Heat drop another tough game to the Gulls

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Stockton Heat returned to face the San Diego Gulls, only a few nights following an emotional game loss last Wednesday night. This game also included San Diego’s

Gulls’ center Sam Carrick (L) and Heat defenseman Tyler Wotherspoos (5) fight for the puck in the corner – Photo by Jack Lima

Teddy Bear Toss Night at Valley View Casino Center. Tonight it proved to be all about the Gulls ability to capitalize on the man advantage, in the 4-1 win for San Diego, where three of their goals were scored on a power play.

The first period, the Heat’s Tanner Glass scored their only goal for the night at 6:57. Glass popped the puck up and over Kevin Boyle and rolled down his back into the net.

Gulls’ center Sam Carrick (L) and Heat defenseman Tyler Wotherspoos (5) fight for the puck in the corner – Photo by Jack Lima

It wouldn’t be long before the Gulls Mitch Hults’ shot from the right circle beat Eddie Lack on a power play, and started the bears flying to the ice. The game was delayed about 15 minutes, while the Gulls crew worked to clean up the thousands of stuffed bears thrown on the ice for charity.

The Gulls held the Heat to a mere six shots on net, while they worked on Lack with 14. Lack stayed strong in the net blocking everything they threw at him. The teams remained locked at one-apiece into the second intermission.

Gulls’ goalie Kevin Boyle (33) make a save in the middle of a scrum of players – Photo by Jack Lima

Eric Fehr scored the go-ahead goal at 2:51 into the third period, again on a power play. An insurance goal scored again by the Gulls 6:28 into the period, following a scrum in front of the net, which ultimately rolled over the goal line. The goal was credited to Kalle Kossila.

The final goal of the game for the Gulls came on an empty net goal from the center line, credited to Corey Tropp, giving the Gulls the 4-1 win over the Heat.

The Gulls outshot the Heat for most of the game, ending with 44-29 shots on goal. Boyle earns the win and advances to 7-6-1, with 28 saves for the night.

The three stars of the game went to all Gulls players: Kalle Kossila, Eric Fehr, and Mitch Hults.