12.28.12
Game Summary - HERE
HOUSTON AEROS WIN 3-2 IN OVERTIME
Aeros Visit San Antonio on Saturday, Return home Jan. 1 to Host OKC
Houston, TX – The Houston Aeros (16-10-1-3, 36 points) defeated the Charlotte Checkers (18-9-1-3, 40 points) 3-2 in overtime on Friday night in front of 7,625 fans at Toyota Center. Forward Johan Larsson ended the game and broke a 2-2 tie at 3:38 of overtime, propelling Houston past Charlotte. Center Mikael Granlund forced overtime, scoring with 2:49 remaining in regulation to tie the game 2-2. Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper (4-3-0) stopped 30 of 32 to preserve the victory. Forward Nick Petersen added a goal in the win, the team’s first this year over division-leading Charlotte. Charlotte goalie Justin Peters (11-5-1) stopped 18 of 21 Houston shots, suffering the defeat. Checkers Tim Wallace and Chris Terry each scored in the loss, as Charlotte dropped to 10-2-1-1 on the road this year. Houston heads to San Antonio for a 7 p.m. game at AT&T Center with the Rampage on Saturday.
After a scoreless first period, Nick Petersen put the Aeros ahead 1-0 at 18:52 of the second period. Petersen took off on a breakaway and slipped a backhand shot past Charlotte goalie Justin Peters. Forward David McIntyre added an assist on Petersen’s first goal of the season.
Charlotte evened the scored just 5:49 into the third period. Checkers winger Tim Wallace snapped a wrist shot over the blocker of Aeros goalie Darcy Kuemper for the 1-1 score. Wallace’s fifth goal of the season was assisted by Brett Sutter. The Checkers pushed in front at 11:56 of the third, as winger Chris Terry fired a wrist shot from the left wing. Terry’s ninth goal of the season was set up by Brett Bellemore and Jerome Samson for the 2-1 lead. Houston would rally late to tie the game with 2:49 remaining in the final frame. Center Mikael Granlund put in a rebound off a Brian Connelly shot, tying the game 3-3. Defenseman Tyler Cuma added an assist on Granlund’s seventh goal of the season, which forced overtime.
The Aeros ended the game in overtime at 3:38. Larsson took a pass at the Charlotte blue line from Drew Bagnall and carried the puck into the Checkers zone. Larsson snapped his seventh goal of the season under the crossbar and past Peters for the 3-2 win.
Prior to returning home on New Year’s Day, Houston will play in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. The Aeros will host the Oklahoma City Barons at 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1. The game marks the beginning of a three-game home stand to ring in the New Year. The Aeros will host Texas at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4 and San Antonio at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5.
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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