From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
December 22, 2007

KALUS, AEROS DOWN FALCONS 2-0

HOUSTON, Texas – Petr Kalus marked his fourth career two-goal game and goaltender Nolan Schaefer stopped all 21 shots as the Houston Aeros defeated the Springfield Falcons 2-0 Saturday night at Toyota Center. The Aeros played their first home game in 21 days, and extended their undefeated home streak to nine games (8-0-0-1). The Aeros have not lost a home game in regulation since October 30, 2007. Houston stays home for a game Wednesday, December 26 against the San Antonio Rampage at 7:05 p.m.

Box Score

The Aeros had an extra jump in their step in their first period at home in 21 days. RW Petr Kalus gave Houston a 1-0 lead at the 9:55 mark when he took a pass from D Maxim Noreau, skated around a defenseman, and shelved a backhand over the glove of Falcons’ G Devon Dubnyk. The assist for Noreau was his first of the season.

Shortly after the Kalus goal, the Aeros were given a golden opportunity to take a two-goal lead when they earned a five-on-three power play for 1:24. Houston was unable to convert, but finished the period with a 1-0 lead and a 15-8 advantage in shots.

In the second period, the Aeros continued to pressure Dubnyk but couldn’t get the puck into the net. Houston outshot the Falcons 12-5 in the period; however they were unable to convert on four power play opportunities and held on to the one-goal lead after two periods. The Aeros’ 27 shots through two periods marked the most shots on goal through two periods this season.

Kalus struck again in the third period to give the Aeros a 2-0 lead at the 8:47 mark. Kalus skated in, waited for the defender to go down, made a nice toe drag and snapped the puck past Dubnyk five-hole. C Steve Kelly assisted on the play for his 10th of the season.  It marked the fourth time in Kalus' career that he has had a two-goal game, and first multiple goal game this season. The Aeros staged off the final 1:25 with the Falcons having an extra attacker to ensure their second shutout of the season.

The Aeros will play again on home ice the day after Christmas, December 26, against their I-10 rival, the San Antonio Rampage in their annual Guns & Hoses game. Game time is set for 7:05 PM. Tickets are still available by calling (713) 974-PUCK or go online at Aeros.com to view their holiday specials.

Notes:
- The Aeros had 27 shots through the first two periods, their most shots through two periods. They had 24 shots on goal through two periods on November 2, 2007 against the Lake Erie Monsters.
- D Maxim Noreau marked his first assist of the season. He now has three points (2-1=3).
- RW Petr Kalus two goals tied a career high. He is now tied with D Erik Reitz for the team lead with seven goals this season.
- Tonight’s game is only the second this season that neither team scored a power-play goal. The last time was December 7 at Manitoba where the Aeros went 0-for-5 and the Moose didn’t score in six opportunities. Tonight the Aeros were scoreless in six chances and Springfield failed to convert on three chances.
- Goaltender Nolan Schaefer recorded his second shutout of the season stopping all 21 of the Falcons’ shots. The shutout marked his 10th career AHL shutout, and he is now 10-5-0 with a 2.08 GAA and .926 save percentage.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --