Articles, Hockey, Soccer

Quickies: Dousing the Heat, and Red Bull gives Kristjan wings

Dousing the Heat
The 2013-14 Abbotsford Heat will have a new look at both ends of the ice, as their number one goaltender and top scorer have both signed with Swedish Elite League teams this week. Danny Taylor, he of the 2.05 goals against average and the 18-10-2 record — keep in mind those numbers were earned with a team that failed to make the playoffs — has now inked a two-year deal with Färjestad BK.

Goaltender Danny Taylor is one of two Abbotsford Heat players to sign with Swedish Elite League teams this week. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Goaltender Danny Taylor is one of two Abbotsford Heat players to sign with Swedish Elite League teams this week. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.

“It’s twice as much money as I’ve ever made in a hockey season,” Taylor told the Abbotsford News, adding that stability was important in his decision. “I’ve had three or four seasons where I’m waiting around (for a contract) and it’s August, and I’m pulling my nails out of my fingers wondering where I’m going to go.” Including his two-game stint with the Calgary Flames in 2013, the 27-year-old Taylor has played for a dozen pro teams since his junior career ended in 2005.

Also leaving on a jet plane is the Heat’s all-time leading scorer, 29-year-old centre Ben Walter — he signed with Örebro Hockey for the upcoming season.

More after the break.

Red Bull gives Kristjan wings
Congratulations are in order for Vancouver Whitecaps FC fan Kristjan Aug, who thanks to Doolins Pub won a trip to New York to see the his club take on the Red Bulls in New York. Kristjan drank his weight in Red Bull over the past few weeks, earning the prize (and more than likely a few admonishments from his GP) while keeping his energy up for leading those raucous Southsiders chants. Truth in advertising is always appreciated, and in this one case at least, Red Bull really did give someone wings.

All that Red Bull may have caused Southsider extraordinaire Kristjan Aug to develop severe facial tics, but he's going to New York, dammit! Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
All that Red Bull may have caused Southsider extraordinaire Kristjan Aug to develop severe facial tics, but he’s going to New York, dammit! Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
"Left hand red!" Southsider chantleader Kristjan Aug celebrates his prize of a trip to New York with a Twister-inspired chant at BC Place. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
“Left hand red!” Southsider chantleader Kristjan Aug celebrates his prize of a trip to New York with a Twister-inspired chant at BC Place. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.