By Sean Evans (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: November 16, 2011
The Abbotsford Heat currently sit in second in the northern division of the AHL and are tied in points for first place in the western conference of the AHL, having won six of their last eight games.
What is notable, however, is the inconsistency of their play at home and away. Playing in Abbotsford, the Heat are below .500 with a record of 2-3-1. While on the road, the Heat have a record of 8-1-0. Fortunately for the Heat, their next four games are also on the road.
The Heat looked promising at home early in their first home game of the year back in October, beating Rockford in an exciting 4-3 game. Since then, however, they have struggled to find their game in Abbotsford and have suffered from a lack of secondary scoring.
The Heat will return to Abbotsford on November 25. Unfortunately for the Heat, however, they will be returning home short of a few players they departed with. The Calgary Flames, with whom the Heat are affiliated, called up defenceman TJ Brodie, arguably one of the best on the team. This followed the injury of Calgary Flames D-man Anton Babchuk, who has been placed indefinitely on the injured reserve list. So, it is reasonable to assume that Brodie will not be in Abbotsford anytime soon. Brodie will be missed as he provided a solid presence on the defence, while also managing to bury a goal and two helpers.
Another player that will not return with the Abbotsford Heat following their road trip is forward Paul Byron, who was also called up to assist the struggling Calgary Flames. Byron, who has been suspended once this season for an illegal hit, is known for his energized physical play, and the Flames hope that he will add some spark to their lineup.
Speaking with the Calgary Sun, Flames head coach Brent Sutter said he expected Brodie and Byron to bring “Energy, emotion… Come in and be the good players they are.”
“They’re here because they’re playing well in Abby, and we can use all that. We can use all the energy we can get,” Sutter continued.
So, unfortunately for the Heat, the solid play of Brodie and Byron means they will be playing with the big boys, for the time being.
All that said, the Heat are still poised to continue their winning ways, on the road at least. When the Heat return to Abbotsford on the 25th, they will hope to start winning some on home ice as well—in spite of the ever changing line-up.
