From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Friday, March 7, 2008

HOUSTON EARNS SIXTH STRAIGHT IN 1-0 SHUTOUT OF HARTFORD

HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Aero’s goaltender Barry Brust blocked all 23 shots faced in 1-0 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack in front 6,718 fans at Toyota Center Friday night. The shutout marked Brust’s third in four games. With the win the Aeros (33-22-2-3) moved back into a tie for fifth in the West Division as the Wolf Pack (37-18-2-6) remained second in the Atlantic.

BOX SCORE

The Aeros got on the board first as LW Ryan Hamilton netted the game’s only goal from his knees just outside of the crease at 9:25 in the first period. C Marco Rosa and D Clayton Stoner set up the goal as Hamilton was checked to the ice prior to the puck sliding in front of him. Through the first 20 minutes of play the Aeros led 1-0 which proved to be enough.

The second period began with some hard hitting on both sides but neither team was able to force the puck into the net. Hartford out-shot the Aeros 6-3 in the scoreless second frame. Through two periods the Wolf Pack failed to score on two power-play chances and the Aeros didn’t convert on their one opportunity.

The heat was left on in the third period with even more fisticuffs but was again kept scoreless. Brust knocked aside all six shots in the period as he recorded his third shutout in four games. The Aeros were out-shot 23 to 13 in the contest and neither team scored on two power-play chances.

Game Notes:
- After blocking all 23 shots tonight goaltender Barry Brust has stopped 110 of his last 112 shots faced in the last four games including three shutouts. He has a .982 save percentage and a goals-against average of 0.49 in those four games.
- The three shutouts in four games is the best stretch the team has had since recording three in a row from 12/13-12/20/1996.
- The Aeros improved to a record of 26-3-1-2 when scoring first. Houston now has a record of 24-1-0-1 when leading after two periods.
- The Aeros killed off each of two short-handed situations improving the club to 43 straight penalty kills spanning over seven games. The last power-play goal allowed was on February 13 at 7:41 in the second period.
- The sixth straight win marks the longest winning streak of the season for the Aeros. The last time the Aeros had six or more straight wins was from 12/11/2005-1/5/2006 when the club recorded eight in a row.
- The club improved to 8-1-0-1 when LW Ryan Hamilton records a goal.
- C Marco Rosa recorded an assist for his fifth point (1-4=5) in six games, his best stretch of the season.

The Aeros recently announced Spring Break specials including $22 center ice seats! The deal is good for the March 17th, 19th and 20th games. This special package also includes a post game picture in the penalty box and a shot on goal for kids 3-14 years old. Don’t miss out on the Spring Break special and order your tickets today!

-- HOUSTON AEROS --