Aeros Earn Weekend Split with 4-2 Victory in Manitoba

Published on October 3, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


WINNIPEG, Manitoba - The Houston Aeros (1-1-0) earned their first victory of the season Saturday night with a 4-2 victory over the Manitoba Moose (1-1-0) in front of 5,851 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. C Pete Zingoni scored two goals, D Justin Falk scored the game-winning-goal in the second period and G Anton Khudobin (1-0-0) made 25 saves in the victory. RW Mike Keane and C Marco Rosa each scored their second goals of the season while G Cory Schneider (1-1-0) made 23 saves in the loss. FINAL BOXCSCORE

After allowing two goals Friday night in the first period, the Aeros came out with a strong first period effort Saturday, out-shooting the Moose 10-7. Zingoni put the Aeros on the board with an unassisted goal at the 16:34 mark as he fired a wrist shot over the shoulder of Schneider, giving the Aeros their first lead of the season. Manitoba responded quickly though with a shorthanded goal at 18:26 as C Andy Hilbert turned over the puck at center ice, Keane broke in alone and beat a helpless Khudobin.

The Aeros power-play responded in the second period as Zingoni scored his second of the game, banging home a rebound in front of Schneider at 7:04. D Ryan Gunderson took the initial shot and was given the first assist; C Nathan Smith also received an assist on the goal. Falk then scored just 32 seconds later to give the Aeros a two-goal lead; Hilbert and LW Petr Kalus received the assists. Rosa responded with an unassisted goal at the 13:09 mark to bring the Moose back within one heading to the third period.

Manitoba tried mounting a charge in the third period, outshooting the Aeros 12-5, but Khudobin was up to the challenge and D Clayton Stoner scored an empty net goal with 27 seconds remaining to preserve the victory for the Aeros.

Both teams finished the night with 27 shots on goal. Houston went 1-for-5 on the power-play and improved to 2-for 9 on the season. The Aeros also killed off all four Manitoba power plays on the night to remain perfect on the season at 10-for-10. Aeros LW Colton Gillies left the game in the first period after a collision with RW Eric Walsky and did not return.

The Aeros return 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).

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