CEDAR PARK, TX – Aeros’ winger Robbie Earl notched one goal and two assists and rookie goaltender Matt Hackett made 21 saves as the Aeros blanked the Stars, 5-0 at the Cedar Park Center on Sunday night in their lone preseason contest.

Late in the first period, the Aeros struck quickly for a pair of goals.  At 15:53, Earl carried the puck down the left wing side and fired a pass across the crease that deflected off the stick of Stars’ forward Sean Backman and over the glove of goaltender Brent Krahn (17 saves).  Kris Fredheim set up Earl’s first of the preseason. 

Nineteen seconds later, Earl came out from behind the Stars’ net and centered for Warren Peters who tipped the puck between the legs of Krahn for a 2-0 Aeros’ advantage.

After 20 minutes of play, the Aeros led 2-0, while out-shooting the Stars, 11-10.

Just seconds after Stars’ defenseman Maxime Fortunus was sent to the penalty box for boarding, the Aeros jumped in front 3-0.  Cody Almond won an offensive zone faceoff and defenseman Jamie Fraser set up fellow blue-liner Max Noreau for a one-timer that whistled past Krahn at the 7:02 mark of the second period.

At 9:31 of the second stanza, Fraser skated down to the bottom of the left circle where he banged the puck off a Stars’ defender and past Krahn to make it 4-0.  Winger Brandon Buck and Peters drew the assists on the even-strength tally.

Through two periods it was 4-0 Aeros and the shots were 21-14 in favor of the visitors.

Halfway through the third period, Aeros’ forward Jon DiSalvatore jammed home a rebound opportunity from the crease for the club’s second power play marker on the night and a 5-0 lead.  Center Chad Rau and Earl assisted on the goal, which came against Stars’ goaltender Richard Bachman (eight saves) who came in to replace Krahn to start the third period.

The final shots favored the Aeros, 28-21.  The Aeros went two-for-six on the power play, while the Stars finished zero-for-four.

Click here for a post-game audio interview with Aeros' Head Coach Mike Yeo.

The Aeros open their 2010-2011 regular season slate in Oklahoma City against the Barons on Saturday, October 9 at 7:05 pm.  The game can be heard live on 1070 AM, KNTH or via www.ahllive.com with Joe O’Donnell calling all the action.  The Aeros home opener is Saturday, October 16 at 7:35 pm from Toyota Center versus the Peoria Rivermen.  For tickets call 866-GO-AEROS or visit www.aeros.com.

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