From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008

AEROS TAKE DOWN DIVISION LEADER, 3-1

HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Aeros defeated the division leading Rockford IceHogs 3-1 in Rockford MetroCentre on Tuesday night. The Aeros (24-18-2-3) will return to Rockford (30-13-3-5) Friday night after a stop in the Quad Cities tomorrow.

Box Score

The first period was kept scoreless but was scattered with penalties throughout. Each team as called with three violations, both going 0-for-3 on the power-play. The Aeros out-shot Rockford in the opening session 9-5.

Houston took control of the second frame with goaltender Barry Brust stopping all 12 shots faced. The IceHogs again failed to convert on three man-advantage opportunities but the Aeros’ LW Peter Olvecky netted the puck on the clubs only power-play opportunity of the period at 13:41. Center Adrian Foster and LW Benoit Pouliot earned the assists on the marker. Brust made a big save late in the period but didn’t come out unscathed as he appeared to have been injured while taking the 1-0 lead into the second intermission.

The third period provided a bit more action with three total goals scored. Aeros’ RW Joel Ward put forth a spectacular effort and potted an un-assisted marker at 7:56 in the period which proved to be the game-winning tally. Rockford wouldn’t be shutout though as RW Derek Nesbit shot in the team’s only goal on a power-play at 13:20 in the period bringing the IceHogs within one. Petri Kontiola and Troy Brouwer marked the assists. In a last ditch effort, Rockford pulled their goalie for an extra attacker but LW Ryan Hamilton took advantage of the open goal and scored an insurance marker for the Aeros with 1:10 remaining. RW Cal Clutterbuck earned the helper on the final goal of the evening.

The Aeros head to Quad City to face the Flames tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Tune in to Jason Shaver on 1070-AM KNTH or watch the contest live on the B2 Networks. The Aeros’ autographed, game-worn Old School jerseys are on the auction block only until February 12 at 12:01 p.m. so sign in often to ensure you get yours!

Notes:
- Aeros’ Center Steve Kelly and his wife Cheralyn welcomed a baby boy on Monday morning. Benett Steven Kelly was born at 11:30 a.m. weighing eight pounds two ounces. Steve and Cheralyn also have two daughters, Avery (5) and Adyson (21 months).
- Peter Olvecky's goal at the 13:41 mark of the second period opened the scoring and ended a scoreless drought of 135:30 against the IceHogs. Houston had not scord a goal since the first period of the first game against Rockford.
- The win returns the Aeros to .500 on the road with a record of 10-10-1-1 away from Toyota Center.
- Houston improved to 18-5-0-2 when scoring a power-play marker and 20-3-1-2 when scoring the first goal.


-- HOUSTON AEROS --