Shortly before the Thanksgiving Holiday a group of high school students from nearby schools attended the November 22 Aeros game against the Worcester Sharks. Those journalism students were invited to tour the arena, watch the pre-game warm ups and had the opportunity to sit down to interview Assist Coach Luke Strand after the game was over. Even a photographer was on hand to snap some shots of the action. Here is what they had to write about their experience with the Houston Aeros:

Aeros May Have Lost the Battle, But They Haven’t Lost the War

By: Bianca, Cypress Ridge High School

On a chilly Friday of November 22, 2008, the Houston Aeros played against the Worchester Sharks. The Aeros gave it their best, but they didn’t get the results they desired. They lost to a very close Game against the Sharks, with the final score of 3 – 4. Even though they didn’t exactly get the ‘Congrats to you!’ praise that they would hope for, that’s not going to stop this ambitious team from winning that precious golden trophy.

“I have one coaching philosophy,” said Coach Assist. Luke Strand, “And that is, the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”

Even though luck hasn’t exactly been on their sides, there’s always something they should smile about. For one, seven of the Houston’s eight games have been when the team has scored three or more goals. And all but one of the Aeros games has been decided by two goals or less!

“The Aeros will never get to where they want to be if they keep living in the past, so they have to be able to move on,” said Coach Assist. Strand. The Aeros have only won one of their last five games, but Houston’s hockey team still has motivation to keep pushing forward, and rise to the top. Their next game will be against the Milwaukee Admirals on November 28, 2008 at 7:35 pm.

A Night as an Aeros Fan

By: Samantha, Cypress Woods High School

Before last Saturday, I had never been to a hockey game. Its not that I have never wanted to, but the opportunity just never presented itself. Last Saturday, though, I went to the Toyota Center with other journalism students from my school to take in the Houston Aeros playing the Worchester Sharks; boy was I in for a thrill ride.

The Houston Aeros are part of the American Hockey League (AHL), a minor league that feeds into the National Hockey League (NHL). The Aeros are affiliated with the NHL team the Minnesota Wild, who calls up Aeros players when needed. In actuality, none of the Aeros are from Texas; most are from the northern US or Canada.

As part of this program, put together by Scott Henninger, we took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Toyota Center. Did you know that during basketball season, the Toyota Center lays foam boards and hardwood over the hockey ice so that the basketball players are really playing on ice?

We were allowed to see the players warm-up before the game right up against the glass. A couple of kids, dressed in Disney World hockey jerseys beside us, taunted the players endlessly causing the players to respond with occasional hits against the glass with their hands or hockey sticks. Who could blame them?

Once our tour was over, it was time to get seated and enjoy the game. Of course, what sports event can take place without first grabbing some stadium food? I, for one, must have a bucket of popcorn and a soda in order to be completely comfortable. This night was special, it was Military Appreciation Night. After Williams Elementary choir students sang the National Anthem, every member of the armed forces in the crowd was recognized and applauded.

The dropping of the puck got the excitement pumping though my veins. Trying to keep up with who has the puck will constantly keep you paying attention to the game. Now that I have been to an Aeros game, I know that when the Aeros score and someone starts shouting “1…2…3…” the crowd responds with a chant to get in the opposing goalie’s head.

Just into the first period, Aeros #6 Mitch Love and Sharks #8 Mike More ended up in the penalty box for fighting. It started off with shoving, and then both players threw off their helmets, circled around, and went at it. Both players were literally punching the other’s head with their fists, referees standing by watching. It was not until they started rolling around on the ice that the fight was broken up. There is a saying that if there is not a fight at a hockey game, then it is not a hockey game. I hope the day does not come that I do not see a fight at a hockey game, because it would be a disappointing let down.

Even though the night ended with a loss that was not prominent until the last period, I can still say that my first hockey game was an incredible one that I will always remember.

Aero Flight

By: Ray, Cypress Woods High School

Mass euphoria, absolute chaos, fighting, screaming, shouting; that is what it is like to be at an Aeros game and… it was the time of my life.

