11.25.12
Game Summary - HERE
Learn About Jason Zucker's Record-Tying Goal - HERE
HOUSTON AEROS BEAT THE HEAT 3-2 IN OT
Aeros Set to Host Oklahoma City Thursday and Friday
Houston, TX – The Houston Aeros (9-6-1-2, 21 points) defeated the Abbotsford Heat (12-2-2-2, 28 points) 3-2 in overtime on Sunday night in front of 8,373 fans at Toyota Center. Right wing Jason Zucker scored five seconds into overtime, giving Houston a dramatic victory at home over the AHL’s top team. Fellow forward Justin Fontaine led the way with a goal and an assist for the Aeros, who improved to 4-3-1-2 at home this season. Houston goalie Matt Hackett (6-5-2) moved a game over .500 with 18 saves on 20 shots. Forward David McIntyre also scored, as the Aeros opened up a three-game home stand with a win. Abbotsford goalie Danny Taylor (5-3-1) stopped 20 of 23 shots in the defeat. Houston will host Oklahoma City at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at Toyota Center.
Houston opened the scoring at 14:32 of the first period. The Aeros worked the puck around on the power play, with right wing Justin Fontaine scoring his seventh goal of the season. Center Zack Phillips and defenseman Tyler Cuma each had an assist as Houston moved in front 1-0. Abbotsford countered to tie the game 1-1 at 15 minutes. The Heat worked the puck around in the Houston zone. Brett Olson fired the puck to the net and the shot banked off the skate of an Aeros defender and into the Houston net. Olson’s fourth of the season was set up by Paul Byron and Dustin Sylvester.
Houston jumped back in front 2-1 at 8:56 of the second period. David McIntyre found a rebound to the left of the Heat goal and shuffled the puck into the back of the net for the 2-1 advantage. Forwards Fontaine and Nick Palmieri each had an assist on McIntyre’s fifth goal of the year.
Abbotsford tied the game at 10:18 of the third period, as defenseman Joe Piskula fired a shot from the blueline that beat goalie Matt Hackett. Puskula’s first goal of the year was set up by Zach McKelvie and Carter Bancks for a 2-2 game.
The two teams skated to overtime knotted at two, but Aeros forward Jason Zucker scored for Houston just five seconds into the extra frame. His team-leading ninth goal of the season was set up by Johan Larsson with 4:55 left in overtime for the 3-2 victory.
Houston continues a three-game home stand with Oklahoma City on Thursday and Friday versus Oklahoma City at 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. The Aeros will host Girl Scout Night on Friday and celebrate the final day of Movember. The team will also host a Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive. Every fan that brings a jar of peanut butter or jelly, will receive two free tickets to a select future Aeros home game. The Girl Scouts are running the donation program to benefit the homeless.
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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