Stockton Heat clicking at home

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat have cracked the code when it comes to home games, coming out on top in their last nine home games. The Heat are sitting in sixth place in the Pacific Division, having won seven of their last ten games overall (42 games, 20-19-1-2).

On Saturday night, the Heat shutout the Ontario Reign in a 3-0 win, despite the Reigns nearly double shots on goal 36-19. Kevin Poulin looked superb in the net for the Heat the full 60 minutes. Mason Raymond scored a goal and an assist and Drew Shore scored in the first period. Blair Riley scored the empty net goal late in the third.

Heat goalie Kevin Poulin clears the puck – Photo by Jack Lima

The Heat returned to the Stockton Arena for a late afternoon game Sunday against the San Antonio Rampage for a Valentine’s Day game. Poulin earned the win again, saving 24 of the 25 shots against him in the 5-1 win for the Heat.

Much of the success of this game could be attributed to the line of Freddie Hamilton, Kenny Agostino, and Garnet Hathaway. The first period was scoreless and fast-paced.

Ryan Horvat (L) and Blair Riley (25) fight during 1st period action – Photo by Jack Lima

The second period Hamilton started off the scoring at 3:55, assisted by Agostino and Hathaway. Not even a minute later, Agostino scored, with assists from Hathaway and Hamilton.

San Antonio’s lone goal came at 6:29 into the third period. But the rest of the game, the Heat pounded away at the net, Hamilton scored again on the net puck possession at 6:50. Two late goals by Agostino and Turner Elson sealed the Rampage doom at 5-1 when the final buzzer sounded.

Reign goalie Michael Houser makes a stop on Drew Shore’s shot – Photo by Jack Lima

Martin Spencer took the loss in the net with 50 saves in 54 shots.

Stockton’s Coach Ryan Huska said, “Something that we wanted to do was put a lot of pucks in the net tonight. I think our guys were really good with that in our game plan. I think if you have time in that offensive zone, you are generating those opportunities and eventually somethings going to go in for you and that’s what it did.”

“We needed a night like this – a breakout night where we get some solid production,” said Agostino after the game. “We’ve had a lot of stretches this year where we’ve been buzzing in the offensive zone and getting a lot of chances, but for whatever reason the goals just haven’t come. It was nice for us all to chip in and help out tonight.”

Reign goalie Michael Houser looks for the rebound on Mason Raymond’s (12) shot – Photo by Jack Lima

Poulin was a big part of both wins this weekend.

Huska said, “[Kevin Poulin] was our best player again tonight – absolutely terrific. Unfortunately the one opportunity they got, we didn’t help him out, but he’s playing very well right now. He’s giving us a chance to win every night.”

Christian Ehrhoff (10) checks Blair Riley – Photo by Jack Lima

Agostino earned is first four-point game of his AHL career, while Hamilton collected his third 3-point game of the season. The 55 shots on net for the Heat is the most against an opposing team this season.

The Heat will travel to Southern California to play Ontario on Wednesday. Huska hopes the guys will take their winning home stand style of game on the road.

Mason Raymond (12) celebrates his goal with Aaron Johnson (45) and Pat Sieloff (10) – Photo by Jack Lima

“I think it’s the style that we’re trying to play. We are a bit simpler here. I think when we get pushed on the road, we have to learn to weather the storm a little bit better,” Huska said, “We have had trouble bounding back when we are on the road. But at home we seem to bounce back a little better.”