Houston defeats Griffins 4-1, remain third in West Division

Published on April 4, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


HOUSTON, Texas - The Houston Aeros guaranteed they wouldn't lose any ground in the West Division by defeating the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-1 in the final game of their non-division schedule. Ryan Hamilton netted two goals with Joel Ward recording three points as the Aeros (42-26-2-4) continue their longest road trip of the season with game five of the eight-game trip tomorrow night in Milwaukee. Grand Rapids (28-40-2-6) will play their final four contests against the North Division.

Box Score

The Aeros took a two goal lead before the halfway point in the first period as Hamilton netted the first at 3:02 and Ward tallied the unassisted second marker at 7:54 in the frame. Ward also earned an assist on the early goal along with Morten Madsen. The Griffins didn't fall too far behind before the first intermission as Mattias Ritola netted an unassisted marker at 17:44 as the Aeros took a 2-1 lead into the locker rooms.

The second period was tightly contested but Houston took back their two goal lead late in the frame as Hamilton netted his second of the night, 20th of the season. The Aeros out-shot Grand Rapids 11-5 in the period and each team failed to convert on one power-play chance apiece. Houston held the 3-1 lead heading into the third period.

The Griffins re-applied the pressure, out-shooting Houston 11-6 in the final frame but to no avail. Cal Clutterbuck tipped in an additional goal for the Aeros on a Jon Awe shot for the game's last tally. Houston fought of some late chances by Grand Rapids capping off the club's non-divisional schedule with the 4-1 victory.

Game Notes: - With the 4-1 victory at Grand Rapids the Aeros extended their season-long point-streak to nine games (8-0-0-1), tying their franchise record set 11/22-12/31/96. - Houston's Ryan Hamilton recorded his third two-goal game in six contests played. The three two-goal games are the first of his professional career. He has recorded 12 goals in 15 games and has only tallied one assist in that time period. - Joel Ward's three point (1-2=3) outing is his second of the season and second in eight games. - Goaltender Nolan Schaefer was behind the bench for the first time in over 22 games. He missed his first game back on February 13 and hasn't made an appearance since.

Come celebrate Fan Appreciation weekend during the final 2 regular season home games. Saturday, April 12th at 7:35 p.m. and Sunday April 13th at 4:05 p.m. This is your last chance to see your Aeros in action during the regular season.

Saturday, April 12- The first 3,000 fans will receive Houston Aeros Thuderstix! Aeros Spring Four Packs are available starting at just $44.

Sunday, April 13- The last Aeros Family Day. Get four tickets, four Aeros gifts, $20 in Toyota Bucks and free parking, all starting at just $67. As an added bonus the first 3,000 fans receive Houston Aeros Rally Towels!

All of these offers are exclusive to the Aeros front office and can be purchased by calling (713) 974-PUCK.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2008


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