From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
November 28, 2007

ICEHOGS BLANK AEROS 3-0

MOLINE, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs (12-6-2-1) shutout the Houston Aeros Wednesday night 3-0 at the Rockford MetroCentre. Right wing Kris Versteeg scored a pair of goals and goaltender Corey Crawford stopped all 20 shots he faced as the IceHogs improved their record to 2-0 against the Aeros (8-10-1-1).

Houston has lost three straight games on the road, but will head home for a pair of games this weekend against Peoria and Grand Rapids. Tickets are still available by calling (713) 974-PUCK, the Aeros encourage fans to take advantage of their Holiday Stuffer promotion throughout the month of December.

Box Score

Rockford quickly jumped out to the lead in the first period when right wing Kris Versteeg scored just 1:28 into the opening period on a tip in front of Aeros’ netminder Barry Brust. Houston was given a golden opportunity to tie the game moments later when they were awarded a five-on-three power play for 90 seconds, but were unable to convert. Versteeg wasn’t finished as he took advantage of a power play for the IceHogs and scored his second goal of the period at the 12:59 mark. He skated to the left of Brust and snapped a shot far side that hit the post found the net. Rockford scored their third goal in the final minute of the opening frame when center David Bolland beat Brust for his sixth goal of the season. Houston had not allowed three goals in a period since the first period of the season on opening night against Chicago (10/6).

Goaltender Anton Khudobin made his AHL debut in the second period replacing Brust who gave up three goals on 10 shots in the first period. Khudobin stopped all seven shots he faced in the period; however the Aeros were also unable to get the puck past IceHogs’ goaltender Crawford on six shots.

The teams skated to an uneventful third period as each team had seven shots on goal, but neither was able to score.

Rockford outshot the Aeros 24-20 in the game and finished 1-6 on the power play. Houston was held scoreless on the power play for the second straight game going 0-5.

Notes:
- The three goals allowed in the first period marked the second time this season Houston has allowed three goals in a period. The last time was the first period of the season on opening night against the Chicago Wolves (10/6).
- Houston has been outscored 31-17 in nine game on the road this season.
- G Anton Khudobin made his AHL debut starting in the second period and stopped all 14 shots he faced.

Friday and Saturday are the first two dates for Houston Aeros Charities Toy Drive. The collection will take place at the charities table between sections 111 and 112. All those toys will be donated to the Houston Aeros Power Playroom at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Saturday is also Houston Aeros Charities Teddy Bear Toss. All the stuffed animals brought will be tossed onto the ice immediately following the first Aeros goal and donated to KHOU's Spirit of Texas Toy Drive.


-- HOUSTON AEROS --