The Abbotsford Heat came into Friday night’s game desperate for a win, but it was Landon Ferraro and the Grand Rapids Griffins who left with two points. With his father Ray, veteran of over 1,200 NHL games and 10 years of work in the broadcast booth, in attendance, Ferraro scored twice including the game-winner to further ruin any hope of the Abbotsford Heat backing into the playoffs.
The Heat are now three points back of the Chicago Wolves for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with the Wolves having three games in hand. Abbotsford has won just three games in their last 10. More after the jump.
“It’s sure nice to score with friends and family in the building,” said Ferraro after the game. “I don’t think I ever scored at the Coliseum [while in the WHL], so it’s great to get one tonight.”
When asked if Ray Ferraro, TSN hockey analyst, ever makes an appearance at the dinner table, Landon said “We talk about it sometimes, but he only offers advice if I ask for it. In the end, he’s just my dad, you know? I don’t think most people would be nervous if their parents came to their workplace, so it doesn’t really affect me or the way I play. It is fun to have so much history of the game in the family, though.”
The Ferraro family room features some pretty heady paraphernalia, to be sure: Ray Ferraro played long stints with the Hartford Whalers and New York Islanders among other teams, and earned two World Hockey Championship silver medals along the way. His wife, Cammi Granato, trumps that with Olympic gold from 1998 and numerous golds and silvers from US success at Women’s World Championships.
Landon Ferraro wore Team Canada colours at the 2009 U18 World Championships, but did not medal. While he would love to represent Canada again, he says “all of my focus is on succeeding here with the Griffins here and now, and on trying to make the Red Wings roster next season. You don’t get picked for Team Canada playing in the ECHL or AHL, so I just have to concentrate on these games and help this organization win.”
The Abbotsford Heat and Grand Rapids Griffins face off again Saturday, April 6 at the AESC.