A29
sports
Dan Kinvig 604-851-4527 sports@abbynews.com
ABBOTSFORD NEWS I Saturday, February 5, 2011
JOHN MORROW
File photo
The last time the Abbotsford Heat and Chicago Wolves tangled, back in December at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, the club’s split a pair of games. On Friday, the Heat were in Chicago as part of a 10-game road trip.
Heat halfway home Kevin MILLS Abbotsford News
I
t’s been a long time since local hockey fans had the opportunity to cheer on the Heat – at least in person. The club is halfway through a 10-game road trip which will see it play five games in six nights before coming home. Abbotsford has earned a respectable 2-2-1 record in the first half of the trip and kicked off the next, rigourous stretch last night in Chicago. Coach Jim Playfair knows his team faces a challenge, but expects his players to stay focused and play consistent hockey. “We just have to try and keep the games close and score one more goal than our opponents,” said Playfair. That methodology has been working recently, thanks to a powerplay that has suddenly come
TONIGHT’S GAME
vs www.abbynews.com FOR MORE NEWS ON THE HEAT to life. Goals have been hard to come by for the Heat, but the road trip seems to have awakened their scoring touch. “We are starting to get some consistency ... special teams are an extension of our five-on-five play.”
YouWin, YouChoose
Win a Spectacular South Langley Home BC or take $2 Million tax free cash! CHILDRENS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------HOSPITAL
Lottery
Getting more shots on net is critical according to Playfair, who said the team needs to score the “dirty goals.” The Heat have a new weapon to deploy during the latter portion of the season. Ales Kotalik had his first practice with the team on Thursday and should be inserted into the line-up immediately. The 32-year-old right winger, whose slapshot has been clocked at 105 mph, was sent down from the parent Calgary Flames. Playfair said he isn’t sure what line he’ll use the NHL veteran on, but expects him to contribute immediately. “I expect him to be a really good player ... If he wants to get back into the NHL, I expect him to be a leader, on and off the ice,” said Playfair. Following Friday night’s game in Chicago, the Heat are in Rockford tonight, Lake Erie on Sunday, Hamilton on Tuesday and finally in Rochester on Feb. 9. The locals return home for a game on Feb. 11 against the Toronto Marlies.
LAST WEEKEND to buy for -------------$25,000 Bonus Cash
---------------
Visit today. 20134 2nd Avenue. Open Daily 11am to 5pm
Visit bcchildren.com
Winner will choose 1 prize option; other prize options will not be awarded. Rules of Play bcchildren.com
Erin Cebula, BC Children’s Hospital Spokesperson
Buy Online or 1-888-887-8771
Chances are 1 in 286,800 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
pair of Canucks Tickets! & aCut off midnight Feb. 11
Know your limit, play within it.
BC Gaming Event Licence #30333
19+ to play!