From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
January 1, 2008

AEROS HOLD ON FOR 3-2 OT WIN OVER PEORIA

PEORIA, Ill. – Nolan Schaefer stopped 30 of 32 shots in net for the Houston Aeros as they defeated the Peoria Rivermen 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night in their first game of 2008. It marked the final game of a four-game road trip for Houston (18-14-1-2) as they split the trip going 2-2-0. Peoria (15-11-4-3) is now tied with Quad City for sixth place in the West Division with 37 points.

Box Score

Defensemen Jon Awe scored the game-winning goal in overtime on the power play. It marked his second overtime game-winning goal. The Aeros finished 1-6 on the power play and killed four of five penalties as they will head home for three straight games at Toyota Center. Houston will play on Friday, January 4 and Sunday, January 6 where they will take on the Iowa Stars. Tickets are available for both games by calling (713) 974-PUCK. The Aeros will be celebrating Chillypalooza, Chilly’s 11th birthday, on Sunday, January 6th where the first 3,000 fans will receive a Chilly doll. It is also a Sunday matinee Family Day game in which there are $20 center ice/club seats available.

Following two road losses, the Aeros jumped out to an early lead on the Rivermen. C Adrian Foster took a pass from Petr Kalus and notched his eighth goal of the season just 1:47 into the game. Peter Olvecky also assisted on the play. Houston wasn’t finished as C Serge Payer made it a 2-0 game less than two minutes later and both Olvecky and Kalus assisted again. Goaltender Nolan Schaefer stopped all 11 shots in the opening frame and the Aeros scored on two of their six shots.

The teams skated to a scoreless second period and Schaefer was forced to stop 12 shots. After two periods Schaefer had 23 stops and the Aeros held on to the 2-0 lead. It marked the eighth time this season the Aeros had held their opponent scoreless after two periods. Houston is now 8-0 when holding their opponent scoreless after two periods.

Peoria ended their scoreless drought against the Aeros at the 12:13 mark of the third period. The Rivermen had not scored a goal against the Aeros in 143:31, but Julian Talbot notched his 12th goal of the season on assists from Jean-Guy Trudel and Jeff Woywitka. Aeros LW Benoit Pouliot was whistled for a double-minor following the goal and Talbot made quick work to tie the game. He tipped in a Charles Linglet shot underneath the padding of Schaefer tying the game at two. The goals cam just 1:28 apart and forced an overtime session.

Jon Awe scored the game-winning goal, his third goal of the season at the 2:17 mark of the extra session. It was a power play goal as the Aeros won their third straight overtime game, all coming on power play goals. Awe found a little space at the top of the slot and snapped a wrist shot past Chris Beckford-Tseu.

The Aeros were outshot 32-13 in the game but found a way to win as they will head home for a three-game home-stand starting Friday night against the Iowa Stars.

Notes:
- D Jon Awe recorded his third goal of the season and second overtime game-winning goal.
- The game marked the first time that the Aeros have played on the first day of the year.
- Houston has won their last three games that have been decided in overtime. All of them coming on power play goals.


-- HOUSTON AEROS --