HEAT REGAIN FIRST PLACE IN WIN OVER REIGN
STOCKTON, Calif. – Behind a fast start with first period goals from Luke Philp and Matthew Phillips and a 32-save effort from Dustin Wolf, the Stockton Heat (24-7-3-1) topped the Ontario Reign (22-7-3-2) by a 2-1 tally Saturday at Stockton Arena.
With the win, the Heat improved to 11-0-0-0 on the year following losses.
Philp’s deflection goal drew first blood, redirecting an Ilya Solovyov shot to the back of the net 10:49 into the opening frame. Phillips followed less than three minutes later with his first career shorthanded goal to push the lead to two with what proved to be the game-winner.
Both sides were held silent in the second period before Alex Turcotte trimmed Stockton’s edge in half at the 5:09 The Heat held strong for the remainder of regulation, killing three penalties to seal the win.
The penalty kill finished the game a perfect 6-for-6 against the top power play in the AHL as Stockton improved to 14-2-3-0 on home ice this season.
NOTABLE
- Justin Kirkland skated in his 300th AHL game.
- Matthew Phillips’ shorthanded goal was the first of his career and was his 50th overall marker, bringing him to a tie with Andrew Mangiapane for Stockton’s all-time lead.
- Phillips tied Jakob Pelletier for Stockton’s team scoring lead with 33 points on the year.
- The Heat are now 11-0-0-0 on the year following losses.
- Stockton now leads the season series with Ontario 3-1-0-0.
SPECIAL TEAMS
STK PP – 0-for-5
STK PK – 6-for-6
THREE STARS
First – Matthew Phillips (1g, gwg)
Second – Dustin Wolf (32 svs)
Third – Luke Philp (1g)
GOALIES
W – Dustin Wolf (32 saves on 33 shots faced)
L – Matthew Villalta (35 saves on 37 shots faced)
UP NEXT
The Heat head north of the border for a pair of contests against the Abbotsford Canucks on Thursday, February 3 and Friday, February 4, and will then return home for a two-game set against the Reign on February 11 and 12.
