The Abbotsford Heat beat the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks), 2-1 in overtime on Friday night at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
The Heat remain in second place in the West Division with a 36-24-5-2 record and 79 points.
It was a spectacular goaltending performance from Joni Ortio and Joacim Eriksson, who combined to stop 71 of 74 shots. Ben Street led the way offensively with two points (1-1-2) and was the hero, scoring his second overtime winning goal of the season.
The Comets opened the scoring at the 8:14 mark of the first period, on a shorthanded goal from Alex Friesen. Joni Ortio made 16 saves in the first period, while Joacim Eriksson stopped all nine shots he faced.
In the dying seconds of the second period, Sven Baertschi scored his 10th goal of the season at 19:59, assisted by Ben Street and Derek Smith, which tied up the game at 1-1.
Both teams had plenty of opportunities in the third period, but neither could beat the goaltenders, and overtime was necessary.
In the extra session, Ben Street scored his team leading 25th goal of the season at the 2:19 mark, assisted by Max Reinhart and Chad Billins.
The Heat went zero for two on the power play and killed off both Comets man advantages.
Joni Ortio was named the first star of the game, stopping 43 of the 44 shots he faced and picked up the win, while Joacim Eriksson was charged the loss turning aside 28 of 30 shots.
Other News:
Calgary Flames announced today that they have assigned defenceman Brett Kulak to the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League.
Calgary Flames announced today that they have recalled defenseman Chad Billins from the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League.
Billins appeared in his first two career NHL games for the Flames during a recall in November recording two assists.
He is in his first season with the Heat and currently leads the team among defensemen with 40 points netting 10 goals and 30 assists in 62 games and was named to the 2014 AHL All-Star Game.
For tickets, please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.
Let’s not forget the involvement that the Heat have in the area and are constantly promoting Amateur sports in the area for the youth. Great job!!!
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