STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat notched a shutout win over the visiting Texas Stars last night in a 1-0 game. David Rittich in Stockton’s net earned his second shutout of the season, placing himself seventh in the AHL right now, with a 2.00 goals-against-average and tied at third with .937 save-percentage.
Andrew Mangiapane (26) reaches for a pass as Andrew Bodnarchuk (2) defends – Photo by Jack Lima
The Heat ended the weekend in third place in the Pacific Division, with 7-3-0-1.
Jack Roslovic (50) scores a goal past Heat goalie Jon Gillies – Photo by Jack Lima
On Friday, they lost in overtime against the visiting Manitoba Moose (6-4-1-1) in a tough 4-1 loss. The Moose arrived into town on a three game skid and were looking for a big win. Despite outshooting the Moose, 41-29, Jon Gillies couldn’t stop them all. The Moose capitalized on two of six power play opportunities.
Cam Maclise (24) controls the puck in front of Heat goalie Jon Gillies during Friday night action – Photo by Jack Lima
Moose goals were scored by Patrice Cormier in the first, Sami Niku in the second and in the third, Jack Roslovic and Mason Appleton (empty net).
Moose goalie Eric Comrie lies on his back after blocking a shot by Emile Poirier (21) – Photo by Jack Lima
Andrew Mangiapane scored his sixth goal of the season, at 1:03 of the third period, placing himself firmly in the Heats record books with a ten game points streak, on a power play. His goal was assisted by Brett Findlay and Rasmas Andersson. Mangiapane is second in the league with six goals, 10 assists, and in a three-way tied for first in points at 16.
On Saturday, the Heat came back knowing what needed to be done and set out to do just that against the Texas Stars (5-5-0-1, sixth in Pacific Division).
Ryan Lomberg (41) attempts to knock a rebound past Stars’ goalie Landon Bow – Photo by Jack Lima
“You have to make them work, tonight’s game was a work game,” said Coach Ryan Huska after the game. “There wasn’t a lot of room on the ice, there weren’t a lot of plays made, but the guys worked and that is one thing that at the end of it, you will feel it after a game like tonight, because it was hard there was a lot of physical play.”
The action was intense at times; two of Stockton’s shots deflected off the goal-posts. The single shot that made it past Landon Bow in the Stars net was a power play shot by Garnet Hathaway that was deflected in the crease off a defensemans skate into the net, about mid-way into the second period. The goal was Hathaway’s seventh of the season, making him fourth in the league currently (7 goals, 6 assists).
Garnet Hathaway (right) celebrates his goal with Tyler Wotherspoon (5) – Photo by Jack Lima
“They are a good offensive team and they had some good chances, but [David Rittich] was strong tonight and he was our backbone.” Said Hathaway following the game.
By the end of the game, Rittich turned away all 32 shots for the shut out.
Joseph Cramarossa – Photo by Jack Lima
“I don’t know if I can remember the last minute because it was so crazy, shot after shot,” said Rittich. “My teammates played very well in our zone and they helped me so much with blocked shots and clearing the zone.”
Stockton’s Ryan Lomberg helped to get the fans in the game when his roughing penalty with Samuel Laberge sent them both to the box to cool off at 3:31. However, when the two players exited the box they dropped their gloves and had the fans screaming the rest of the game.
The Heat fans turned out in force as well, making this the seasons best attended game of the season at 7,008.
“Our crowd was excellent tonight,” said Huska “This is what makes this building a special building to play in. We have great fans. It was loud and they get involved, and after Ryan Lomberg’s fight tonight. I thought they were really engaged in the game and it is really easy for the guys to feed off the energy they had tonight.”
Saturday’s game was a special promotional night, Stockton Heat Hockey Fights Cancer, with the players wearing specially designed white and purple Jersey’s. The Jerseys were auctioned off to fans following the game to help raise funds to fight all forms of cancer.
Huska added after the game, “Everyone is touched by Cancer. There are some guys that are really close to it unfortunately, but everybody in some way has had to deal with it, and for us to be able to celebrate with those who have earned the right to be cancer survivors is special. One of our messages to our players was to feel fortunate for our health and be able to play a game we love.”
Stockton returns on Wednesday for a chance to get even with the Moose.
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