are now 26-15-2-1 on the season and currently sit second in the West Division.
Photo by: Clint Trahan/Abbotsford Heat
Max Reinhart and Markus Granlund each had a goal and assist on the night. Recent ECHL call up Evan Trupp also earned his first AHL assist for Abbotsford.
Utica opened up the scoring at 2:05 in the first period with a goal from Brandon DeFazio. The Heat responded with a goal from Granlund at 7:42. Granlund’s goal was assisted by Reinhart and Trupp. The first period ended with the Comets outshooting the Heat 13-8.
At 7:51 in the second period, Alexandre Grenier scored to give the Comets a 2-1 lead. However, Reinhart came back to score a shorthanded goal and tie up the game 2-2 at 10:52, assisted by Granlund.
Brett Olson gave the Heat their first lead at 7:18 of the third period, but Grenier quickly tied the game at 3-3 with a goal at 11:13 after Joey MacDonald mishandled the puck.
After Chris Breen broke his stick in the Comets’ zone, Utica’s Benn Ferriero scored his second consecutive OT winner at 1:10.
Abbotsford was one for four on the power play while killing off all six of the Comets man advantages.
Joey MacDonald made 35 saves on 39 shots, while Joacim Eriksson stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced.
Next weekend the Heat will host the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadians) on Friday, January 31st and Saturday, February 1st. Friday will feature the next Legends of Hockey night with Frank Mahovlich, who will be available for autographs on the concourse of the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC) on a first come, first served basis. Friday will also be the second $3 $2 $1 Brew Dog ‘N Pop Night of the season. On Saturday night the Heat will be giving away free zamboni coin banks to the first 1,500 fans, courtesy of Vedder Transportation. For tickets please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.