12.26.12
Game Summary -HERE
10,799 SEE HOUSTON AEROS POST DRAMATIC 4-3 OT WIN
Aeros Set to Host Charlotte on Dec. 28th at 7:05 p.m.
Houston, TX – The Houston Aeros (15-10-1-3, 34 points) defeated the Texas Stars (15-9-3-2, 35 points) 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night in front of a season-high 10,799 fans at Toyota Center. Defenseman Kyle Medvec ended overtime 2:15 into the extra session, jamming in a loose puck in the Stars crease for the dramatic victory. Forwards Mikael Granlund, Charlie Coyle, Jason Zucker and Nick Palmieri each posted a multi-point game in the Aeros victory. Houston goalie Matt Hackett (12-8-2) stopped 27 of 30 Texas shots for the win, as Houston improved to 9-4-1-2 at home this season. Texas goalie Christopher Nilstorp (11-9-0) stopped 25 of 29 Houston shots, falling to 1-3-0 against the Stars this season. Houston will remain at home to host the Charlotte Checkers at Toyota Center at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28.
Houston claimed the first lead of the evening with a goal by Mikael Granlund 7:28 into the first period. The Aeros forced a turnover at the Stars blue line and countered with a two-on-one advantage. Rookie Charlie Coyle found Granlund in the slot, who fired a wrist shot over the glove of Texas goalie Christopher Nilstorp. Forward Jason Zucker added an assist as Houston moved in front 1-0. The Stars tied the game 1-1 at 13:08 of the first period. Left wing Matt Fraser found a rebound in the Aeros crease for his 11th goal of the season. Right wing Colton Sceviour and defenseman Jordie Benn each added an assist on the Stars first goal of the night.
In the second period, Houston regained its one-goal lead at 7:28. Justin Fontaine set up Nick Palmieri deep in the Stars zone. Palmieri snuck a backhand shot over the shoulder of Nilstorp for the 2-1 lead. Defenseman Brian Connelly added an assist on Palmieri’s ninth goal of the season. Texas countered with a five-on-four power-play goal at 8:48. Cody Eakin finished off a feed from Reilly Smith, tying the game 2-2. Rookie Alex Chiasson also added an assist on Eakin’s ninth tally of the season. The Aeros answered with a power-play goal of their own at 17:05 of the second period. Coyle buried a centering pass by Granlund, beating Nilstorp for the 3-2 Houston lead. Zucker added his second assist of the night on Coyle’s 11th goal of the season.
In the third period, Texas tied it 3-3 at 6:24 on Antoine Roussel’s fifth goal of the year. Patrick Nemeth and Brenden Dillon each had an assist on the goal. Initially, the goal, which snuck past Hackett and just over the end line before being cleared, was not called, but after official review, the Stars were awarded the goal.
The two teams went to overtime, where defenseman Kyle Medvec ended the contest 2:15 into the extra session. Defenseman Tyler Cuma set up Palmiieri, who played the next in front for Medvec. The Aeros defenseman jammed in a loose puck for his first goal of the season and a 4-3 Aeros victory.
The Aeros remain at home on Friday, Dec. 28 to host the Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. Fans are encouraged to wear Ugly Holiday sweaters. Houston will play in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m., prior to returning home on New Year’s Day. 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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