Checkers Squeeze by Houston Aeros 3-2 in a Shootout
December 14, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Charlotte, NC - The Houston Aeros (13-7-1-3, 30 points) were defeated by the Charlotte Checkers (15-9-0-2, 32 points) 3-2 in a shootout on Friday night in front of 6,103 fans at the Time Warner Cable Arena. After a late rally to force overtime, the Checkers outlasted the Aeros in a seven-round shootout to claim the first of back-to-back meetings between the two clubs. Defenseman Justin Faulk scored with 13 seconds remaining to tie the game and Justin Kruger scored the decisive goal in the sudden-death shootout win for Charlotte. Houston goalie Matt Hackett (10-6-3) stopped 32 of 34 in regulation and three of seven in the shootout defeat. Aeros forward David McIntyre and defenseman Marco Scandella each scored a goal in regulation, as the team slipped to 6-3-0-1 on the road this season. Checkers goalie Dan Ellis (6-5-2) stopped 20 of 22 in regulation and four of seven in the shootout victory. Houston will remain in Charlotte for a rematch at 11:00 a.m. (CT) on Saturday at Time Warner Cable Arena.
After a scoreless first period, Charlotte struck for the 1-0 lead at 6:44 of the second period. It marked the first time in nine games that the Aeros surrendered the first goal of the evening. Forward Nicholas Blanchard tallied his third goal of the season, sneaking the puck past Matt Hackett for the Charlotte lead. Fellow winger Jerome Samson added the lone assist on the game's opening goal. Houston countered late in the frame, collecting its first goal of the night in the last minute of the period. Forward David McIntryre found the back of the net for the second time in as many games. Forward Justin Fontaine and Kris Fredheim each had an assist on McIntyre's seventh goal of the season and a 1-1 tie at 19:11 of the period.
The Aeros took the lead at 2:02 of the third period, as defenseman Marco Scandella blasted his first goal of the season past Ellis for the 2-1 lead. Rookie forward Johan Larsson had the lone assist on the goal. Charlotte pulled the goalie late in the game for the extra skater, tying the game 2-2 with 13 seconds remaining in regulation. Defenseman Justin Faulk rifled a shot through traffic and into the Houston net at 19:47. Marc Andre Gragnani and Zach Boychuk each had an assist on the game-tying goal.
The teams skated through a scoreless overtime and into a shootout to decide the extra point. Charlotte's Samson, Chris Terry, Zac Dalpe and Krueger each scored the in the shootout. Aeros forwards Larsson, Fontaine and Charlie Coyle each scored in the shootout defeat.
The Aeros will conclude a two-game set in Charlotte Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (CT). Houston returns home on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 5:05 p.m. to host Oklahoma City at Toyota Center. On Dec. 16, Houston will hold its yearly Teddy Bear Toss for charity. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to throw on the ice once the Aeros score their first goal of the night. Every Sunday throughout the season is Family Day, where fans may purchase four tickets, parking and four Aeros prizes starting at $54.
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).
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