Binghamton, NY - The Houston Aeros grabbed a 2 games to 1 advantage in the AHL Calder Cup Finals this evening in front of a sold out and rockin’ 4,710 maniacs at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Aeros were able to squeak this one out by the score of 2-1 over the host Binghamton Senators courtesy of goals by Jon DiSalvatore and Nate Prosser.

DiSalvatore was able to chip in his own rebound past Robin Lehner (Ottawa’s 2nd round draft pick in 2009) only a minute into the contest to give the Aeros the early lead.

“It was great to get out of that first period up 1-0 because it certainly took us some time to adjust,” noted Houston head coach Mike Yeo.

Prosser would then knock home Houston’s second goal after the puck was pinballed around in the crease between both sides and finally found it‘s way in. This one came late in the second period.

The score would be 2-0 until Binghamton’s Ryan Keller deflected an early third period power play blast off the stick of Andre Benoit that skimmed past netminder Matt Hackett cutting the score to 2-1. The crowd then bumped up the noise level a few decibels and the rest of the frame would be an absolute nailbiter. The B-Sens hit a couple of posts with less than 3 minutes remaining and then had the puck trickle along the goal line (or so the referee believed) with 24.5 ticks remaining. The replay option is still not available in the AHL.

Some of the fans were so aggravated and disgusted that they pelted the officials and the Houston players with popcorn, soda bottles, and beer when the horn sounded to end the game. The PA announcer insistently commanded them to cease their actions.

“I don’t think this will have any effect on our team, we talk a lot about our focus. I think the crowd was great for them (Binghamton), they were loud and boisterous and it was a great atmosphere,” added Yeo.

Game 4 will be played Friday night here in Binghamton.

Notes - The Senators were presented with the Richard F. Canning Trophy before the game. This trophy is awarded to the Eastern Conference Playoff champions…….The temperature outside the arena at game time was a hot and humid 90 degrees; but this did not stop numerous Binghamton fans from tailgating right outside the front doors (aided by the shade)……..Just prior to game time B-Sens mascot “Max” descended from the rafters on cables while Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” played over the arena PA system…….Collectibles at the souvenir stands featured air horns, Calder Cup pucks, shirts, and programs, but no Calder Cup pins.

AHL Cool Fact! - The longest Calder Cup Final game took place on 5/30/03 when the Hamilton Bulldogs defeated the Houston Aeros 2-1 in the 4th overtime (at 14:56).