12.22.12
Game Summary -HERE
MONSTERS BEAT HOUSTON AEROS 5-2
Aeros Return Home on Dec. 26th to Host Texas at 7:05 p.m.
Cleveland, OH – The Houston Aeros (14-10-1-3, 32 points) were defeated by the Lake Erie Monsters (15-13-1-1, 32 points) 5-2 on Saturday night in front of 8,468 fans at the Quicken Loans Arena. Lake Erie swept the two-game set in Cleveland, pulling away with a pair of empty-net goals in the last minute. Monsters forward Jamie MacQueen scored the eventual game-winning goal just 3:57 into the second period, breaking a 2-2 tie. Lake Erie goalie Sami Aittokallio (9-7-0) stopped 28 of 30 Houston shots for the win. Forwards Nick Palmieri and Charlie Coyle for the Aeros in defeat, as the team slipped to 6-6-0-1 on the road this season. Houston goalie Matt Hackett (11-8-2) suffered the loss with 23 saves on 26 shots. Houston will return home to host the Texas Stars at Toyota Center at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
Lake Erie opened the scoring at 2:33 of the first period of play, as the Monsters took a 1-0 lead off Mike Sgarbossa’s 12th goal of the season. Defensemen Tyson Barrie and Thomas Pock each had an assist on the game’s opening goal. Houston countered, tying the game 1-1 at 11:30 of the first period. Nick Palmieri finished off a play from David McIntyre and Rob Mignardi. Palmieri’s tally marked his eighth goal of the season. The Monsters moved back in front 2-1 at 14:49 of the opening frame. Forward Andrew Agozzino buried his 11th goal of the season, beating goalie Matt Hackett for the third time in the last two games. Paul Carey and David van der Gulik each had an assist on Lake Erie’s second goal of the game. Houston evened the score 2-2 prior to the end of the first period. The Aeros claimed their first power-play goal of the night at 15:57 of the period. Charlie Coyle took a pass from behind the net by Jason Zucker. Coyle’s 10th goal of the season was also assisted by Brian Connelly.
The Monsters snagged the only goal of the second period, pushing in front 3-2 at 3:57 of the middle frame. Left wing Jamie MacQueen put in a loose puck, scoring his first goal of the season. Barrie and Michael Embach each had an assist on the go-ahead goal.
Lake Erie took advantage of an empty net with the Aeros looking for the equalizer late in the game. David van der Gulik scored at 19:17 and Carey added a second empty-net tally at 19:36 for the 5-2 final.
The Aeros return home on Wednesday, Dec. 26 to host the Texas Stars at 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. The first 2,000 fans will receive an Aeros knit cap, presented by Living Social. Fans are also encouraged to wear Ugly Holiday sweaters. After the game, Tait Communications presents the annual Guns N Hoses game, featuring the Houston Police Department versus the Houston Fire Department.
Aeros season tickets start as low as $9 per seat and may be purchased online at Aeros.com by placing a $100 deposit. Once your order is processed, an Aeros ticket representative will contact you to choose your exact seat location, as well as discuss the payment options. Information on season tickets and mini-plans is also available on the team website at www.aeros.com. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on all tickets, to book your group outing to an Aeros game please call 713-974-PUCK (7825).
-- Houston Aeros --
• BECOME A HOUSTON AEROS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more info on season ticket packages call 713-974-PUCK (7825) or visit www.aeros.com.
• HOUSTON AEROS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule an Aeros event, Mascot or Aero Dynamics appearance, contact Gabriel Presas, director of creative game presentation and marketing development, at 713-361-7907 or e-mail gpresas@aeros.com. Those interested may also contact Alicia Kouri, marketing and promotions manager, at 713-361-7955 or email akouri@aeros.com.
• HOUSTON AEROS CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Joe O’Donnell, director of broadcasting and corporate partnerships, at 713-361-7942 or email at jodonnell@aeros.com.
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