Dhiren Mahiban article for Canadian Press
Quote:
The rookie-laden Heat scored a league-low 186 goals, and its power play ranked 27th out of 30 teams...
According to Playfair, it was the team's play against the North Division, and particularly the Manitoba Moose, which prevented it from reaching the post-season. Abbotsford was 2-4-2 against the Vancouver Canucks affiliate, including a pair of winless games in Manitoba during a crucial road trip in late March...
Goaltender Leland Irving was arguably the team's MVP, setting career highs in wins (30), shutouts (eight) and games played (61). Irving's 30 wins were second among all goaltenders and his eight shutouts was a league-best...
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I think it's a shame that Witch Mall missed so much of the season due to injury, but I think this year's pro experience for he and Brodie will go a long way towards being better next season, even more so if Bouma and Nemisz don't make the full-time Flames lineup. The slightly easier schedule will probably benefit the Heat more than any other team as well. This was probably Kris Chucko's last kick at the can for the Flames organisation and he played only 2 games due to injury.