HGD 25: Valimaki-less Heat try to rebound in San Jose after Dec. 31 beating (2:00 p.m. MT)

It’s unclear whether the Stockton Heat will have @Dustin Wolf back at their disposal for their rematch against the San Jose Barracuda on Sunday.

With Wolf still trekking back from his stint in the National Hockey League and @Adam Werner in COVID-19 protocol, the Heat deployed a tandem of @Andrew Shortridge and @Daniil Chechelev for their clash against the Barracuda on New Years’ Eve.

Although Shortridge did all he could behind a depleted defence, Stockton gave up a ton of shots from between the circles and ended up falling by a 4–0 score.

It remains to be seen whether Wolf will return to the lineup for Stockton’s rematch against the Barracuda on Sunday. The 20-year-old rookie has been off to a spectacular start in his first AHL season, with a 14–0–2 record and a .940 save percentage in 16 appearances.

Werner remains in COVID-19 protocol, along with defenceman @Juuso Valimaki and forward @Emilio Pettersen.

Even after Friday’s shutout loss, Stockton (18–3–3) remains atop the AHL’s Pacific Division. Conversely, San Jose (11–13–1) is still in eighth place.

@Jakob Pelletier – @Glenn Gawdin – @Matthew Phillips
@Eetu Tuulola – @Connor Zary – @Martin Pospisil
@Justin Kirkland – @Luke Philp – @Walker Duehr
@Alex Gallant – @Ryan Olsen – @Mark Simpson

@Dustin Wolf
@Andrew Shortridge

@Jayden Halbgewachs – @Nick Merkley – @Adam Raska
@John Leonard – Zachary Gallant – @Joachim Blichfeld
@Evan Weinger – @Timur Ibragimov – Jake McGrew
@Dillon Hamaliuk – @Krystof Hrabik – @Steenn Pasichnuk

@Jaycob Megna – @Ryan Merkley
@Nick Cicek – @Santeri Hatakka
@Artemi Kniazev – @Cole Moberg

Sam Harvey
Mike Murphy

Stockton — @Jakob Pelletier (10 goals, 27 points); @Glenn Gawdin (nine goals, 24 points); @Matthew Phillips (nine goals, 21 points); @Luke Philp (seven goals, 14 points); @Connor Mackey (three goals, 14 points).

San Jose — @Scott Reedy (13 goals, 22 points); @Joachim Blichfeld (10 goals, 18 points); @Jayden Halbgewachs (eight goals, 18 points); @Ryan Merkley (one goal, 17 points); @Nick Merkley (six goals, 16 points).

Stockton — Remember when @Walker Duehr was one of the big stories at Calgary Flames training camp? The 24-year-old forward started reasonably well with the Heat this season but has since found his way onto the scoresheet in just one of his last 11 games. In total, Duehr has four goals and six points in 16 games this year.

San Jose — Talk about an impressive season debut for Sam Harvey, who stopped all 30 shots he faced in Friday’s 4–0 win over the Heat. The 23-year-old University of New Brunswick alumnus posted a 2–4–1 record and a .904 save percentage in seven appearances with the Barracuda last year. His backup on Friday? None other than equipment manager Mike Murphy.

Sunday’s game in Stockton will be broadcast on AHL TV (subscription required) and on Spreaker (audio only), with the opening puck-drop set for 2:00 p.m. MT.

FlamesNation contributor Paige Siewert will provide live game updates on her Twitter account. Additionally, you’ll be able to follow along at TheAHL.com.

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