Friday night January 6th, 2023 Heat President Darryl Adamson exclaimed the above on the inaugural “Heat Wave” on HockeyTV during an on air interview with the voice of the Heat Steve Smyth. It was a response to what the team is prepared to do for the rest of the season, and early signs have fans jumping back on the band wagon.
“Big D” may have something up his sleeve as the trade deadline fast approaches (Jan 10th), the team has brought back Bhavin Serown in an acquisition from the 100 Mile House Wranglers.
That same night the Heat hosted the suspension laden Nelson Leafs at the Art Holding Memorial Arena. This winnable contest for those in attendance or watching on hockeytv.com was entertaining. Bryan Fraser threw out an old style hip check early and was called for tripping. Mama mia a rare hip check and a beauty! Nelson took advantage and twitched the twine and they did it again 5 minutes later, but not a third time as Roderic May guarding the crease made a huge glove save. The end of 1, it’s 2-0 Leafs with the locals firing 14 shots in the period. In the 2nd the old adage “you can’t score if you don’t shoot” was to bear fruit. Ryan Keylor from Trevor Kennedy and Cohen Kallin, followed by a Nelson tally. Hauled down on his way to the foe’s fort Maddex Bignell was awarded a penalty shot and it counted, a backhand stick side dandy. Next up Kennedy from Kallin and Keylor with a sweet pass and tap in. After 2 it’s 3-3 and the Heat fired 18 shots! Unfortunately for the fans Nelson scored a man advantage goal in the 3rd to claim victory 4-3. Overall the Heat fired 43 shots, a huge step in the right direction. A total team effort.
Saturday night found the team headed west to face the Loops lads of the Storm. The 1st period concluded 0-0. In the 2nd the Storm scored on a powerplay, shortly thereafter Aiden Brown from Malachi Franklin tied the contest up. Late in the period Kamloops forged ahead on a broken play. Late in the 3rd the Storm added a third tally to take this one 3-1. Chase shots on goal 32 so that statistic remains positive, however they allowed 44 against. Meyer Gaume was awarded the star by the Kamloops broadcasters and that choice is hard to argue with. Honourable mentions Franklin and Kaleb Preymak who played like he had fire ants in his pants.
While not winning there are positive signs popping up all over the roster. Physicality has increased, veteran leadership appears to be back, new acquisitions have been good additions, tenders are solid and the shot totals, everyone likes shots! The boys are away next week as they enjoy a killer bus trip to Fernie and Creston, most definitely a bus legs journey with an all nighter on the trip home. Catch them on hockeytv.com. Till next time.