My favorite part of the game was what anyone goes to a hockey game for, the fights. Unfortunately there was only one good fight and the ref’s broke it up too soon. Also I may have liked the dancing cheerleaders, but come on I’m fifteen, can you hold it against me.

I ask you what the point of hockey is. Well I can tell you right now the point is to basically kill the other team by slamming them into the glass. I saw things that you couldn’t even get away with in football. Seriously my hat is off to all hockey players around the world because to be able to skate that hard and that fast around the rink AND get slammed repeatedly into the glass, they all must be pretty tough guys.

Wrapping up this little excerpt of my life, that game was awesome and I definitely plan to go back for more. And I know that the Aeros are only 18 games into the season (more by now) but I seriously hope that they win enough to win a cup. In conclusion: GO AEROS!!!

Aeros fight hard but lose to Sharks 5-3

By: Amy, Cypress Woods High School

Despite a hard fight put up by the Houston Aeros at the November 22 game in Houston, the Worcester Sharks got the win with a final score of five to three. Although the Aeros went on a power play eight times, only one goal was scored for Houston during those plays. Assistant Coach Luke Strand attributes this inefficiency to the multiple turned over pucks.

Although the Aeros’ power plays were relatively ineffective, following the second period the Aeros and the Sharks were in a two point tie. Maxim Noreau and Bryan Lundbohm of the Aeros scored the tying goals. However, Houston’s John Scott, assisted by Peter Olvecky and John Lammers, quickly brought the lead back to Houston only 90 seconds into the third period. But with a short handed goal from the Sharks’ Steven Zalewski, the game was tied again.

The Aeros struggled to retake the lead, but John Scott drew a penalty for hooking seven-and-a-half minutes into the third period. This penalty gave the Sharks a power play, leading to Riley Armstrong’s second goal of the game, giving Worcester a one point lead. In a last effort to at least even up the score, Houston’s goalie Barry Brust was withdrawn from the game to add an extra attacker. The Aeros couldn’t break through the Sharks’ defense, and Mike Morris of the Sharks sealed the win for the Sharks with an empty net goal.

The Battle on the Ice

By: Connor, Cypress Woods High School

Aeros assistant coach Luke Strand stated that the game of Hockey can be described under a single word, “intense”. “You have to be intense with your skating, you have to be intense with your stick,” Strand explained. The game of hockey in general is an intense war between two armies of teams. I attended the Houston Aeros versus the Worcester Sharks November 22. I’ve never attended a hockey game before and once I entered Toyota Center the “hockey” atmosphere engulfed me. The sound waves of motivational music rang in my ears; the smell of concessions aroused a satisfying smell. Just seeing the fan base and how they acted was amazing itself. Hardcore Aeros fans dressed out with their favorite Aeros’ jersey and screamed for their Houston Aeros. While on the tour of the stadium I made my way through the halls where the players were preparing for battle. The concentrated faces of our hometown warriors gave me a shot of adrenaline and excitement for the battle that we so eagerly waited for. I followed the tour guide through the narrow passageways of the Toyota Center till we finally made our way to the ice rink, which I refer to, as the “rink of pain.” The same players I once saw earlier were now preparing for war within the “rink of pain”. The Aeros seemed to be disciplined soldiers doing their duty to overcome everything and anything to win this game. They warmed up in formed ranks firing shots at the goalie testing his ability to do his job. I stared into the eyes of each player and noticed that they all seemed to understand one thing, pain. The bruises, the blood, their body, were all about to be laid out on the line for victory. The opposing team looked upon our warriors and seemed frightened. Both teams only knew what it took to triumph over enemies. After looking into the eyes of our warriors, the battle had already begun.

