STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat opened their inaugural season before 6,543 fans at the Stockton Arena in glorious fashion, as they handed the Rockford Icehogs a 7-0 shutout.
Derek Grant (27) scrores the Stockton Heat fiirst goal – photo by Jack Lima
“I liked our game tonight,” said Coach Ryan Huska. “Our power play did a great job early on and got us off on the right foot. We dominated the first 20 [minutes] and didn’t let our foot off the gas the rest of the way.”
Granted it was Rockford’s second game in as many nights, coming off a 4-2 win over the San Jose Barracuda 85 miles to the west.
The players attributed much of the win to the atmosphere of the arena.
“I’ve heard about the market here in Stockton and how passionate the fans are and it really showed,” said Jon Gillies after the game. “We kind of knew what to expect and I think the fans exceeded our expectations and we were happy about that.”
It was a solid, well deserved win by the whole team. Thirteen players earned at least a point; five earned two, (Derek Grants were both goals), while Jakub Nakladal and Markus Granlund chalked up three points each for the night.
Hunter Smith pregame introduction – photo by Jack Lima
Derek Grant entered the Heat’s record book with the first goal. Grant’s goal came only 4:22 into the first period. His goal, from the slot was tapped in past Michael Leighton in the Icehogs net.
“Scoring the first goal is a good feeling,” said Derek Grant following the game. “I think the crowd was a big part of the game tonight.”
The Icehogs had a difficult time keeping out of the penalty box giving the Heat four power play opportunities in the first.
Ryan Hartman (24) flies through the crease and draws a goalie interference penalty in first period action – photo by Jack Lima
It wasn’t long until Bill Arnold’s power play shot from the point, made it to the back of the net, through traffic at 8:08. Markus Granlund drilled a slap shot home on another power play at 12:14. Nakladal’s assists came from both power play goals.
Oliver Kylington scored his first U.S. professional goal on a long shot from the slot. Following the goal, the Icehogs pulled Leighton in favor of Mac Carruth in the net for the remainder of the game. The Heat had a commanding 4-0 lead as they sailed off the ice for the first intermission.
Jon Gillies makes a glove save – photo by Jack Lima
The Icehogs attempted to regroup from that still stinging first period, but were only allowed three shots on goal during the second period.
The fifth and only goal of the second period was credited to Nakladal, though initially was thought to have been tapped in by Drew Shore. There were several guys in the crease area, when Tyler Wotherspoon’s shot towards the net looked to be tipped in only 39 seconds into the period.
Derek Grrant (27) looks for a rebound as Marko Dano (56) and Jeremy Morin (19) defend – photo by Jack Lima
Grant scored on a quick shot early in the third period to put Stockton up by six. Turner Elson and Emile Poirier both were credited on the assists. Rockford’s Ryan Hartman was sent to the penalty box yet again, for four minutes after a boarding and unsportsmanlike conduct call in the neutral zone. The Heat took advantage of the odd man rush and Freddie Hamilton scored the seventh and final goal of the night.
This was Gillies first professional game following a great season in NCAA with Providence College, which saw him lead that team to the Championship, and him ultimately named as the MVP of the tournament.
Bill Arnold deflects the puck in front of IceHogs goalie Michael Leighton – photo by Jack Lima
“I don’t remember the last time a team I was on, had that big of a lead. It was easy to play behind,” said Gillies.
Coach Huska was pleased with Gillies performance as well.
“We were thrilled with the result. [Jon Gillies] made saves tonight and made them look easy. He’s going to be a tough goalie to face for opponents because his 6’5” frame makes it difficult to see around him.”
A scrum in front of the net after Heat goalie Jon Gillies makes a save – photo by Jack Lima
Stockton outshot Rockford 31 – 19, and capitalized on three of six power play chances.
“We have a lot of guys that are NHL players,” said Elson. “We really have, as far as talent and effort is concerned, one of the best teams I’ve ever seen since I’ve been in this league. Obviously seven goals isn’t going to happen every night, but we’re going to make a hard, hard push this year for sure.”
Nakladal, Grant and Elson were awarded the stars of the game honors.
Frankie the Firebird – photo by Jack Lima
In addition to the shutout, the Heat introduced their mascot to the fans during the first intermission. The lights were turned down, and a blacked out pickup truck entered the ice. Frankie the Fire Bird stepped out to greet the fans in the spotlight.
The Heat will have a few days to revel in their first win, before getting back to business, when they host the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday. Rockford finished up their two game road trip with split, and will return home for their home opener against the Texas Stars on Saturday.
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