Heat fall to Pacific Division leader Barracuda

Stockton, Calif. – Stockton’s comeback attempt falls short against San Jose in the 6-4 loss to the Barracuda. San Jose strikes early and often against the Heat to build a lead and shut down Stockton’s comeback attempt. San Jose’s Alexander True capitalized on an early chance just 1:25 into the game to lead 1-0. Only 50 seconds later, San Jose’s Manuel Wiederer gets another Barracuda goal to extend the lead to a pair. Stockton managed the two-goal deficit by killing off a 5-on-3 penalty early in the first period. John McCarthy deflected a Barracuda point shot to beat Nick Schneider, giving San Jose a 3-0 lead heading to the intermission.

Scott Sabourin (43) battles Jeremy Roy (81) for position in front of goalie Antoine Bibeau – Photo by Jack Lima

Stockton’s comeback bid started with Matthew Phillip’s fifth goal of the season off a beautiful play set up by Dillon Dube and Glenn Gawdin. With the momentum in Stockton’s favor, San Jose scored less than two minutes later, handing San Jose another three-goal cushion. Spencer Foo scored two goals on the night, his seventh and eighth of the year, but San Jose hung on win behind another strong offensive showing from the Barracuda forwards.

Heat goalie Jon Gillies makes a glove save as Jeffrey Truchon-Viel (63) looks for a rebound as Heat defenseman Matt Taormina (17) defends – Photo by Jack Lima

Stockton will stay at home and host the Manitoba Moose for two straight games next Friday and Saturday night.