The battle started with immediate Shark possession. Both teams made their ways down each side of the rink, to defend, attack, and to fight for the puck. Within the first two minutes of the game, three players were blown up and smashed into the glass barrier around the ice rink. The agony on their faces was brutal to see. But hockey is an “intense” sport, and it’s not intended for the weak. The Sharks seemed to possess and execute a sharp defense and smooth offensive attacks on our Aeros. After a few minutes of constant back and forth possessions between Aeros and Shark players, The Sharks’ Riley Armstrong made a successful shot at Aeros goalie Barry Brust and gave the Shark’s a 1-0 lead in the first period. But sure enough our heroes countered attacked and Maxim Noreau gave our Aeros their first goal on the night giving us a tie game. The constant exchanging of possessions between both teams resumed. I watched player after player brutally tackled, thrown, and beaten into the stronghold of the glass barrier that surrounded the rink. The sound of each collision gave me the feeling of defeat and being beaten. It was a harsh sound to hear, much less to see. Halfway through the first period, Mitch Love of the Aeros and Mike Moore of the Sharks engaged in a hostile brawl between each other. Mitch Love never let up on Moore; he pounded into Moore’s head and skull causing the referees to step in and interfere with the brawl. After the fight was over and it was obvious that Love defeated Moore; Love skated around the rink pumping his arms in the air to rally the Aeros fans to keep supporting their team. Period one ended with a tie between both teams and both teams had nine attempts at both goals.

After the intermission between period one and period two the game resumed with once again Shark possession. But of course our Houston Aeros recovered and Bryan Lundbohm scored the first goal in period two which was the Aeros second goal on the game. Jon Insana was on the assist giving Lundbohm the puck to successfully shoot and score. Aeros goalie through the first and second period was the unsung hero of the game. Nothing got by the massive build of Barry Brust. His sharp eye and quick reaction prevented most of the Sharks’ attacks on the Aeros goal. After the game resumed after the Aeros success, Maxim Noreau was under the spotlight again. After cross checking a Sharks’ player, Noreau spent some time in the penalty box. Period two was a period of constant defense. There were a lot of attempts on both teams’ goals, but all except two were rejected. Hockey is a sport where you have to understand what is happening, yes you can enjoy the game but if you don’t know the rules of hockey you are oblivious to the sport.

After the advertisements and games for the fans to play, period three began with Aeros excitement. The Aeros, John Scott, scored within the first minute and a half into period three. Victory seemed to be the future for the Houston Aeros. The chant of the crowd was surely reassuring after each Aeros goal. “1, 2, 3, 4 he shoots, he scores!” was the chant that the Aeros fan’s gladly shouted after each Aeros success. But of course victory is never easy. About four minutes after Scott’s goal, Steven Zalewski for the Sharks scored with ease. Once again it was a tied game making the atmosphere within the stadium tense and exciting. All eyes were on the black puck as it slid across the ice. Every chance the Aeros had at success the tension within the stadium doubled and all the fans held their breath in hope to see an Aeros victory. But period three was surely meant for the Worchester Sharks. Riley Armstrong had his second goal on the night and Mike Morris with his first, made it clear that the Sharks were to be victorious over our Houston Aeros. Period three ended in agony and sorrow with our Houston Aeros, our hometown heroes, defeated by the Worchester Sharks. The score was 5-3, with the Sharks as the victorious team.

Along with being an “intense” game, hockey is also a mental game. The Aeros assistant coach, Luke Strand, stated that “you can’t live in the past.” You have to learn from your mistakes and forget the past. You can’t change what happened; all sports are alike because you have to forget your mistakes. Hockey is a “live in the moment” game too, according to Strand. Hockey is an impulse game, the brawls, the intensity, everything about hockey is impulse and reaction. After witnessing first handedly that Hockey isn’t for the weak, I now have a new respect for hockey players. They are surely warriors, the constant beating and wear and tear on one’s body only strengthens an individual physically and mentally. Strand also gave his philosophy for hockey, “the harder you work, the luckier you get.” This statement is surely the philosophy for all hockey teams and sports in general. Even though our Houston Aeros fell short that night, they are surely our team and with the support of the Houston area, our Houston Aeros will always be victorious.

