From: Robert Desimone, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7920
Palmer Hestley, Asst. Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930

October 2, 2009

GILLIES SCORES TWO POINTS FOR HOUSTON

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Houston Aeros (0-1-0) opened up the 2009-10 season Friday night in a physical 4-3 loss to the Manitoba Moose (1-0-0) in front of 7,826 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.. LW Colton Gillies scored a goal and added an assist for the Aeros and G Wade Dubielewicz (0-1-0) made 21 saves in the loss. Former Aero C Marco Rosa scored for Manitoba; RW Mike Keane added a goal and an assist and G Cory Schneider (1-0-0) made 21 saves in the win.

In a game that featured four brawls, the Aeros couldn’t keep up with the Moose on the scoreboard. Rosa got the scoring started in the first period for Manitoba. The even strength goal was scored at the 13:26 mark off a tipped shot from the point by D Michael Funk. Funk and D Nolan Baumgartner were credited with the assists for the Moose. Two minutes later Manitoba tacked on another goal courtesy of Keane. C Mario Bliznak and Funk were given the assists and the first period ended 2-0 as the Aeros were outshot 14-11.

The Aeros finally responded at the 5:03 mark in the second period. RW Craig Weller’s slap shot from the blue line rebounded to the stick of Gillies who stuffed it home to make it 2-1 Moose. Weller and D Maxim Noreau were credited with the assists on the power play goal. The Moose responded late at 17:22 of the second period as LW Pierre-Cedric Labrie broke in alone and beat Dubielewicz with the backhand to give Manitoba the 3-1 lead, Keane and Bliznak received credit for the assists.

The Aeros were unable to mount a charge until late in the third period after C Marty Murray scored at 18:19 to give Manitoba a 4-1 lead. C Andy Hilbert scored seconds later at 18:32 to cut the deficit to two and LW Robbie Earl deflected a Noreau shot past Schneider at the 19:59 mark, but it was too late for the Aeros as the Moose held on for victory.

Manitoba outshot Houston 25-24 on the night. The Aeros went 1-for-4 on the power-play while the Moose finished 0-for-6 as the teams finished with a combined 98 penalty minutes for the game.

The Aeros finish up the road trip tomorrow night in Manitoba, game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at the MTS Centre. The team returns to Toyota Center for their home opener Friday, October 9 as Houston hosts the expansion Texas Stars. For more information on season and group tickets, along with 10-game voucher plans, visit aeros.com or call 713-974-PUCK (7825).

Calls of the game from Aeros broadcaster Joe O'Donnell:
Dubielewicz robs pope
Gillies PPG
Big hit by Stoner
Hilbert scores late


-- HOUSTON AEROS --


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