One could call it a Flames vs. Canucks pre-season game, but in reality it the up-and-comers trying to impress the brass.
The Heat maintains a strong presence of playing strong hockey and the depth of talent on the team continues to astonish fans and brass alike.
The first of the double header saw the Heat go two for four on the PP and four for four on the PK. To date the Heat are 5 for 13 with the man advantage which is a league high of 38%.
The Wolves have managed only one of the 21 PP’s they have had this season, but have killed 14 of 19 penalties.
Testing the waters is nothing new for either coach and both have been in a position where the pressure mounts, especially for those trying to make it to the pros.
Several have had a taste at that level and it’s only due to numbers that they are not there – yet!
The Heat started Barry Brust from Swan Hills who stands 6’2” and has a solid frame of 221 lbs.
He was drafted in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft 73rd overall by the Minnesota Wild following his junior days in Spokane and Calgary in the WHL.
He was moved to LA and signed a three year contract June 9th/04. The game featured end to end action with spectacular saves as both tenders were tested from various areas of the ice and both facing extraordinary shots.
The Heat knew both games were a sell-out and Saturday 7,046 watched the Heat manage to grab three points in the two game series.
Head Coach Troy Ward was pleased with his teams performance and stated “they tightened up the “D” for Saturday’s game, which was a part to them playing so well. ”Baertschi and Walter each grabbed two points in the third period leading the Heat to a come from behind victory.
The Heat generated three wins and a shootout loss during the four-game home-stand.
The Wolves opened the scoring at 8:19 of the first period and outshot the Heat 11-8 through 20 minutes of play. Carter Bancks tied the game 1-1 at 14:50 of the second period on his first goal of the season. Adam Estoclet earned his first point on the play with an assist.
Bancks was named the third star of the game.
The Heat took their first lead of the night at 8:44 of the third period when Dustin Sylvester scored his second goal of the season on a goal-mouth scramble.
Ben Walter and Sven Baertschi each picked up assists. The Heat extended their lead to two at 12:44 of the third period when Sven Baertschi one-timed a loose puck into the Chicago net.
Ben Walter and T.J. Brodie drew assists on the play. Baertschi has three goals and three assists in the first four games of his AHL career and was named first star for the second time this season.
Horak scored the Heat’s final goal of the night on the PP with Laing and McCarthy grabbing assists on the play.
Horak has scored in all four games this season adding to his productivity numbers.
The Heat were one for three on the PP and now sit six for sixteen in the 2012-13 season. Abby’s PK is flawless and not (yet) allow a goal against on thirteen opportunities. Barry Brust stopped 25 of 26 shots in his first start of the season.
The Heat head out for the first road trip of the season taking on Lake Erie Monsters and Hamilton Bulldogs on the coming weekend. They return home and host the Toronto Marlies November 1st and 2nd and speculation is another sell-out could entail.
The Heat outshot Chicago 41-26 in a game that took 2 hours and 29 minutes to play.
Bancks played a pivotal role in the game and lead in more way’s that one. Even taking one for the team added to the win after he took on Mallet at 7:28 of the 2nd.
Three stars in the game were:
3rd Carter Bancks
2nd Barry Brust
1st Sven Baertschi
Loonie-Toonie Dog ‘N Brew game is November 2nd and will also be dedicated to the Local Heroes Night.
Fans will pay tribute to local emergency services personnel.
