Credit: Clint Trahan / Abbotsford Heat
1. BLANKED AND SWEPT: This loss stung as the Heat held the Wolves to just six shots in the final 40 minutes and doubled the vistors on the shot clock. Somehow the game’s first goal stood as the winner. Matt Climie was strong, but the Heat, again, saw a few golden opportunities squandered on the night, while the line of Sterling, Haydar, and Gordon – who scored the lone goal – were solid again. They combined for all four goals for the Wolves this weekend.
2. NIFTY NEWCOMERS: Drew MacKenzie played his first AHL game, Mike Matczak made his Heat debut, and Ryan Howse, Adam Estoclet, and Mitch Wahl all played their first game in Heat silks in some time. All five players contributed and asserted themselves well in the game given the roles they were thrust into. Wahl slotted in on the top line with Kolanos and Walter and played a more physical game than fans were used to seeing two years ago. Estoclet and Howse created opportunities flanking Brett Olson on the fourth line, while both Matczak and MacKenzie were used on the power play.
3. SEVENTH HEAVEN: The Heat knew bodies would be heading to Calgary today in preparation for the Flames training camp, but today it was learned that C – Ben Street, C – Paul Byron, F – Roman Horak, D – Steve McCarthy, D – T.J. Brodie, D – Chris Breen & G – Leland Irving left for Cow Town, where the join Sven Baertschi. The seven were missed on this night, but they’ve earned their shot to make the NHL squad. Best of luck to the aforementioned group of men.
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