From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
February 23, 2008

AEROS COME BACK FOR SECOND STRAIGHT NIGHT

HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Aeros won their second straight game when trailing after two periods Saturday night at the Copps Coliseum as they defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 2-1 in overtime. Houston (29-22-2-3) trailed 1-0 entering the final period, but a short-handed goal by Cal Clutterbuck and an overtime winner by Joel Ward gave the Aeros their second straight road victory after trailing after 40 minutes.

Box Score

Greg Stewart scored the lone goal for Hamilton (28-21-2-5), an even-strength goal that gave the home team the lead at the 16:34 mark of the second period. It was Stewart’s 10th goal of the season, but it was the only one that got by Aeros’ goaltender Barry Brust who stopped 27 of 28 shots in net for his 11th win of the season.

The game featured two of the top four penalty killing units in the American Hockey League and both units proved strong. Houston was unable to convert on seven chances including a five-on-three in the second period, and Hamilton finished 0-9 on the power play including a five-on-three that lasted 1:45 in the first period.

Clutterbuck tied the game at the 9:34 mark of the third period on a shorthanded goal. He picked off a pass, skated in on a two-on-one and snapped a shot far corner and over the glove of Bulldogs’ netminder Jaroslav Halak. The Hamilton goaltender finished the game with 35 saves on 37 shots and lost his 10th game of the season.

Aeros right wing Joel Ward provided the heroics for the road team when he stuffed the puck in on his third chance while on the doorstep of the Hamilton net. The goal came 2:56 into the overtime period and marked the Aeros fourth win in extra time this season. Defenseman Erik Reitz and left wing Ryan Hamilton provided the assists on the play.

Houston moved to sixth place in the West Division with 63 points. They are just two points behind the Milwaukee Admirals and three points behind the Peoria Rivermen. The Aeros continue their road trip tomorrow evening in Rochester when they take on the Americans at Blue Cross Arena for their third game in three nights. It is the first of two meetings this season between the teams. Be sure to listen live on KNTH 1070-AM and catch all of the action with Jason Shaver.

Houston has two more road games before playing 10 straight at Toyota Center in March. Tickets are available for all games by calling (713) 974-PUCK or go to Aeros.com.

Notes:
- Houston has allowed the first goal in seven straight games. They are 3-4-0-0 in those games. Overall, when the Aeros’ score the first goal they are 22-3-1-2.
- The Aeros improved their record to 15-12-1-1 on the road this season. The team only had 13 wins on the road in the 2006-07 season (13-22-3-2).
- Houston has won 10 of their last 14 road games (10-4-0-0) and six of their last eight.


-- HOUSTON AEROS --