GAME NOTES
Abbotsford Heat vs. Hamilton Bulldogs - December 1, 2012
Record Setting Season
The Heat have set a number of records so far this season. Netminder Barry Brust set the new AHL record for the longest shutout streak by a goalie with 268:17, breaking Johnny Bower’s previous record of 249:51 from 1957-58. Steve McCarthy and Ben Street scored short-handed goals only three seconds apart to set the new record for the fastest consecutive goals scored. The Heat are also off to a franchise best start, earning 30 points in 19 games played, for a .789 winning percentage, compared to a .643 rating at this point last season. The Heat’s record on home ice is best in the league, going 9-0-1-1 at the AESC, outscoring opponents 38-12.
Stingy Defence
The Heat have allowed only 33 goals against in their first 19 games (1.73 GA/Game), 0.48 GA less per game than the next closest team in the AHL. Stellar goaltending has definitely contributed, with goaltenders Barry Brust and Danny Taylor both in the top five in goaltending statistics, combining to earn five shutouts. When asked about his shutout record, Barry Brust said: “It’s always nice when you can have individual success, but I think the larger thing is that it’s a spotlight on how good we’ve been as a team defensively.” Brust is 6-0-0-0 on the season, and tops in the league with a 0.66 GAA and a 0.973 SAV%. The penalty kill has also been excellent, negating 68-of-74 enemy opportunities (91.9%), good for first in the AHL.
Looking Ahead…
The Heat are set to host the San Antonio Rampage for a two game set this coming Tuesday and Wednesday. The two teams met once this season during the Heat’s last road trip, with the Heat winning 3-2 in a shootout which went 11 rounds. The Heat then head out on the road to play the Toronto Marlies (Dec. 9th) and Rochester Americans (Dec. 11th), before returning to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre to play two games against the Texas Stars on December 14th and 15th.
Did you know…
Ben Walter now holds the franchise all-time points record, beating Jon Rheault’s mark of 72 with a goal last night, his fourth of the 2012-13 season. While it took Rheault 131 games to set the record, Walter surpassed him in only 92 games played…
Roman Horak is one goal back of the league lead, with 12 goals in 19 games played…
Heat defenceman Chris Breen and forward Brett Olson are tied for fourth in the AHL in +/-. Both players carry a +9 rating….
The Heat lead the league on the penalty kill, allowing just six goals on 74 attempts (91.9%)…
The Heat’s home power play record is second best in the league, converting on 15-of-50 opportunities (30%)…
The Heat carry a 7-0 record when outshooting opponents…
Heat defender Chris Breen has recorded two goals and one assist this season, as well as 16 PIM. On December 1st last season, Breen had yet to record a point, and had eight PIM…
