San Antonio, TX – The Abbotsford Heat tied the game in the final moments to beat the San Antonio Rampage in a shootout, earning their second win in as many nights in Texas.
Barry Brust set a new AHL record for consecutive shutout time, Brett Olson tied the game with just 13.7 seconds remaining, and Carter Bancks scored in the eleventh round to end the shootout and give the Heat a league-leading 12th win.
Paul Byron opened the scoring on the power play at 5:14 of the first period with his second goal of the season. Ben Street and Adam Estoclet earned assists.
Needing just 18 minutes and 10 seconds to tie Johnny Bower’s 1957 record for consecutive shutout play, Barry Brust did not surrender a goal until 16:36 of the second period, establishing a new record of 268 minutes and 17 seconds between goals. Brust finished the night with 26 saves on 28 shots, earning his fifth win in as many appearances this season.
After tying the game on the power play, the Rampage took the lead at 18:11 of the second period, and the Heat trailed by a goal heading into the final 20 minutes.
Looking to equalize with an extra attacker in the final minute of the third period, Brett Olson’s shot with 13 seconds remaining found the back of the net to force overtime. Olson, a rookie from Michigan Tech, now has three goals on the season. Ben Street and Sven Baertschi earned assists on the goal.
Four-on-four overtime solved nothing, and the Rampage and Heat went to the shootout where Sven Baertschi, Roman Horak and Carter Bancks scored as the Heat won the extra point in the eleventh round.
The Heat power play unit scored once on two chances, and the penalty kill allowed one Rampage goal on three man-advantage opportunities for the home team.
Abbotsford now holds top spot in the American Hockey League with one game-in-hand on the second place Charlotte Checkers. The Heat will play their third game in 48 hours and close their 12-day road trip tomorrow in Houston at 3:00 PST.
The Heat return to Abbotsford to play the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) on Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st. Friday’s game will be “Legends of Hockey Night,” with the Heat honouring former Montreal Canadien Yvan Cournoyer. The annual Pucks N' Paws game happens Saturday. Fans are invited to bring a dog to the game to benefit the Abbotsford SPCA. For tickets please call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
