Wolves Douse Heat

Abbotsford Heat were shut out 1-0 by the Chicago Wolves (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) in front of 7,046 fans to close a weekend series at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre.

With the Canucks “Brass” taking in the action, it was important for the youngsters on the Wolves to show them what they could do and from the look of it, they played extremely well.

Matt Climie earned his second shutout of the season, stopping all thirty Heat shots. The Wolves put just six shots on net in the final 40 minutes to sweep the Heat.

Andrew Gordon scored the lone goal in the game for his first game-winner this season.

The Wolves opened the scoring at 19:05 of the first period on their third power play.

Andrew Gordon scored his ninth goal of the season, set up by Darren Haydar and Bill Sweatt. The Wolves led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.

The Heat outshot the Wolves 11-1 in the second period, and each team had just five shots in the third period. The Heat out-shot the Wolves 30 to 15 in the game.

Danny Taylor started the game looking for his third straight win, making 14 saves on 15 shots in the loss.

The Heat failed to score on two power play opportunities, while the Wolves scored on one of their four man advantages.

The loss drops the Heat into the eighth and final playoff position in the Western Conference. The Wolves are two points behind the Heat, with two games in hand.

The Heat have four games remaining in their first home stand of 2013. Abbotsford hosts the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadien’s) on Tuesday and Wednesday night, before the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators) visit on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

The game on January 20^th is the Heat’s first Sunday game of the season, with puck drop at 4:00 PM.

The Heat will host a post-game get together with team members Ben Walter, Tyler Ruegsegger, Zach McKelvie, and President Ryan Walter.

For tickets and more information call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or head to www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.

Photo by D. Laird Allan Photo.