Texas Stars lose 1st of 2 games in BC to Abbotsford

Thursday Night's AHL Game in Abbotsford, BC brought teams on opposite sides of the West Division Standings as the Heat continue to fight with Houston & OKC for both the West Division & Western Conference Lead in the AHL Western Conference. While Texas is looking to get out of the Western Conference Outhouse as the Stars continue to not be able to get above .500 again last night. The Stars & Heat will faceoff again tonight at 9:00 PM tonight where you can listen online on ESPN Austin.

In addition to the Texas Stars VS. Abbotsford Heat in their 2nd game of the back-to-back, the San Antonio Rampage & Houston Aeros faceoff tonight at 7:00 PM Tonight as well.

Texas Stars 3  Abbotsford Heat 5  (1-2, 2-2, 0-2)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

Texas Stars VS. Abbotsford Heat 12/30 Preview

From Abbotsford, B.C.: The Texas Stars (14-15-1 29 PTS) were defeated by the Abbotsford Heat (21-9-2, 44 PTS) 5-3 in front of 3,064 fans at the Abbotsford Entrainment & Sports Center on Thursday Night. Heat Goalie Danny Taylor made 42 saves and forward Krys Kolanos added 3 points in the team's third straight win over the Stars this season. Taylor stopped 16 shots in the 2nd period and all 13 in the 3rd period to improve to 11-5-0 on the season. Kolanos scored once and added two assists, as Abbotsford extended their streak to five straight games with a point on home ice. Heat forward Jon Rheault set up three goals, as his team moved to 7-4-0 against Texas all time. Forwards Stephen Schultz, Scott Glennie, & Colton Sceviour each scored, as Texas falls to 8-8-0 on the road this year. Texas Goalie Tyler Beskorowany (6-9-0) stopped 24 shots in the defeat. Texas remains in Abbotsford for a rematch with the Heat tonight on December 30 at 9:00 PM (CT).

The Stars struck first with the games opening goal at 3:59 of the 1st period. Texas rookie Scott Glennie snapped a wrist shot past goalie Danny Taylor from the right wing circle, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead. The Heat answered back with a pair of goals in less then five minutes, starting with Quintin Laing's 8th goal of the season. Forwards Kris Kolanos and defensemen Brendan Mikkelson each had an assist on the power play goal that tied the game 1-1. Kolanos would give Abbotsford a 2-1 lead at 11:35, scoring his 16th goal of the year off a wraparound. Forwards Jon Rheault & Ben Walter both picked up an assist, as the Heat carried a 2-1 lead into the 1st intermission.

In the 2nd period, the Stars pulled even with the Heat at 4:48 with a goal by Colton Sceviour. Scott Glennie set up Sceviour's 5th goal of the season, tying the game at 2-2. Abbotsford countered to re-gain the lead at 11:42, Akim Aliu scored from behind the Texas Net, banking a shot off the skate off Texas Goalie Beskorowany for his 1st goal of the year and a 3-2 Heat lead. The Stars tied the game for the third time at 14:29, as Stephen Schultz scored his 2nd goal of the year. Schultz slipped a rebound past Danny Taylor after Matt Frasier's first attempt was blocked. Travis Morin also added an assist on the play, which extended Frasier's scoring streak to 10 games. Heat defensemen Chris Breen pushed Abbotsford back into the lead in front 4-3 at 15:56 of the 2nd period. Breen lifted a shot from the left point, through traffic and past Beskorowany for his 1st goal of the year.

In the 3rd period, Heat forward Guillaume Desbiens scored his second goal of the season at 13:22 for the 5-3 Abbotsford lead. Jon Rheault set up the goal, registering his third assist of the night.

The Stars play in Abbotsford for one more game on December 30. The team will also play in San Antonio on January 6, prior to returning home on January 7 to host Rockford at 7:00 PM. The 1st 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Texas Stars Team Calender, compliments of A+ Federal Credit Union. On Saturday Night, fans may purchase the State Farm Family Four Pack, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $48.

Individual tickets for all games are now on sale. Tickets are available on line at the Texas Stars Website or by calling 512-GO-STARS (512-467-8277).

2011-2012 Season Seat Packages are on sale now. For more info on Texas Stars Season Tickets call 512-GO-STARS (512-467-8277) or visit Texas Stars Hockey. Anyone interested season tickets, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars Front Office.