From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Saturday, December 08, 2007

HOUSTON AEROS DEFEAT MANITOBA MOOSE 4-3, WIN FOUR STRAIGHT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Houston Aeros played a more offensive game than last night, defeating the Manitoba Moose 4-3 in front of 8,800 fans at MTS Centre. Houston (12-10-1-1) has won four straight games keeping the team tied for sixth in the West Division as Manitoba (14-8-2-1) remains static at second in the North Division.

Box Score

Houston was led by center Steve Kelly (two goals) and left wing Benoit Pouliot (two assists) scoring two points each. The Moose’s left wing Jason Jaffray tallied two assists and center Brad Moran marked a goal and an assist to lead Manitoba. Aeros goaltender Nolan Schaefer stopped 21 of 24 shots on net in his second win in as many nights. Manitoba’s Cory Schneider blocked 25 of 29 shots in the loss. Each team scored one power-play goal as the Aeros had six opportunities and Manitoba had five chances.

The game started just the opposite of last night as Aeros Kelly netted the only goal in the first period at 10:08 into the game. The marker came on a 2-on-0 breakaway when Kelly stole the puck along his defensive blue line and shot the puck low under the pads of Schneider for the 1-0 lead as the teams took to the locker room. Each team marked seven shots on goal in the period and the Aeros failed to capitalize on two power-play opportunities.

At 15:56 into the second period Aeros’ Pouliot centered a pass near the blue line during a Houston power-play and defenseman Jon Awe hit a hard slapper on net. Center Serge Payer tipped the shot in front of Schneider and went in the net for a 2-0 Aeros lead. Not about to head into the second intermission down by two, the Moose’s Moran netted a man-advantage goal of his own. Jaffray and right wing Jozef Balej marked the assists and headed into the intermission with Manitoba down 2-1.

A mere 28 seconds into the final period the Moose tied the game at 2 each when center Rick Rypien tallied the early-period goal. The lone assist was credited to right wing Mike Keane. Houston’s Cal Clutterbuck took the lead back as he netted the puck 3:12 into the period. Left wing Ryan Hamilton marked the assist but that wouldn’t be it for the night. Manitoba tied the game back up at 3 as left wing Jannik Hansen netted his third of the season at 6:21 in the period. Moran and Jaffray each marked their second points of the night with the assists on the goal. At 13:39 in the final session Payer netted his second goal of the night marking the game winner. Pouliot and right wing Danny Irmen marked the assists on the game decider.

Houston plays again in Hartford on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and can be heard on AM 1070 KNTH or online at Aeros.com. The Aeros return home on December 22 to host Springfield. For a limited time and while supplies last, get Center Ice/Club seats for only $20 (regularly $30) and Corner seats for only $15 (regularly $22) each. The Holiday Ticket Special is also available for the December 26 game against I-10 rival, San Antonio.

The Holiday Stuffer begins at just $44. Lower end zones “Stuffers” are $64, corners are $84 and center ice “Stuffers” are $116. The Stuffer is only available through the Aeros Front Office and can be purchased by calling 713.974.PUCK.

Notes:
- The Aeros improved to 4-0-0-0 when Steve Kelly scores multiple-points in a game
- The Aeros have won four in a row, the most since the team has won five in a row from 11/4-11/17/06 last season


-- HOUSTON AEROS --