From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Friday, April 18, 2008

HOUSTON AEROS FALL 3-1 TO ROCKFORD
IN GAME ONE OF WEST DIVISION SEMIFINALS

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Houston Aeros kept the game square through two periods but couldn’t find the net in the third to fall 3-1 to the Rockford IceHogs at Rockford MetroCentre Friday night. The IceHogs took a 1-0 series lead with game two tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. The Aeros are now 3-3 all-time in the opening game of first round Calder Cup Playoff series’. The teams will face off again tomorrow night in game two of the division semifinal series.

Box Score

It took over three minutes into the first period for there to be a shot on goal for either team. Ryan Hamilton recorded the game’s first shot at the 3:26 mark but the IceHogs quickly turned the tide. Aeros’ center Serge Payer took a tripping penalty at the 8:29 mark giving Rockford the first power play. Rockford had a couple chances in the power play, but Aeros’ goaltender Nolan Schaefer kept the IceHogs off the scoreboard. Houston again shifted the momentum for the remainder of the first period and finished outshooting Rockford 10-7 in the frame, but neither team was able to get the go-ahead goal.

Not long in the second period before Rockford took the first lead of the game at 1:56 when Gavin Morgan netted the even strength goal. The goal, initially waved off, was called good after the officials had a chance to convene and discuss the shot. Kris Versteeg and Jack Skille earned the assists on the opening marker. Houston tied the game back up on a Hamilton goal at 8:26 in the same period with Joel Ward and Brandon Rogers on the assists. The teams remained tied through the second period of play with the Aeros out-shooting Rockford 16-15 through this point.

After an evenly matched first part of the final period the IceHogs tallied the eventual game-winning goal by Troy Brouwer at 8:22 in. Martin St. Pierre earned his first of two points on the night with the first assist and Versteeg tallied his second helper of the game. Houston pulled Schaefer for the extra attacker with over a minute left in the game but Rockford was able to break through the Aeros efforts to tie the game and netted the puck with only two seconds remaining. St. Pierre netted the final goal off a late pass deep in the Aeros’ zone from Jake Dowell. Rockford out-shot the Aeros 12-3 in the final frame and 27-19 overall. Neither team converted on any of three power-play chances each.

The Aeros and IceHogs will faceoff again Saturday night at the Rockford MetroCentre at 7:05 p.m. CDT. Be sure to listen live to Jason Shaver on 1070-AM KNTH or online at AEROS.com. Fans can also watch the game live via the B2 Networks broadcast.

The teams will play games three, four and five in Houston starting on Tuesday, April 22nd and tickets are on sale now. Group tickets and special packages are available by calling 713.974.PUCK. Don’t delay and get your choice of seats for the entirety of the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --