Houston, TX – The Abbotsford Heat were defeated 4-1 by the Houston Aeros (AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) on Thursday night at the Toyota Center.

Former Heat Defenceman Brian Connelly scored two power play goals, and the Aeros added two goals at even strength to hand the Heat their second loss on this road trip through Texas. Mike Testwuide had a fight for the second straight game and ended Darcy Kuemper’s shutout bid on a goal with just 14 seconds left.

Brian Connelly’s first of two goals put Houston up 1-0 at 18:28 of the first period with a point shot that deflected in off a Heat penalty-killer. At 7:30 of the second period Connelly scored again on the fourth power play of the night for the Aeros.

Zach Phillips added an even strength goal at 14:27 of the second period and Jake Dowell made it 4-0 for the Aeros at 16:52 of the third period.

Mike Testwuide’s first goal as a member of the Heat made it 4-1 at 19:46 of the third period. Testwuide took a pass from Brady Lamb and beat Kuemper on a shot from the top of the right circle.

Barry Brust made his first start since March 2nd and stopped 20 of 24 shots in the loss. The Heat outshot the Stars by a 34-24 margin, including a 29-12 edge over the final 40 minutes.

The Heat did not score on seven power plays, while the penalty kill erased three-of-five Aeros man advantages.

The Heat conclude their season-long, 15-day road trip on Sunday afternoon in San Antonio with their final game of the season against the Rampage (AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers). The Heat have one win, four losses and an shootout loss through the first six games of this road trip.

The Heat will return to Abbotsford for a pair of games with the Rockford IceHogs on the Friday March 22nd and Saturday March 23rd. For tickets and more information on the Heat, please call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.