The good ship “Chase Heat” watched this past weekend as a division rival sailed right past them into second place in the standings. Too many floaters on the roster made it their main task to throw a huge boat anchor overboard, stalling the team’s progress.
On Friday the 17th, the 100 Mile House Wranglers came to town and the locals should have been ready for this one after a loss in 100 Mile on Remembrance Day. But the Wranglers outworked the Heat from the opening whistle to take a 3-0 shutout victory.
Jake Mattes faced 34 shots and was the best player on the ice for the local side.
Saturday night saw the Heat in Kamloops versus the division- leading Storm. Mattes faced 50 shots in this contest which the Storm took 7-3. Kurtis Johnson scored in the first, Kaleb Boyle in the third on the power play and Chad Wilde got a shorthanded goal. Kamloops scored four on the power play and one shorthanded.
The highlight for the weekend was #14 Nic Fidanza being called up and playing for the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Friday evening.
The Heat are now in third, 14 points back of Kamloops and three back of the Wranglers.
Next local action is Friday, Nov. 22 versus Kamloops, and then the 23rd versus Kelowna .