He started his career as the team's third goaltender and then progressively earned more playing time in net.
St. Lawrence won more than twice as many games in Heffler's final season and he was one of the top goaltenders in the nation in both goals against average and save percentage.
The next year, when Edmonton's primary netminder, Bill Ranford, contracted an ear infection, Heffler was called up to serve as a backup behind Tommy Salo.
In his second full season of pro hockey, Heffler's performance declined, but he still earned a second call-up to the Oilers, this time for one game.
In the second half of the season he didn't appear to be improving, so Heffler ended up playing single-A hockey the year after.