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RICHARDS HELPS HOLD UP TWO SECOND PERIOD GOALS

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Rockford snags three of four points in Houston during a two-game set

Houston, Tex.-Another solid goaltending performance by the Rockford IceHogs was turned in by Alec Richards and the club didn’t waste his 38 save effort. Two second period goals by Rockford were enough to skate them past the Houston Aeros 2-1 at the Toyota Center.

With the win, Rockford grabbed three out of a possible four points in their two game trip to Houston and moved their road record to 6-6-0-2 before heading home for a season-high seven-game homestand.

Houston jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Friday 3:21 into the opening period. Casey Wellman’s initial shot was blocked away by Richards, but Robbie Earl was there to bat in the rebound for his fifth goal of the campaign and Richards’ only blemish on the night.

Ivan Vishnevskiy tied the game for the IceHogs at2:27 of the second period. Mathis Olimb found Vishnevskiy streaking to the net and the d-man sniped his second goal of the season past Matt Hackett and just under the cross bar. Hugh Jessiman also figured in with an assist.

For the second straight game Ryan Potulny gave Rockford a 2-1 second period over Houston. Camped out in front of Hackett, Igor Makarov found Potulny and the winger knocked in his sixth goal of the campaign.

Rockford withstood a couple of third period rallies by the Aeros and Richards held them off the board on 11 third period shots.

Power plays were a non-factor as Rockford finished 0-5 and the Aeros went scoreless on four advantages on the night. The Aeros outshot Rockford 39-29.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 8 vs. Texas Stars. Game time is 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs kick off a season-high seven-game home stand when the Stars return to the MetroCentre. Wednesday is another Taco Bell Dollar Day presented by WXRX as fans can purchase beers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just $1.