Aeros Loss at Toyota Center Saturday Night Won’t Affect Their Determination

By: Ashley, Cypress Woods High School

As a girl, I don’t watch sports religiously or commit myself to watching it constantly. However, when I went to the Aeros’ hockey game at the Toyota Center on November 22, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement and intensity that the game offered. The music was well chosen, the hype was amazing and the respect that was given to members of the armed forces for Military Night was touching.

Coached by Kevin Constantine and assistant coaches Troy G. Ward and Luke Strand, the Aeros have had a very demanding season, with more losses than wins as a result of the November 22 game. The team itself is made up of varying and talented men, including the two goalies, #33 Barry Brust and #31 Nolan Schaefur, also known as the “Goaltending Duo”, who both rank in the Top 13 amongst the goaltenders in the American Hockey League this season.

The Military Appreciation game was a difficult one, and the Aeros played hard. Tackling is a natural rule of football, but all the violence on the ice seemed to be a result of the pure animosity between the Aeros and the Worcester Sharks, the opposing team. Hockey sticks were broken, and #16 Peter Olvecky experienced the aggression of the game after getting his head smashed into a wall. Even though it seems horrifying, the fans loved it. Cowbell rings filled the stadium and energy radiated from the stands.

The first two periods looked hopeful for the Sharks, the second period ending in a tie of 2-2. Yet, as in their past few games, the Aeros experienced “third period drought” and could not score a goal in the last period. Not even their risky power play at the end that sacrificed their goalie could help them rescue the game. Assistant Coach Luke Strand explained that they gave [the Sharks] the puck too much… [The Aeros] should have shot more. The Aeros lost 3-5.

The Aeros lost that game, but as it’s one of 80, and this is only the beginning of the season, hope isn’t lost. The hockey players, mostly on self motivation alone, strive to improve their game. They play hard during the season and during off season they go through a heavy training session from the beginning of June until mid-September, says Strand. “They only get about three weeks to one month break, and then it’s back to practice,” Strand says. Hard work is only part of Strand’s philosophy. “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” he said. This attitude seems to have worked for the Aeros in the past, the Aeros winning two championships since the beginning of the team in 1994. It can only be anticipated that this season will be just as successful as they play for the Calder Cup, and the Aeros continue to make every effort.

Aeros devoured by sharks 5-3

By: Megan, Cypress Woods High School

Saturday Nov. 22, Toyota Center hosted our Houston Aeros against the Worcester Sharks. Fans came out to show some love and cheer for the Aeros. It was a close game, the first goal of the night came from Worcester’s Riley Armstrong who also scored the winning goal, leaving the game with a final score of 5-3.

Aeros’ goaltender Barry Burst missed the first goal from Worcester, when the puck went slightly over his head and in to the top of the goal net, also called top shelf. Shortly after, the Aeros came back during a power play. Maxim Noreau scored at the 11:30 minute mark and left the game tied for the first period. A power play occurs when a team has a one man or two man advantage because of the opponent’s penalties.

During the game a couple of fights broke out. The biggest fight resulted in #6 Mitch Love and #8 Mike More in the penalty box for five minutes. Ice officials also sit players out for penalties, the most common are hooking and tripping.

Bryan Lundbohm got a goal for the Aeros when he tripped Jon Insana at the 5:09 minute mark. Sharks came back fast with a power play of their own to tie up the game in the second period at the 14:12 minute mark.

The game was coming to a close end when Steven Zalewski of the Sharks tied the game. Houston tried to block and take away the puck but Armstrong scored another goal in the Shark’s second power play. Houston had an attempt to come back but Mike Morris crushed their dreams with the last goal with only a couple seconds remaining.

Assistant coach Luke Strand said the team played hard, but could have done much better. He is proud for their past wining games. While he watches the games he sees the intensity of the game and passion in the players.

Aeros Lose 5-3 to Sharks as Defense Struggles Late

By: Juliet, Cypress Woods High School

The stadium was still filling up with hockey fans, as the Houston Aeros warmed up before their game against the Worcester Sharks. They assembled in a loose circle, firing mercilessly at their goalie Nolan Schaefer as he blocked each flying puck with his hands and body. Amidst the circle, other players like Corey Locke took the limited five minutes they had until game time, to stretch his muscles, unknowingly flaunting his bum to the reporters behind him.

