Friday Forecast - Dec. 7
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Aeros Trundle Into Texas
The Houston Aeros are rolling, winning its last five games, as they hit the road against interstate rival the Texas Stars. It will be the fourth time these two teams have met on the season, with the Aeros taking the last two.
Houston is in second place (11-6-1-2, 25 points) in the South Division, while the Stars are right behind them in fourth (11-8-1-1, 24 points).
The Aeros could get a boost from Mikael Granlund, who is expected to return to the lineup tonight after missing 12 games with an ankle injury. The centerman leads all Aeros scorers against the Stars, posting five points (2-3=5) in only two games.
Justin Fontaine, who owns a five-point scoring streak, has emerged as the team’s most consistent offensive threat. In his last five games, the Former UMD Bulldog has four goals and three assists. He is Houston’s leading scorer with 19 points (8-11=19). Jason Zucker also has been hot of late and is tied for the AHL lead in rookie goals with 11. Zucker has four points (2-2=4) in three games against Texas.
Houston Goalie Matt Hackett is 9-6-0 in 15 games career games against the Stars, with a 1.99 goals against average.
The Aeros return home on Sunday and host the Peoria Rivermen.
Solar Bears Get Kuemper
The Aeros reassigned goalie Darcy Kuemper to the Orlando Solar Bears, while recalling netminder John Curry. Kuemper returns to Orlando after playing one game for the Solar Bears on Nov. 23. In his lone Solar Bears appearance, Kuemper stopped 37 of 38 shots in a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Gwinnett Gladiators.
The Solar Bears are home for a three game set against the Fort Wayne Komets beginning tonight, Saturday, Dec. 8 and concluding Sunday, Dec. 9, and look to get back on track in the ECHL. In the last six games, Orlando has one win, last weekend splitting on the road against the Las Vegas Wranglers.
The Bears are in fifth place (9-10-2-1, 21 points) in the South Division. The Komets rank third (9-10-1-0, 19 points) in the North.
Where in the World Are Wild Prospects?
Canadian Hockey League
LW Raphael Bussieres - Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Chicoutimi
Saturday, Dec. 8: vs. Cape Breton
D Mathew Dumba – Red Deer (WHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Moose Jaw
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Brandon
C Tyler Graovac – Ottawa (OHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Erie
Sunday, Dec. 9: at Kitchener
D Colton Jobke – Regina (WHL)
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Saskatoon
Sunday, Dec. 9: vs. Saskatoon
College/Junior Hockey
D John Draeger – Michigan State (CCHA)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Notre Dame
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Notre Dame
RW Adam Gilmour – Muskegon (USHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: vs. Cedar Rapids
Saturday, Dec. 8: vs. Cedar Rapids
RW Anthony Hamburg – RIT (AHA)
Friday, Dec. 7: vs. Sacred Heart
Saturday, Dec. 8: vs. Sacred Heart
LW Erik Haula – University of Minnesota (WCHA)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Colorado College
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Colorado College
LW Mario Lucia – Notre Dame (CCHA)
Friday, Dec. 7: vs. Michigan State
Saturday, Dec. 8: vs. Michigan State
G Stephen Michalek – Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: at Muskegon
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Muskegon
LW Louis Nanne – Penticton (BCHL)
Friday, Dec. 7: vs. Merritt
Saturday, Dec. 8: vs. Langley
D Nick Seeler – Nebraska-Omaha (WCHA)
Friday, Dec. 7: at St. Cloud State
Saturday, Dec. 8: at St. Cloud State
International
RW Christoph Bertschy – SC Bern (Swiss)
Friday, Dec. 7: vs. HC Ambri-Piotta
Saturday, Dec. 8: at Rapperswil-Jona
D Daniel Gunnarsson and G Johan Gustafsson – Lulea HF (SEL)
Saturday, Dec. 8: at MODO
