HOUSTON 3, PEORIA 2
Houston jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and eventually prevailed over host Peoria in overtime by a 3-2 final on New Year’s Day at Carver Arena.
Peter Olvecky picked up an assist on all three Aeros goals, including defenseman Jon Awe’s game-winner at 2:17 of the extra session. Houston finished 2-2-0-0 on a four-game divisional road swing.
Aeros forwards Adrian Foster and Serge Payer scored at 1:47 and 3:37 of the opening period, respectively, giving Houston a lead they would hold for most of the game.
Julian Talbot single-handedly tied it for the Rivermen in the third stanza, netting a pair of goals just 1:28 apart.
Awe’s overtime winner, which came on the power play, was his second goal in as many nights and his third of the season.
Houston goaltender Nolan Schaefer stopped 30 of 32 shots to earn his 13th victory of the campaign (13-6-0-0).
MANITOBA 4, LAKE ERIE 2
Four different skaters lit the lamp and rookie goaltender Cory Schneider turned aside 28 of the 30 shots he faced as Manitoba posted a 4-2 win over Lake Erie before 6,394 fans at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
Mathieu Melanson scored the first goal of his AHL career for the Moose, who also received tallies from Michael Grabner, Maxine Fortunus, and Alexandre Bolduc.
Manitoba swept its two-game set against Lake Erie and has won four straight against the Monsters overall.
Jamie Lundmark and Matt Hussey scored for Lake Erie.