The five minutes soon ended, and fans took their lawful positions in the stands, preparing themselves for the games excitement: reckless fighting, cheering, and of course hockey.

It was off to a rude start as a Worcester hockey player shot the puck into the Aeros goal. At first, it appeared the Aeros goalie, Barry Brust, had complete control over the pucks path once it hit his glove. Unfortunately, the puck ricochet the glove, unforgivingly landing into the goal.

The aeros soon made a comeback as defensive player Maxim Noreau made their first goal on a power play. Team mates gratefully high-fived Noreua for helping the aeros come up to speed. “He shoots, he scores, hey goalie! You suck!” said Aeors fans in a frantic applause.

As the game persisted into the end of second quarter scores were close. The Aeros and Sharks fought in a battle royal, trying their hardest to win their favor in a grim three to three tie. Number 20 of the Worcester Sharks, Riley Armstrong, broke the tie in beginning of the third quarter. The Aeros struggled in their defensive end, failing to take the puck from the enemy.

The score board illuminated a peevish three to four tie, and the Aeors called a time out to strategize. On the last ten minutes of the game, the Aeros’ defensive tactics seemed ineffective, and the Sharks ultimately beat the Aeros five to three.

Sharks take a Bite out of the Aeros

By: Cole, Cypress Woods High School

After a devastating loss to the Worchester Sharks 5 -3, the Aeros Assistant Coach, Luke Strand, sat down to talk to the press. He said all the athletes played well despite the turnout of the game. Hockey is mental and physical sport he added.

The game was great; it looked like the Aeros were going to win, at least until Kaspar, an apparently good player for the Sharks scored on an empty-net goal while the Aeros’ goalie was pulled so a sixth player could be sent out onto the ice.

There was one fight throughout the game. Aeros’ #6, Mitch Love, won the fight after thirty seconds of fists flying. Big man, John Scott, was tormented by members of the crowd, at least until he scored the third goal of the game for the Aeros.

But just as it seemed that a win was in the books, the Areos found themselves tied 3-3. The Sharks scored their fourth and winning goal in the third period bringing the final score to 4-3. Despite the final score, the Aeros played a heck of a game, good job guys!

Aeros Go Down Swinging, Lose 5-3 To Sharks

By: Madi, Cypress Woods High School

Despite the disappointing outcome of the game against the Worcester Sharks on Saturday, the Houston Aeros went down swinging.

The first brutal body check occurred not quite ten seconds from the game’s beginning. Only a minute later, Mike Moore of the Sharks and Mitch Love of the Aeros threw down their gloves and helmets for a fight. “We don’t discourage fighting,” Aeros assistant coach Luke Strand said. “It’s [Love’s] niche, it’s his role, it’s what he does.”

The opening fight set the tone for a game of body-bouncing checks, penalties, face-offs, and broken sticks. Fans cheered louder for these aspects of hockey than even for the “Scream Your Face Off” contest sponsored by IT’Z.

Intensity, Strand’s one word to describe hockey, inspires that enthusiasm. Intensity encompasses all the major aspects of the game, including speed, creativity, and heart, Strand said.

Although the Sharks drew first blood less than eight minutes into the game, the Aeros retaliated quickly during a five on three power play. Aero Maxim Noreau scored with an assist by Ryan Hamilton. By the end of the second period, each team scored once more, tying the game. John Scott scored the Aero’s final goal in the third period. In the last few minutes of the game, the Aeros pulled goalie Barry Brust in an effort to tie the Sharks at four points. Instead, they scored an empty-net goal and the Sharks won five to three.

Now that was intense.

To prepare for a game, players spend time doing “lots of small group and individual things,” Strand said. They watch videos of themselves playing and receive tips from their coaches about the other team. “It takes a lot of self-motivation,” Strand said. “The challenge is getting better.”

