The Heat managed a 2-1 win Saturday night keeping them in fifth place fifth spot in the Western Conference – two points behind the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies.
Starting tender Barry Brust currently leads the AHL with a GAA of 1:54, ranking him second in SV% at0.944, in addition to having three shutouts.
Brust calls Kelowna home and will be making his second all-star appearance representing the Canadian AHL All-Stars in 2009. Heat goal-scorer Krys Kolanos (31) played in his 300th AHL game and has recorded 143 goals, 137 assists over eight seasons.
In the Sunday’s game he managed to add to his production by getting his 11th goal through 28 games this season.
The Admirals are coached by Dean Evanson who spent two seasons 2002-04 with the Vancouver Giants, prior to Don Hay getting hired.
I continue to strive for a local connection to any team we cover, regardless of the sport. This game was no exception!
Milwaukee has a young player on the roster from Delta, Cam Reid who spent time in the BCHL as well as the WHL, following his stint in the minor hockey organizations.
He played in the BCHL for the Westside Warriors from 07-10 then moved on to St. Cloud, then moved to the Portland Winter Hawks.
He was drafted by Nashville in the 7th round, 192nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
His career has taken him to play in the ECHL in 2012-13, then on to Peoria Rivermen, and then move to the Admirals where he has played 20 games managing 5 assists to date.
Following this game the Heat hit the road for a pair of road games against Charlotte with the next home game slatted for February 5th and 6th.
The Tuesday game on the 5th is a 10:30 AM start time which is a draw for the annual school day game.
In addition to losing some players to the parent NHL team, they reassigned Heat announced today that forwards David Eddy, Adam Estoclet and Mitch Wahl have been reassigned to the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League.
The team continues to excel in all areas of the game and they have set their sights on play-off’s and beyond. One concern they have been forced to deal with (as have other clubs) is the recent dealings of the now signed CBA in the NHL.
Players have moved from minor pro to the parent NHL Club, which has no doubt has a domino effect for all clubs. The Heat are dealing with this as best as can be expected.
In recent conversation with Head Coach Troy Ward he told me “It’s all about development, so for us it’s business as usual, but it goes beyond that. His goal is to product professional qualified skilled hockey players.
They have to have a passion to learn and advance all areas of the skills that are required to play at the Pro level of the game.
It’s great to chat with Troy, as he is a gifted and talented Coach with a passion to develop players.
Thanks to the Heat for the photo.
