From: Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Monday, October 9, 2006
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Photos by Jason Villanueva
Click above photos to access Gordie Howe photo gallery.
AEROS WEEKLY REPORT
Coming Attractions:
THU, at IOW, 7:05 p.m.
It’s the second of three straight meetings between the Aeros and Stars, who defeated Houston 6-3 at Toyota Center on Sunday behind two goals from rookie Marty Sertich. Former Aero Junior Lessard added a goal and two assists as Iowa defeated Aeros goalie Josh Harding for the first time in five attempts.
The Aeros went 7-3-0-0 last season against the Stars, including a 3-2-0-0 mark at Wells Fargo Arena. After losing in its first trip to Des Moines, Houston won three of the last four.
SAT, at IOW, 7:05 p.m.
The Aeros play their second of five games in Iowa. They make their next trip to Des Moines on November 9-10 for two games.
SUN, at SAN, 5 p.m.
The Aeros and Rampage met twice in the pre-season, each winning in their own suburban cities. After winning 12 of 13 in the series, and going 16-1-2-0 in a 19-meeting stretch, Houston has just one win in its last four attempts against the Rampage (1-2-1-0). The Aeros have dropped their last two trips to San Antonio by a combined 7-2 score.
The retooled Rampage feature former Aero Travis Roche, as well last season’s AHL goal champ Donald MacLean, and veteran defenseman Bryan Helmer.
Next homestand begins Oct. 27!
The Aeros begin a four-game homestand on Friday, Oct. 27 against Hamilton in a 2003 Calder Cup Finals rematch. It’s 80’s Night, presented by KHPT, 106.9 The Point. “The Lost Boys” 80’s cover band will perform.
Saturday, Oct. 28 is Goalie Mask night against Peoria, and also Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Click here to find out how you can help the Susan B. Komen Foundation Houston affiliate.
Wednesday, Nov. 1 is the first Happy Hour of the season, with new sponsor Maple Leaf Pub. Get a ticket, $10 in Toyota Bucks and free parking, plus a Maple Leaf Pub drink coupon, all for $23 (lower end zone) or $32 (club level). Click here to order - username is Happy, password is Hour.
The homestand wraps up on Friday, Nov. 3, as the Toronto Marlies make their only trip to Houston this season. The first 3,000 fans will receive a “Happy Feet” movie poster.
All Aeros games are broadcast live on KNTH 1070-AM and through Aeros.com. For $6, you can also watch the game live via B2 Networks. Visit Aeros.com 10 minutes prior to gametime to order.
Player of the Week C Ben Thomson
10/7 vs. GR – 1-0=1, +1
10/8 vs. IOW – 0-0=0, -1
Totals – 2gp, 1-0=1, E
Rookie posted Aeros’ only goal in pro debut on Friday…Was also plus-one with four shots against Grand Rapids.
Notables –
The Aeros’ first goal Sunday was the 3,000th in franchise history.
Aeros D Curtis Murphy is one goal away from becoming just the 13th player in team history to score 50 goals. His 49 tie him with Stephane Veilleux for 13th on the team’s all-time list. Murphy is the Aeros’ all-time leader among defenseman in goals (49), assists (121) and points (170).
Houston is 0-2-0-0 for the second time in history, and has dropped its first two home games for just the third time.
Aeros G Josh Harding has lost back-to-back starts in regulation for the first time since a three-game stretch 3/14-3/20/05. Houston scored just one goal in those three games. Harding went 6-0-2 after the final loss of that stretch.
Mr. Hockey ® video online – Want to see the Mr. Hockey ® Gordie Howe video that was shown Sunday? Or miss the game and want to see it for the first time? Please visit the Aeros’ Video Page. Visit Aeros.com on Tuesday for video highlights of this past weekend’s games!
Sponsorship packets for the 12th Annual Houston Aeros Golf Classic are now available. The tournament, benefiting Houston Aeros Charities and Elves & More, is set for Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Wildcat Golf Club at 12000 Almeda.
Aeros drop pair to begin season
GR 3, HOU 1; IOW 6, HOU 3
Saturday: Krys Kolanos, Josh Langfield and Matt Ellis each scored a goal apiece and Stefan Liv made 33 saves, as the Grand Rapids Griffins spoiled the Houston Aeros’ home opener with a 3-1 win in front of 8,329 at Toyota Center. Ben Thomson scored his first pro goal, and Josh Harding made 32 stops for Houston.
Sunday: Marty Sertich’s second goal of the game snapped a tie midway through the third period, and Joel Lundqvist added marker 40 seconds later, as the Iowa Stars used a pair of 5-on-3 goals and three power play tallies overall to defeat the Houston Aeros 6-3 on Gordie Howe Night at Toyota Center. Former Aeros Marius Holtet and Junior Lessard also scored and Dan Ellis made 32 saves for Iowa.
Matt Foy, Roman Voloshenko and Benoit Pouliot scored a goal apiece and Josh Harding made 23 stops for Houston.
Aeros’ Practice schedule:
Monday – 1-3 p.m., Sugar Land
Tuesday – 10-11:30 a.m., Sugar Land
Wednesday – Travel Day
Thursday – at IOW, 7:05 p.m.
Friday – Practice in Iowa
Saturday – at IOW, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday – at SAN, 5 p.m.
Aeros non game-day practices are at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center, the Official Training Facility of the Houston Aeros.
---HOUSTON AEROS---
