From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Sunday, January 6, 2008

AEROS’ SCHAEFER BLANKS STARS 5-0 AS PAYER SETS SEASON-HIGH

HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Aeros’ center Serge Payer had a career-high four points as goaltender Nolan Schaefer shutout the Iowa Stars 5-0 in front of 5,459 fans at Toyota Center Sunday night. Houston’s (19-15-1-2) win marks the first home-victory over the Stars (18-18-2-1) since February 23, 2006.

Box Score

Payer set an Aeros’ season-high with four-points (2-2=4) in a game and also led the team in both goals and assists as he netted his seventh and eighth goals of the season. Schaefer was not to be out-shined as he posted his fourth shutout of the season stopping all 22 shots faced. Iowa goaltender Philippe Sauve blocked 25 of 30 shots faced in the loss. The Aeros converted on one-of-five power-plays as Iowa failed to score on any of their six opportunities.

The first period was held scoreless with only 15 shots on goal, six for the Aeros. Schaefer and the defense fended off three Stars power-play chances as Houston did not convert on their one opportunity in the period.

Payer started the scoring off early in the second period tallying his seventh goal of the season at 1:00 into the period. Defenseman Maxim Noreau and right wing Joel Ward earned the assists on the play. Iowa was called for high-sticking Payer who, ten seconds into the ensuing power-play, netted his second goal of the period at 5:07 in the second. D Erik Reitz, who supplied the shot that was tipped in, and RW Cal Clutterbuck were awarded the assists.

At 9:38 in the second period, LW Benoit Pouliot stole the puck from Iowa during transition and back handed the Aeros third goal in the period for a 3-0 lead. Houston converted on one of their two power-play chances as Iowa failed to convert on their one opportunity.

Houston started off the final period quickly as C Steve Kelly netted his eighth goal of the season only 53 seconds into the period. D Clayton Stoner and Payer assisted on the goal putting the team up 4-0. RW Danny Irmen potted his third goal of the season at 10:52 in the period. The Aeros went up 5-0 as Payer earned his fourth point of the night with the assist to end the scoring for the evening.

Notes:
- Houston improved to a record of 9-3-1-1 after being tied through the first period.
- A total of $1,400 dollars was donated to the Serge Payer Foundation from anonymous fans during the course of his four-point night.
- Payer’s second goal in the second period marked the first time this season an Aero has scored two in a single period.
- Payer’s four points (2-2=4) is the first four-point game of the season for the Aeros. - Nolan Schaefer’s shutout marks his fourth in 16 games. The four shutouts on the season marks a career-high.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --