From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
December 11, 2008
HOUSTON AEROS TAKE EARLY LEAD,
WIN 4-1 OVER QUAD CITY
HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Aeros net-minder Barry Brust blocked 33 of 34 shots as the offense posted four goals in a 4-1 victory over the Quad City Flames Thursday night. Houston (12-10-1-3) has recorded at least one point in seven of their last eight games. The Aeros host the Hershey Bears Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. on Teddy Bear Toss night and the first 3,000 fans will receive an Erik Reitz bobblehead as part of the Aeros’ Legends Bobblehead Series. Call (866) GO-AEROS to get your tickets today.
Game Sheet
The Aeros struck first on Maxim Noreau’s ninth goal of the season and seventh power play goal. Noreau picked up a loose puck in the slot and one timed it past Flames’ goaltender Matt Keetley. Krys Kolanos and Corey Locke earned assists on the play and Locke extended his point scoring streak to four games. The Aeros took a 2-0 lead on John Scott’s second of the season when he banged in his own rebound on a centering pass from Jason Deitsch. Quad City outshot the Aeros 10-8 in the period, but Houston controlled and took the two-goal lead to the intermission.
It took the Aeros just 20 seconds in the second period to add to their lead when Peter Olvecky backhanded a puck over Keetley for Olvecky’s first even-strength goal of the season and third overall. He was assisted by Marco Rosa on the play. Quad City attempted to make a game of it when Warren Peters ripped a shot from the left point that found it’s way to the back of the net. The goal came at the 14:44 mark of the second while the teams were skating four-on-four, but that was all the offense the Flames could muster. Corey Locke answered for the Aeros with his ninth goal of the season on a delayed penalty extra attacker situation for the Aeros. Locke came in on the right wing and wristed his shot past Keetley at the 18:40 mark to give the Aeros a 4-1 lead after two periods.
The third period was held scoreless for the fifth time this season as Brust knocked aside all ten of Quad City’s shots. Houston put just five shots on net as Leland Irving stopped each. Houston finished 1-for-3 on the power-play and killed off all six chances against in the game to hold on for a 4-1 victory.
Notes:
- Houston remained undefeated against the West Division with the victory for a record of 8-0-1-0.
- D Maxim Noreau’s first period power play goal extended his lead in the American Hockey League for goals by a defenseman. Noreau leads all defensemen with nine goals and seven power play goals.
- Houston held a two-goal lead after the first period for just the second time this season. The last game was a 2-0 lead over Bridgeport on November 16th. The Aeros lost that game, 3-2, in a shootout.
- Aeros’ goaltender Barry Brust has blocked 135 of 142 shots in his last five games, good for a .951 save percentage and a 3-0-2, undefeated streak.
- C Corey Locke’s goal and assist extended his point and assist streaks to four games (4-4=8). The game marked his team-leading 10th multi-point game of the season. Locke has six goals in the last six games for the Aeros.
- John Scott’s goal was his second of the season through 16 games played. Last season he recorded a total of three goals in 64 games.
- The Aeros’ perfect penalty kill of 6-for-6 on the night improved the overall total to 118-138, a percentage of 85.5%.
- Peter Olvecky’s second period marker was his third of the season through 20 games. His last tally was November 29 in San Antonio five games earlier. Last season he netted 17 goals in 62 games played.
- Houston moved to a record of 6-1-0-0 when scoring four or more goals.
-- HOUSTON AEROS: 15 Seasons, One Reason -- |
