The Manitoba Moose (39-20-4-4) and Stockton Heat (30-23-2-4) matched up for the second time this week at Bell MTS Place on Saturday. Jamie Phillips was busy in the Moose net, making 13 saves in the first period. The Moose came close to opening the 
scoring on an early power play, but Stockton’s Jon Gillies shut down a barrage of chances to keep the game scoreless. The Heat thought they opened the scoring eight minutes into the game, but a Stockton skater made contact with Phillips, resulting in the goal being waved off. The Heat would score the game’s first goal moments later as a Kayle Doetzel shot redirected to Oliver Kylington on the back door, and the Heat defenceman popped the puck into a mostly open net. Kylington’s goal stood up as the only tally in the first as Stockton took a 1-0 lead to the second.
Manitoba came out firing in the second period, jumping out to an early 6-2 edge in the shot count. The Moose couldn’t find a way around Gillies, who made 10 saves in the period. Stockton added to its lead with 6:33 to go in the period when Brett Pollock trucked up the middle of the ice and snapped a shot up just under the bar on the power play. Stockton’s single marker sent the Heat to the third with a 2-0 lead.
The Moose got back within striking distance 2:22 into the third. Cam Maclise found Sami Niku sneaking in from the point and the rookie defender fired the puck past Gillies to get the Moose on the board. The hosts put the pressure on from there, but the Heat would hold onto the lead. Spencer Foo added a late empty netter to leave the final score at 3-1 Stockton.
Quick Hits
- Sami Niku is second among AHL defencemen with 14 goals on the season.
- Mason Appleton recorded a team high seven shots.
- Attendance was announced at 6,248.
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