 On June 5, 2009, Playfair began his second stint as a head coach in the American Hockey League after being named the head coach of the Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames affiliate).In his two seasons at the helm, Playfair led the Heat to a 77–61–9–13 record (176 points).In 2009–10, he guided the Heat to the North Division finals, falling to the Hamilton Bulldogs in six games.