3.15.13

Game Summary - HERE

RAMPAGE HAND AEROS 4-2 DEFEAT
Houston Hosts Charlotte on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

San Antonio, TX – The Houston Aeros (31-22-4-4, 70 points) were defeated by the San Antonio Rampage (27-26-1-5, 60 points) 4-2 on Friday night in front of 8,817 fans at the AT&T Center. Rampage right wing Greg Rallo scored two goals and added two assists, leading his team past their in-state rival. San Antonio goalie Dov Grumet-Morris (11-12-3) stopped 37 Aeros shots for the victory. Rampage forward Evan Barlow scored a power-play goal 6:32 into the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie and giving San Antonio its fourth win over Houston this season. Aeros forwards Dan DaSilva and Carson McMillan each scored in the defeat. Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper (11-7-0) stopped 22 of 25 in the loss, as the Aeros slipped to 16-14-2-2 on the road this year. The Aeros will play ten of their next 11 games at the Toyota Center, starting on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. with the Charlotte Checkers.

After a scoreless first period, San Antonio used its power play to open the scoring at 4:37 of the second period. Right wing Greg Rallo fired in a rebound that kicked off the pads of Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper. Defensemen Brian O’Hanley and Brandon Nash each had an assist on Rallo’s 20th goal of the season, helping the Rampage take a 1-0 lead. Houston countered quickly, tying the game 1-1 just 1:24 later on Dan DaSilva’s second goal of the season. The Aeros forecheck created a turnover in the San Antonio zone, allowing DaSilva to beat goalie Dov Grumet-Morris at 6:01. The Aeros moved in front with a goal off a faceoff in the San Antonio zone. Mikael Granlund won the draw to Justin Fontaine, who ripped a quick shot on net. The rebound came free to Carson McMillan, who buried his seventh goal of the season at 9:56 for the 2-1 lead. San Antonio pulled even with Houston in the last minute of the middle frame. Forward Quinton Howden carried the puck around the Aeros defense and slipped the puck past Kuemper for the 2-2 tie. Rallo and Nash each had an assist on Howden’s 13th goal of the year at 19:54 of the second period.

San Antonio claimed the lead for good 6:32 into the third period, scoring a five-on-three power-play goal. Evan Barlow picked up the rebound off a Zach Hamil shot and shuffled the puck in for his third goal of the season. Rallo added an assist on the power-play goal for the 3-2 lead. Houston pulled Kuemper in the last minute of the game in favor of the extra attacker. Rallo took advantage, scoring his second goal of the game and sealing the win with an empty-net tally. Howden added an assist on the game’s final goal. 

The Aeros return home on Thursday, Mar. 21 to host Charlotte at Toyota Center at 7:05 p.m. The game marks a “Thirsty Thursday”, where fans (21 and older) receive a “second drink free coupon” for The Maple Leaf Pub (Smith and Elgin). The first 500 fans to The Maple Leaf Pub after the game will be able to redeem their coupon for their second drink free. After a road game in Oklahoma City on Friday, Mar. 22, Houston will return to Toyota Center on Saturday, Mar. 23 vs. Rochester at 7:05 p.m.  The Aeros will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Mar. 23. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Night, the team will hold a silent auction for charity on the concourse.

Information on mini-plans for the remainder of the season is 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 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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