CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars were defeated by Abbotsford 5-3 on Tuesday night in front of 5,878 fans at Cedar Park Center. Heat forwards Logan MacMillan and Ales Kotalik each had a multi-point night to lead Abbotsford to a road win. Goalie Leland Irving (25-19-2) stopped 25 shots pushing Abbotsford road record to 13-12-1-3. Stars center Aaron Gagnon had a multi-point night with two assists. Texas skaters Greg Rallo, Francis Wathier and Brad Lukowich each scored in the defeat. Defensemen T.J. Brodie and Chris Breen both tallied two assists to help the Heat.
Abbotsford opened up the first-period scoring at 8:15 with a goal by left wing Stefan Meyer. The Heat extended its lead to 2-0 with a goal by left wing Cam Cunning at 9:35. Abbotsford stretched the lead to 3-0 at 13:36 with a goal by right wing Ales Kotalik. Texas responded with 5:44 remaining in the first as right wing Greg Rallo rocketed a shot past Irving to make it 3-1 and secure his 19th goal of the season. Just 14 seconds later, Texas defenseman Brad Lukowich made it 3-2 on the power play with assists from forwards Aaron Gagnon and Colton Sceviour.
The Heat continued the scoring into the second period with a goal by left wing Logan MacMillan at 6:58. Texas replied at 12:18 as left wing Francis Wathier scored off a rebound. Center Aaron Gagnon led the charge, receiving an assist on the play to end the second period 4-3 Abbotsford.
Abbotsford right wing Ales Kotalik scored an empty-net goal with 23 seconds remaining in the third period, giving the Heat a 5-3 victory.
Texas hosts the San Antonio Rampage on Friday at 7:30 PM.
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