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Saturday, October 3, 2015

Stockton Heat: Season Preview



By William Espy

As the AHL season draws closer and closer, the Stockton Heat’s inaugural roster is continuing to take shape. With former Thunder captain Garet Hunt currently under a professional try-out deal (former Thunder alternate captain Ryan Constant was released from his earlier today), former NHL enforcer Colton Orr, and a magnitude of young Calgary Flames prospects the Heat’s first season looks very promising. The defensive corps will be led by former NHL fringe player Aaron Johnson and the 60th overall pick from this past draft Oliver Kylington. The 2015-2016 season will likely start off a bit slow for Kylington who is making the jump from his native Sweden for the first time.

Morgan Klimchuk will likely provide a dominant scoring prowess from the first line, while it is uncertain who he will play with; the early favorite is likely Bill Arnold. Garet Hunt and Colton Orr will provide a physical presence on the team, almost certainly getting fourth line time.

Goaltending is an interesting situation. The Heat currently have three goalies who can play at the AHL level, former Thunder goalie Kent Simpson and Flames top goalie prospect Jon Gillies and Eric Hartzell. The most likely goaltending tandem will be Gillies and Simpson, however Hartzell may force his way into coach Huska’s plans.

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