GAME NOTES
Abbotsford Heat vs Rochester Americans - December 11, 2012
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Divisional Look
The Heat remain in top spot in the North Division, earning 33 points in 23 games, and carry an 8-3-0-1 record against divisional rivals. On Sunday afternoon, the Heat downed the second place Toronto Marlies 3-2. Abbotsford has played the third place Lake Erie Monsters four times in 2012-13, earning seven of a possible eight points. The fourth place Rochester Americans are looking to earn a win tonight after losing to the Heat 3-2 in their only meeting so far this season. The Americans carry a 3-5-1-0 record against North Division teams. Rounding out the division are the Hamilton Bulldogs, who carry a 2-1-0-0 record when playing the Heat this season. The Bulldogs visit Abbotsford again on January 15th and 16th.
Air Tight Defence
The Heat carry the lowest goals against per game in the AHL, allowing an average of less than two goals per game (1.96). Stellar goaltending has been a contributing factor, with Barry Brust and Danny 
Taylor ranking first and second in the league in goaltending statistics. The Heat penalty kill has been strong as well, currently ranking first in the league after negating 78-of-85 enemy man advantages (91.8%). Not least of all is the number of shots the Heat have allowed, with opponents unable to record more than 30 shots in a game since November 10th (12 games).
“Quotable” – Peter Bureaux
The Heat’s equipment manager, Peter Bureaux, will eclipse 1,000 games on the bench tonight in Rochester. When asked if he ever thought he’d reach 1,000 games, Bureaux said: “My mom used to say ‘when are you going to quit this hobby job and get a real job?’”
Depleted Forward Ranks
The Heat have faced some injuries of late, with Prince George native Ryan Howse earning a call-up from the Utah Grizzlies to bolster the forward ranks. Lance Bouma, David Eddy, Michael Ferland and Akim Aliu have been out long-term, while Sven Baertschi has been out for the last four games recovering from a neck injury. Ben Walter missed three games due to injury, but earned two assists as the Heat downed the Marlies on Sunday night. Walter played on a line with Max Reinhart (two goals in his last three games played) and Roman Horak (three goals, two assists in his last five games), who scored Sunday’s game-winning goal, his fourth game-winner of the season.
Did you know…
The Heat are 9-1-0-0 when scoring first…
Ben Street is tied for the league lead in shots with 90…
Roman Horak is two back of the AHL lead in goals scored, recording thirteen goals in twenty-three games played, and is tied for first in power play goals with six…
Barry Brust carries the best SAV% and GAA in the league (0.951 / 1.12). Danny Taylor’s GAA is second in the AHL (1.69), and his SAV% is fourth (0.933)…
The Heat are third in the AHL in home power play rankings, scoring 16 goals in 61 opportunities (26.2%)…
Chris Breen, Ben Street, Roman Horak, and T.J. Brodie have played in all 23 games this season…
T.J. Brodie has seven power play assists, while Roman Horak has six power play goals this season…
