The Manitoba Moose (11-12-1-0) held on for a 2-1 win to start a two-game set against the Stockton Heat (11-12-1-0) Friday night at the Stockton Arena. The Moose began the contest with some power play time after the Heat took two early penalties. Manitoba cashed in as Logan Stanley stepped into a blast to open the scoring 2:46 into 
the game. On the other side of the special teams, the Moose penalty kill came up with a pair of stops to help Manitoba maintain the lead. With time ticking away in the first, Skyler McKenzie found C.J. Suess with a slick pass and Suess snapped the puck by Jon Gillies for a 2-0 Moose lead at the break.
The middle period was all about Moose goaltender Eric Comrie. The fourth-year pro made 20 saves in the frame, including stops on a pair of breakaways from Stockton’s Glenn Gawdin. The Moose shorthanded unit was busy in the period, facing down five Stockton power plays. It all combined to keep Manitoba in front by a 2-0 score after 40 minutes.
Stockton opened the third with a flurry of chances and cut into the Moose lead. Kerby Rychel found himself all alone in front of the Manitoba net following a turnover, and finally solved Comrie 5:15 into the third. That was the only puck to get past the Moose netminder, who made 14 saves in the period to finish the contest with 41 stops as Manitoba grabbed a 2-1 win.
Quick Hits
- Eric Comrie’s 41 saves were a season high, and tied for second-most in his career.
- C.J. Suess’ goal was the first game-winner of his professional career.
- Logan Shaw (3G, 1A) and Michael Spacek (4A) each have four points in their last two games.
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