2.22.13

Game Summary - HERE

BARONS HOLD OFF AEROS FOR 4-3 WIN
Houston Returns Home to Toyota Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Oklahoma City, OK – The Houston Aeros (27-20-4-3, 61 points) were defeated by the Oklahoma City Barons (24-19-2-5, 55 points) 4-3 on Friday night in front of 3,746 fans at the Cox Convention Center. Despite three goals in the third period from Houston, Oklahoma City held on to defeat the Aeros and end a five-game losing streak to their division rivals. Barons forward Jonathan Cheechoo racked up three points, including the game-winning goal at 6:58 of the final frame. Houston forward David McIntyre scored twice in the defeat, as his club finished 5-3-0-0 on its eight-game road trip. Goalie Matt Hackett (17-18-3) made 26 saves on 30 shots in regulation taking the loss for the Aeros, who fell to 14-12-2-1 on the road. Oklahoma City goalie Yann Danis (15-12-3) grabbed the win with 23 saves on 26 shots. The Aeros return to home ice on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. to host Oklahoma City at Toyota Center.

After a scoreless first period of play, Oklahoma City opened up the scoring at 2:56 of the second period. Jonathan Cheechoo zipped a cross-ice pass to Toni Rajala, who ripped a one-timer from the right-wing circle for the game’s first goal. Defenseman Brett Clark added an assist, as the Barons moved ahead 1-0 after the power-play goal. Oklahoma City doubled its lead at 16:38 after Philippe Cornet beat Matt Hackett with a wrist shot from the left-wing circle. Cheechoo and Clark each had an assist on Cornet’s seventh goal of the season for the 2-0 lead. Just 14 seconds later, the Barons struck again to make it 3-0. Curtis Hamilton rifled a shot from the slot, scoring his third goal of the season at 16:52.

Houston pulled within a pair of goals just 1:14 into the third period with a goal by David McIntyre. McIntyre carried the puck into the Barons zone and snapped a wrist shot over the shoulder of goalie Yann Danis, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Carson McMillan added an assist on McIntyre’s 12th goal of the season. Oklahoma City answered back at 6:58 of the third period off Cheechoo’s sixth goal of the season. Cornet and Colton Tuebert each had an assist as the Barons pulled away at 4-2. Houston continued its push, pulling within a pair of goals at 10:16. Defenseman Paul Mara picked up his first goal with Houston, blasting a shot from the point, through traffic and into the back of the Oklahoma City net. The power-play goal was set up by Chay Genoway and Carson McMillan, trimming the Barons lead to 4-2. The Aeros pulled goalie Matt Hackett late in the third in favor of the extra skater. Houston capitalized at 18:51, as McIntyre found a rebound in the slot and scored his second of the night. His 13th goal of the season was assisted by Zack Phillips and Steven Kampfer for the 4-3 final.  

The Aeros return home on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7:05 p.m. as Houston hosts Oklahoma City at Toyota Center. The team will celebrate Boy Scout Night by handing out 2012-13 team posters to the first 2,000 fans, compliments of Warehouse Pool Supply.

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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