Jan. 15, 2011 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 1 at Houston Aeros 2

HOUSTON – The Aeros soared 2-1 over the Grand Rapids Griffins Saturday night at the Toyota Center in the first of two back-to-back games in Houston.

The Griffins (18-19-1-4) continue a four-game Texas swing with a rematch in Houston (24-18-1-2) on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. EST, concluding a four-game season series against the Aeros at the Toyota Center. Following the weekend, Grand Rapids will visit the Texas Stars on Tuesday before returning home next weekend.

Justin Falk and Jon DiSalvatore rallied for the Aeros, contributing assists to Patrick O’Sullivan, who knocked the puck past Jordan Pearce at 13:36 of the first period. Houston took a 1-0 advantage early on and carried it through a scoreless middle frame.

Returning to the third period, Cody Almond tallied a power play goal at 6:01 extending the Aeros’ lead 2-0. Derek Meech was quick to answer for Grand Rapids, slipping a shorthanded goal just inside the right goal pad of Josh Tordjman at 6:36 claiming the last goal of the game and a final score of 2-1. The Griffins remain league-leader with 11 shorthanded goals this season.

Pearce posted 21 saves for the Griffins, while Houston goaltender, Tordjman made 28 stops.

Three Stars: 1. HOU DiSalvatore (2 assists); 2. HOU Tordjman (28 saves); 3. HOU O’Sullivan (1 goal)