STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat opened the season on the road against their Bakersfield Condors rival, where they were blasted in a 8-1 loss. The following night, started off better, against the Ontario Reign for their home opener, but led to an overtime loss of 6-5. It wasn’t exactly how new Coach Cail MacLean planned it, but it’s really nothing to worry about this early in the season.
Reign Goalie Peter Budaj makes a save on a shot from Andrew Mangiapane – Photo by Jack Lima
In Bakersfield, it was their special teams that hurt extinguished the Heat as their four power-play goals and two shorthanded goals were scored before the Heat could get on the board. Cameron Hebig scored the sole power-play goal in the first period. Patrick Russell added a shorthanded goal only 27 seconds into the second period, followed by five more goals off the sticks of Caleb Jones, Tyler Benson, Mitch Callahan (with two goals) and another by Russell. In the third period, Brad Malone scored a short-handed goal just over a minute in. The Heat finally found the net when Kerby Rychel scored his first goal at 4:39.
Reign Goalie Peter Budaj stops the puck in traffic as Curtis Lazar (20) looks for a rebound – Photo by Jack Lima
The Condors ended the game successful in 4 of seven opportunities. The Heat tallied a total of 22 minutes in the penalty box, while Bakersfield limited themselves to 6 minutes. Stockton were 0 for three on the power-plays.
The Heat traveled back home to open their home season, before 5,214 fans. Things started out better, as Spencer Foo scored his first of two goals for the night only 4:52 into the first. Just over two minutes later Andrew O’Brien scored to put Stockton up 2-0. Mikey Eyssimont answered only twelve seconds later, but Stockton’s Glenn Gawdin scored an unassisted goal. Morgan Klimchuk brought Stockton up to 4-1 midway through the period.
Ryan Lomberg (41) tries to skate around Reign defender Bokondji Imama – Photo by Jack Lima
Ontario scored three unanswered goals before the end of the first period, and just like that the score was tied up at four a-piece. Goals off the sticks of Philippe Maillet, Daniel Brickley (power-play) and Brett Sutter.
Heat foward Andrew Mangiapane (26) moves the puck up ice – Photo by Jack Lima
In the second period, Foo dropped his second goal only 52 seconds into the period, while on a power-play. Sheldon Rempal scored at 6:30, and the teams remained tied at 5-5 until the final buzzer, forcing the overtime period.
Heat foward Alan Quine (22) splits Reign defenders Matt Roy (3) and Drake Rymsha (17) – Photo by Jack Lima
It would be Ontario’s Alex Lintuniemi, to score the game-winner at 2:09 into the overtime period.
The Heat will regroup and travel to Ontario for another game on Friday, October 12.
Condors’ center Luke Esposito (29) fights for control of the puck from Ryan Lomberg (41) – Photo by Jack Lima
Condors’ captain Keegan Lowe (29) controls the puck behind the net – Photo by Jack Lima
Andrew Mangiapane (26) moves in on Condors goalie Al Montoya during opening night action in Bakersfield – Photo by Jack Lima
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