STOCKTON, Calif. – The Heat traveled to San Diego for a single game, and walked away with a 6-3 win over the Gulls. Several Heat players earned multiple points in the action packed game, and a handful of players reached significant milestones.
David Rittich makes one of his 33 saves for the win. – Photo by Jack Lima
The Heat got off to a great first period, when their first goal came only 27 seconds after the opening puck drop. Garnet Hathaway’s shot toward the next was deflected into the net by Brett Findlay, waiting near the crease. Tyler Wotherspoon received credit for the second assist as well. The goal marked Findlay’s 50th career AHL point.
David Rittich makes another save – Photo by Jack Lima
At the six minute mark, Hunter Shinkaruk scored when his shot from the goal line just to the side of the net, went top shelf to the opposite post and stayed in the net. Morgan Klimchuk and Cody Goloubef were credited with the assist. Incidentally, this marked Shinkaruk’s 200th professional game as well.
Spencer Foo attempts to tip a chance past Leland Irving – Photo by Jack Lima
Hathaway’s efforts around the net finally paid off, when his wrist shot at 11:08 dropped in from inside the crease, putting Stockton up 3-0 going into the first intermission. The goal marked Hathaway’s 100th professional point, his seventh of the season.
Heat forward Spencer Foo and Markus Pettersson in front of the net. – Photo by Jack Lima
The first period also saw a couple of skirmishes, where Tanner Glass, recently send down from the Calgary Flames, tangled with Mike Liambas. Towards the end of the period, Scott Sabourin was given an instigating, fighting, and misconduct penalty for his bout with Oleg Yevenko.
Tyler Wotherspoon (r) celebrates with Morgan Klimchuk after his second period goal – Photo by Jack LIma
In the early part of the second period the tables turned on the Heat, when a shot left hanging just outside the net was tapped in by Sam Carrick at the 29 second marker.
Morgan Klimchuks (not pictured) shot hits the back of the net as Leland Irving is left spralled on the ice. – Photo by Jack Lima
Gulls Steve Oleksy blasted a shot from just inside the blue line at 11:45 that beat David Rittich, glove side. But the Heat regained control when Klimchuk tapped a loose puck that was left on the doorstep of Leland Irving to stretch the Stockton lead to 4-2 at the second intermission.
Garnet Hathaway (9) looks for the rebound infront of Leland Irving. Photo by Jack Lima
The third period started with another quick Stockton goal at 1:22, off the stick of Hathaway, his second goal of the night. But less than a minute later, Julius Nattinen answered when he dribbled the puck past Rittich; this would be the last goal effort by the Gulls.
Cody Goloebef (29) attempts to control the puck behind the Heat net. Photo by Jack Lima
Andrew Mangiapane scored about midway through the third to stretch the Heat lead 6-3. Hathaway was credited with the assist on the goal.
Heat netminder David Rittich earned another win, moving to 3-1 overall. Rittich stopped 23 shots in tonights match.
Gulls forward Austin Ortega (16) moves the puck up the ice with Marek Hrivik (12) and Olivier Kyington (4) in pursuit. Photo by Jack Lima
The Heat controlled most of the game, outshooting the Gulls 39-26.
The Heat return home for a few day’s rest before they welcome the Bakersfield Condors on Friday, November 17. The Gulls continue their homestand on Saturday, against the Ontario Reign.
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