Barracuda lose seesaw opener to Heat, 3-2

Oct 15, 2016

STOCKTON, CA - The San Jose Barracuda scored the first goal Saturday night, but a two tally Stockton second and multiple unfortunate bounces proved too much as the San Jose Barracuda fell, 3-2, in the season opener against the Stockton Heat at Stockton Arena.

Danny O'Regan (1) opened up the scoring in the first period for San Jose on a great individual effort. The Boston University product first blocked a shot in his end and then scooped up the loose puck, raced down the ice, and beat Jon Gillies through the five-hole at 10:17.

In the second, the Stockton Heat lit the lamp when Matt Frattin (1) intercepted a Barracuda outlet pass and beat Troy Grosenick under the left arm at 9:45. The Heat took its first lead at the 13 minute mark, again on a turnover. Harrison Shinkaruk (1) went top shelf on Grosenick to make it 2-1.

Barclay Goodrow (1) whipped the equalizer past Gillies at 10:55 of the third on a set play off the draw. The Barracuda looked in good shape until Ryan Lomberg (1) collected what seemed like a simple dump in and beat Grosenick on a top-shelf chip over his shoulder at 15:55 after getting beyond the San Jose defense. The Barracuda peppered the Heat end late but failed to tie the game.

Grosenick (0-1) made spectacular saves throughout the contest but took the hard-luck loss, stopping 30 shots. Gillies (1-0) earned the win in a solid performance, making 28 saves.

The Barracuda are back in action next Saturday against the Ontario Reign at 7 p.m. before returning to SAP Center for the home opener against the Bakersfield Condors on Oct. 28.

2016-17 ticket packages are on sale now! Score your ticket package by contacting the Barracuda front office at 408-977-4747 or visit www.sjbarracuda.com