The Stockton Heat (10–1–2) will be without their No. 1 centre on Friday when they take on the Colorado Eagles (6–7–2) at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, CO.
The Calgary Flames recalled Adam Ruzicka to the National Hockey League on Thursday, leaving the Heat without their leading scorer for the immediate future.
One consolation for Stockton fans: Walker Duehr is back with the Heat. Calgary returned the 24-year-old winger to the American Hockey League on Nov. 24 after one NHL game and 20 days collecting a hefty paycheque on the big club.
Ruzicka is a big loss for the Heat.