Stockton Sunday: Rittich Amazing in Heat Victories

It was another quiet week for the Stockton Heat with only two weekend games on their docket. Jon Gillies missed another week with his thumb injury, but he’s reportedly very close to being healthy again. Not that it mattered too much with Rittich’s performance.

Last Week’s Games

Friday: Ontario Reign (Los Angeles) 1 @ Stockton Heat 2 (OT)

The Heat started off their weekend with a 2-1 overtime win over the Ontario Reign. Matt Bailey scored the winning goal 1:02 into overtime after chipping in a rebound off a Morgan Klimchuk breakaway. Brandon Bollig scored the other goal for the Heat. David Rittich made 25 saves on 26 shots for the victory. Mark Jankowski had his seven game point streak snapped in the win. Stockton now sits at 6-1-1 on home ice this season, perhaps the Flames could take note.

A full game recap can be found here

Highlights can be found here

Saturday: Stockton Heat 2 @ Bakersfield Condors 0 (Edmonton)

Stockton then made the trip to Bakersfield to start a four game road trip, and did so in style with a 2-0 victory. David Rittich made 30 saves for his second shutout in his last three games. Oliver Kylington and Daniel Pribyl scored for the Heat.

A full game recap can be found here

Highlights can be found here

This Week’s Games

Wednesday: Stockton Heat @ Ontario Reign

Saturday: Stockton Heat @ Tuscon Roadrunners (Arizona)

Sunday: Stockton Heat @ Tuscon Roadrunners

Roster Moves

Leading Scorers

Goals: 5 – Morgan Klimchuk, Andrew Mangiapane 4 – Matt Frattin, Hunter Shinkaruk

Assists: 9 – Mark Jankowski 8 – Rasmus Andersson

Points: 12 – Mark Jankowski 11 – Morgan Klimchuk 10 – Andrew Mangiapane

The Heat wrap up their 4 game road trip with a duo of games against the Tucson Roadrunners. The Roadrunners have been the kryptonite of the Heat this season as they’ve beaten Stockton in all three previous matchups. While talking about the Roadrunners, their captain Craig Cunningham collapsed in warmups before Saturday night’s game against Manitoba. Thoughts and prayers from M&G in a scary situation.

David Rittich has made 74 saves on his last 75 shots in three straight Heat victories. Stockton now sits at a stellar 8-3-1 so far this season, still second behind Tuscon but they have the opportunity to catch up next weekend. Stockton also sits 4th overall in the AHL by points %. Until next week, Go Heat Go!

by Michael MacGillivray