The Abbotsford Heat lost 3-2 to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche) on Saturday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
The game was an intense affair for the entire 60 minutes, with a total of four fights and 74 penalty minutes combined. It was the first loss for the Heat this season.
The Heat got out to a fast start with Corban Knight’s first American Hockey League goal 31 seconds into the game, assisted by Blair Jones and Ben Hanowski. The Heat lead did not last long, as Stefan Elliott scored for the Monsters on the power play at the 6:29 mark. Minutes later Lake Erie were given a two-man advantage and Brad Malone scored to give the Monsters a 2-1 lead. The period featured two fights and 30 penalty minutes combined.
After two more fights in the second period, Max Reinhart scored the lone goal of the period by capitalizing on a great passing play with his line mates Paul Byron and Roman Horak. Reto Berra turned away all 12 shots he faced in the period, and the game was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes.
Stefan Elliott scored the game’s lone goal in the third period at the 10:08 mark, giving the Monsters a 3-2 lead.
The Heat ended the night zero for eight on the power play and five for seven on the penalty kill.
Heat Goaltender Reto Berra stopped 30 of 33 shots for his first loss of the season. Calvin Pickard faced 31 shots and turned away 29 of them for the Monsters.
The Heat home opener weekend is October 11th and 12th against the Milwaukee Admirals with both games starting at 7:00PM. October 11th will feature an autograph session with NHL legend Guy Lafleur and is presented by Rossdown Farms & Natural Foods. If you purchase a group of 10 or more tickets before October 7th, you will be entered to win a Thanksgiving turkey dinner for 10 people during the October 11th Heat game. To purchase tickets call 1-877-452-HEAT or visit www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.