[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Heat shortfall for 2012-13 season is $1.66 million

“While we recognize the current figure is an improvement from last year’s results, Council remains committed to the goal of improving the financial viability of the AESC and the

Abbotsford Heat,” mayor Bruce Banman stated in a press release.

Monday's announcement brings the total payout from the city to the hockey team to $5.24 million, including $450,000 during the inaugural 2009-10 season, and $1.37 million and $1.76 million the next two years, respectively.

This season, the Heat have seen their attendance decline – through 18 home dates in 2013-14, they've drawn an average crowd of 2,490, which is 34 per cent less than last year's pace.