From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
January 4, 2008

STARS SHOOT DOWN AEROS 3-1 IN DIVISIONAL MATCHUP

HOUSTON, Texas – The Iowa Stars scored first and scored the final two to defeat the Houston Aeros 3-1 in front of 5,123 fans at Toyota Center Friday night. The Stars’ (18-17-1-1) win moves them within one point of tying the Aeros (18-15-1-2) in the tightest division in the American Hockey League.

Box Score

The Stars' Konstantin Pushkarev led the way with two goals for the team. Houston's Peter Olvecky netted the teams' lone-goal. Goaltender Nolan Schaefer allowed three goals in 21 shots in the loss including two on the power-play. Winning goaltender Tobias Stephan blocked 31 of 32 shots on net. The Aeros failed to capitalize on four man-advantages as Iowa converted on two-of-four power-play chances.

Iowa scored the all-important first goal on a nice centering pass from Chris Conner to Pushkarev who buried the one-timer past Aeros’ Schaefer. The goal was a power play goal after Aeros’ right wing Petr Kalus received a five minute penalty and game misconduct for checking from behind. Houston entered the first intermission down 1-0, and it marked only the second time in the last twelve games the Aeros were trailing after one period.

The Aeros could not score the equalizer in the second period, but also held the Stars scoreless to keep the game remained 1-0 in favor of Iowa. It marked the first time in 15 games that the Aeros were held scoreless through two periods dating back to November 30, 2007 in a 1-0 overtime win over the Peoria Rivermen.

The final period began quickly for the Aeros as Olvecky tied the game at one goal each only 47 seconds into the period. Centers Adrian Foster and Morten Madsen recorded the assists on the even-strength marker. At 13:07 in the final session D Nolan Baumgartner netted the eventual game-winning goal. C Perttu Lindgren earned the assist on the goal. Pushkarev potted the un-assisted insurance-goal with only 2:47 left to play as the Stars closed out the 3-1 victory.

Notes:
- The Aeros were held scoreless after two periods for the first time in 14 games dating back to November 30 when the Aeros defeated Peoria 1-0 in the overtime.
- With the Stars’ win, the gap between fourth place and eighth place in the West Division closes to two points. Aeros are tied for fourth with 39 points and the Quad City Flames fall to eighth place with 37 points.

The Aeros will face-off against the Stars again on Sunday, January 6 and the team will be celebrating Chillypalooza, Chilly’s 11th birthday, where the first 3,000 fans will receive a Chilly doll. It is a Sunday matinee Family Day game starting at 4:05 p.m. Call (713) 974-PUCK for tickets.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --