GRIFFINS OUTLAST HEAT

The Abbotsford Heat fell to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings) 2-1 in the double overtime on Friday night at Abbotsford Centre. The Heat trail the best of 5 series 1-0.

The longest game in Abbotsford Heat franchise history did not go in the home teams favour, in what was a goaltenders battle the entire game. Petr Mrazek and Joni Ortio were the story as they faced a combined 97 shots on the evening.

The Heat opened the scoring on a goal by Brett Olson, assisted by Sven Baertschi and Corban Knight at 11:44 of the first period.

The score remained 1-0 in favor of the Heat as the teams skated to a scoreless second period. The Heat outshot the Griffins 15-4 in the period.

In the later stages of the third period, the Griffins tied it up at 1-1 with a goal by Mattias Backman at 12:37, sending the game into overtime.

The first overtime period solved nothing as both teams went back and forth trading chances. The Heat outshot the Griffins 13 to 5 in the extra frame.

The game was finally solved late in the 2^nd overtime, when Griffins defenceman Ryan Sproul found the back of the net at 19:26.

The Heat were scoreless on six power play attempts in the game and managed to kill off all four Griffins man advantage, which was positive for the game plan.

Goaltender Joni Ortio, made 39 saves on 41 shots and settled for the loss, while Griffins tender Petr Mrazek stopped 55 of the 56 shots he faced and was named the first star of the game.

The Heat continue their first round series against the Grand Rapids Griffins, with game two on Saturday, April 26^th at Abbotsford Centre.

For tickets, please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.