From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
January 9, 2008

GOALTENDER MAKES FIRST ALL-STAR APPEARANCE

HOUSTON, Texas – The American Hockey League (AHL) announced today that Houston Aeros’ goaltender Nolan Schaefer has been assigned to the Canadian AHL All-Star team for the 2008 All-Star Classic presented by Reebok. Schaefer is one of three goaltenders selected for the Canadian team (all players born in Canada). The game will be played on Monday, January 28 in Binghamton, New York with a skills competition on Sunday, January 27. The PlanetUSA All-Star team will be announced Thursday.

Albany goaltender Michael Leighton will start in net for the Canadian team and Manitoba goaltender Drew MacIntyre along with Schaefer are the other two netminders selected to represent Canada. Schaefer is currently 14-7-0 this season and ranks tied for fifth in the league with 14 wins. He has a 2.10 goals-against average (GAA) that ranks fourth in the league but first among goaltenders that have played more than 20 games. He is ranked second in the AHL with four shutouts and all his shutouts have come in the last 15 games. Schaefer’s save percentage of .925 puts him third in the league. This is his first AHL all-star appearance.

A total of 24 players – 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders – make up the team. Click here to see the entire Canadian All-Star roster.  AHL fans determined the starting lineup via online balloting at theahl.com, while a committee of AHL coaches selected the remainder of the roster.

The Aeros take to the ice tomorrow, Thursday, January 10 in their 5th Annual Chronicle in Education Kid’s Game against the Manitoba Moose. The game starts at 11:05 a.m. but it isn’t just for the kids! Take an extended lunch break from work as part of “Hockey Hooky Day” and get center ice/club seats for just $20 (normally $30) by calling (713) 974-PUCK.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --