Abbotsford, BC – The Abbotsford Heat defeated the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators) 2-1 in the first of a two-game series at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). With the win, the Heat remain in fifth spot in the Western Conference – two points behind the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies.
Brett Carson scored the game-winning power play goal in his first game in over eight months and earned first star honours. Danny Taylor won his third straight game, allowing just a single goal for the fifth straight start.
Krys Kolanos scored his tenth goal of the season to open the scoring at 9:37 of the first period. The goal was assisted by Ben Walter and Max Reinhart.
Brett Carson extended the Heat lead to 2-0 at 10:49 of the second period with his first goal of the season. Carson’s power play goal was set up by Mike Matczak, who earned his third point in as many games played since his call-up from Utah.
The Admirals’ lone goal was scored by Kevin Henderson at 16:13 of the second period, with Mark Van Guilder and Taylor Aronson earning assists on the play.
Danny Taylor started his fourth consecutive game for the Heat and made 26 saves to earn his team-leading tenth win of the season. Taylor has surrendered just a single loss in seven appearances since the Christmas break. The Heat outshot the Admirals 27-25 in the game.
The Heat power play scored on one of two opportunities in the game, and the Heat have now scored a power play goal in four of the club’s last five games. Abbotsford’s penalty kill negated both Milwaukee man advantages to finish two-for-two on the night.
The Heat and Admirals face-off again tomorrow in Abbotsford at 4:00 PM. The game will be followed by the Heat’s annual Faith Night when Heat President Ryan Walter will join Heat players Tyler Ruegsegger, Ben Walter and Zach McKelvie for a conversation with Team Chaplain Dave Klassen. All fans in attendance are invited to attend the event, which will be held 15 minutes after Sunday’s game in section 101.
For more information on the team and to purchase tickets, visit www.AbbotsfordHeat.com or call 1 877 452-HEAT(4328).