The Aeros spend a significant amount of time on “getting better.” They take only three weeks to a month for vacation during the off-season, and then get back to training for five to six days a week. Strand spends Thanksgivings in his office. “Our holiday is in the off-season,” he said. During hockey season, his philosophy is that “the harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Hockey is mentally as well as physically intense. Before players can start thinking about winning cups, they have to build up good habits, hard work, and teamwork, Strand said. They have to be able to learn from previous mistakes. “They’ve got to be teachable, coachable,” he said. “Nobody wants to coach a guy who makes the same mistake repetitively.”

Still, Strand advises players to spend time on “the now.” “If you live in the past you won’t move on as well,” he said.

The Aeros now have a chance to prove those words true at their next game.

On Ice

By: Kimberley, Cypress Woods High School

The Houston Aeros speed and circle around the rink, as they warm up in preparation to go swimming with the Sharks.

Astros. Texans. Rockets. These are the familiar names we hear when you bring up sports in Houston. Football, baseball and basketball are so popular here in the south that ice hockey isn’t a sport you hear much about. And you sure are missing out.

The turnout of fans for an Aeros game may not be something to rival the Texans, but these fans sure are dedicated. They kept the game going on November 22nd when Houston challenged the Worcester Sharks to a pretty close game, which kept the crowd on the edge of their seats all night.

The continuous change of players and constant interaction from the crowd kept the energy in the stadium up. Loud cheering and music kept everybody upbeat even as Worcester scored the first goal of the game. The atmosphere in that stadium had every person in the stands pulled into the game and cheering on the Aeros.

Between each period was a performance of sorts, competitions for the fans to be a part of, t-shirt tosses and such. Never have I seen a group of people interact so much with the fans. Employees were polite, made you feel welcome and tried to meet your requests, as they were needed.

The game ended with a Houston loss, 5-3 to Worcester. Although we didn’t win the game, the Aeros broke their third period drought, thanks to John Scott {20) who made a goal in the last period of the game.

But more than anything what was astounding was the energy that you were greeted with when walking into the building that night.

“He shoots, He Scores”

By: Sabrina, Cypress Woods High School

November 22, 2008 I made my way to my seat at the Toyota Center, four rows from the glass that hockey players are thrown up against making a scattering sound each time. I thought I had stepped in gum; my shoes were literally being pulled off my feet with every step I took. This however, was no sign or indication of how fast the hockey puck would slide across the ice from one stick to another. Gracefully, the Houston Aeros skated onto the ice with the elegance of ballerinas more than the animal-like players they are.

Watching a hockey game on television or in instant replay gives no justice to what I had just stepped into. Knowing nothing about the sport, I make great consideration to stress this factor; I was caught completely off guard by the player’s capability of speed. To go from human to blur and appear at the other end of the rink in the blink of an eye, as if being there all along. This is merely a polite reminder, not an opinion, that the game of hockey is violent.

It looks innocent enough, each player padded down from head to foot, however I have learned through the experience of one night that this is a misconception and should not be attempted by the faint of heart. I nearly jumped out of my skin the moment the game started and players were being body slammed and half carried, half spread like butter onto the glass. The players however, were oblivious to this somehow, I can only assume it is a sensation one becomes accustomed to.

Luckily, before the game started, I had a quick cram session of hockey from the gentleman on my right. He told me that hockey has three periods consisting of 20 minutes each, with two 20 minute intermissions in between.

In the first period a fight broke out. I know this was a fight because on the overhead screen, for the convenience fans and viewers like myself who’s expertise was limited in the realms of hockey, the word and definition of ‘fight’ had suddenly appeared. This magnificent event took place before my stunned eyes; two players collided into each other and apparently had enough already. Helmets began to fly, gloves were yanked off and punches were thrown. The stadium erupted, every fan on their feet yelling advice to Aeros player #6, ironically named Mitch Love, on how to handle the situation.

The rest of the game included an Aeros lead, at one point. Even with a few power plays and a lost stick, the game was a hit. Especially for player John Scott, #20, who added another career goal to his record. Scott scored the Aeros’ third point of the game levitating fans from their seats chanting against the opposing goalie.