12.15.12

Game Summary - HERE

CHECKERS SHUTOUT HOUSTON AEROS 3-0 
Aeros Return home Sunday for Teddy Bear Toss at 5:05 p.m.

Charlotte, NC – The Houston Aeros (13-8-1-3, 30 points) were defeated by the Charlotte Checkers (16-9-0-2, 34 points) 3-0 on Saturday in front of 5,423 fans at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Checkers goalie Justin Peters (9-4-0) stopped all 23 Houston shots, shutting out the Aeros for the first time this season. Center Jeremy Welsh set up the game’s first goal and added another, as the Checkers swept the two-game set with Houston.  Center Zach Boychuk added two assists, as Charlotte improved to 3-0-0-0 against Houston this season. Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper (3-3-0) stopped 32 of 34 in the defeat, his first start since Nov. 11. Houston returns home to host Oklahoma City at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday at Toyota Center.

For the second straight game, Charlotte struck for the 1-0 lead with the only goal of the first period. Forward Justin Shugg tipped a point shot by defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti, beating Darcy Kuemper for the first goal of the game. Jeremy Welsh added an assist on Shugg’s first goal of the season.

Charlotte connected for its second goal of the day, capitalizing with a five-on-four power-play goal at 13:02. Welsh crashed the crease, finding a loose rebound and shuffling his fifth goal of the season past Kuepmer for the 2-0 Checkers lead. Forward Zach Boychuk and defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani each had an assist on the goal with 6:58 left in the middle frame.

Charlotte’s Tim Wallace added an empty-net goal with 21 seconds remaining for the 3-0 final score. Boychuck added his second assist of the day on the final goal of the game.

Houston returns home on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 5:05 p.m. to host Oklahoma City at Toyota Center. On Dec. 16, Houston will hold its yearly Teddy Bear Toss for charity. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to throw on the ice once the Aeros score their first goal of the night. Every Sunday throughout the season is Family Day, where fans may purchase four tickets, parking and four Aeros prizes starting at $54.

Aeros season tickets start as low as $9 per seat and may be purchased online at Aeros.com by placing a $100 deposit. Once your order is processed, an Aeros ticket representative will contact you to choose your exact seat location, as well as discuss the payment options. Information on season tickets and mini-plans is also available on the team website at www.aeros.com.  Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on all tickets, to book your group outing to an Aeros game please call 713-974-PUCK (7825).

-- Houston Aeros --

• BECOME A HOUSTON AEROS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more info on season ticket packages call 713-974-PUCK (7825) or visit www.aeros.com.

• HOUSTON AEROS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule an Aeros event, Mascot or Aero Dynamics appearance, contact Gabriel Presas, director of creative game presentation and marketing development, at 713-361-7907 or e-mail gpresas@aeros.com. Those interested may also contact Alicia Kouri, marketing and promotions manager, at 713-361-7955 or email akouri@aeros.com.

• HOUSTON AEROS CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Joe O’Donnell, director of broadcasting and corporate partnerships, at 713-361-7942 or email at jodonnell@aeros.com.

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