AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Aeros Soar Past Griffins, 3-1

Published on November 19, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - A pair of goals by Kyle Wanvig and a 33-save effort by Johan Holmqvist powered the Houston Aeros to a 3-1 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday at Van Andel Arena.

Joey MacDonald answered with 31 stops for the Griffins (8-6-3-0), who squandered an opportunity to move into second place in the West Division. Houston, meanwhile, won for just the second time in seven outings to improve to 5-7-1-1 on the season.

The Aeros struck first with just 37 seconds left in the opening period, getting several whacks at the puck in the slot before Mark Cullen finally jammed it past MacDonald.

They extended their cushion to two goals at the 3:04 mark of the second frame, thanks to a 2-on-1 break. As he crossed the Griffins' blueline, Rickard Wallin dished the puck to an uncovered Wanvig, who skated in and beat MacDonald top shelf from between the circles.

Midway through the period, just after a Grand Rapids power play had expired, Wanvig made it a 3-0 contest. MacDonald made the initial save on a blast by Jason Beckett, but Wanvig crashed the crease to convert the rebound at 9:42.

The Griffins finally broke a home scoreless streak of 111:38 with just under three minutes remaining in the second. From the left boards, Jiri Hudler found David Brisson wide open in the high slot, and the rookie snapped a shot past Holmqvist at the 17:08 mark.

Five minutes into the final period, the Griffins appeared to score again during a delayed penalty, but referee Brian Pochmara ruled that the goal by Kevin Miller, who tipped Dave Van Drunen's shot, was deflected with a high stick.

The Griffins, who are just 1-3-3-0 in their last seven home games, will now hit the road for four straight and five of the next six. The journey begins with Friday's first-ever visit to St. John's, which will be televised live on WXSP-TV at 6 p.m.

View this game's official box score on-line at griffinshockey.com.

Check out the Grand Rapids Griffins Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from November 19, 2003


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