Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Friday, July 7, 2006
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

SummerScribes, July 7 edition

Thanks to everyone for feedback from the last edition of SummerScribes. We’ll get to questions, comments and trivia later on. Feedback, as always, is welcomed – send to qanda@aeros.com. The next edition is scheduled for July 21.

Wild signs quartet of rookies 
Minnesota signed three rookies early this week – defensemen Paul Albers and Mike Madill – and left wing Ryan Hamilton. Hamilton ended the season by signing an amateur tryout with the Aeros, appearing in one post-season game. Chances are you’ll see all in an Aeros uniform at some point during the 2006-07 season.

Hamilton, 21, was plagued by injuries during his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League. Healthy with Barrie last season, he notched a career-high 72 points (46-26=72) in 63 games. He had 24 power play goals and impressed Wild folks, Aeros head coach Rob Daum and The Scribe while practicing with the team during the West Division Finals.

Albers, 20, is a highly-offensive defenseman out of the Western Hockey League (Vancouver). He tallied 17 goals – best among all WHL blueliners – including 13 power play tallies. He was a plus-38 as Vancouver won its first ever WHL championship. Albers was named to the Memorial Cup First All-Star Team.

Madill, 24, is the senior member of the group, having played four seasons of collegiate hockey at St. Lawrence (alma mater of one Derek Gustafson) in upstate New York. Madill was the Saints’ captain in 2006-07.

And in late breaking news today, the Wild signed defenseman Riley Emmerson out of WHL Tri City. The tallest player in organization history (6-foot-8 and 1/2!), Emmerson can pack a punch, even to his own teammates. He fell on Patrick O'Sullivan during training camp last fall, separating O'Sullivan's shoulder.

Free agency frenzy begins 
You’ve all seen the “big name” free agents land like Zdeno Chara (Boston) and Ed Jovanovski (Phoenix), not to mention the Wild’s huge Saturday welcoming high-scoring defenseman Kim Johnsson, steady blueliner Keith Carney and St. Paul native and scorer Mark Parrish. Minnesota also locked up star Marian Gaborik for three years earlier this week, avoiding a possible arbitration showdown and likely unrestricted free agency after the 2006-07 season.

But let’s delve a bit deeper into free agency, looking at some deals that could affect the Aeros’ AHL rivals – mostly the Chicago Wolves.

Atlanta brought former Aero Cory Larose back from Europe, and he could land as one of the veterans in the Windy City. July 4 marked former AHL Rookie of the Year Darren Haydar’s independence from the Nashville Predators/Milwaukee Admirals organizations. A guy with his credentials, regardless of his size, is sure to be given a shot in Atlanta, but he could end up also skating eight times against the Aeros as a member of the Wolves.

Also signing with Atlanta was Glen Metropolit – yes, that Glen Metropolit, as in 1997-99 Grand Rapids Griffins. He’s still around and has played the last three seasons in Finland and Switzerland. He’s never spent a full season in the NHL, so expect to see him in Chicago some as well.

Former Aero Mark Cullen, whose breakout 2005-06 season led to some NHL time in Chicago, has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. Regardless of if he’s in the NHL, or the Flyers’ AHL affiliate across the street, he’s an hour train ride away from big brother Matt, who signed with the New York Rangers this week.

Eddie Shore (best defenseman) winner Andy Delmore signed with Tampa Bay, while young goalie Mike Morrison inked a pact with Phoenix. Which could signal another year of development in San Antonio for David LeNeveu.

Ty Conklin, who backstopped Hamilton against the Aeros in the 2003 Calder Cup Finals, more recently became notorious for his misplay behind the net in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals after Dwayne Roloson was injured. Conklin signed a two-way contract this week with Columbus, meaning he could be in Syracuse to face Houston again.

Former Aero takes the reins in Manitoba 
You heard it from The Scribe first, folks. Scott Arniel, a member of the original Aeros’ 1994-95 team, has been named the head coach of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Arniel was most recently an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.

Arniel played two seasons from 1994-96 with the Aeros, totaling 121 points (55-68=121) and 196 penalty minutes in 136 games. He went on to play three seasons for the Moose before serving as an assistant in Manitoba from 2000-02.

“Noodles” lands in Calgary
The Calgary Flames signed Jamie McLennan away from the Florida Panthers yesterday, inking the former Aero as Miikka Kiprusoff’s projected backup. McLennan spent two seasons with the Flames before being traded to the New York Rangers in 2003-04.

Just how respected is McLennan as a backup? When Roberto Luongo was in negotiations with the Panthers over a long-term contract (he has since been traded to Vancouver), one of the conditions Luongo wanted was that Florida signed McLennan to be his partner.

Another Aero makes the show
Dennis Soetaert, assistant equipment manager in the 2002-03 Calder Cup campaign, has resigned from his gig with the ECHL’s Columbia Inferno to take a job with the NHL’s Dallas Stars, the Inferno’s website reported Thurday.

Home opener is October 7
The Aeros will open the 2006-07 season on Saturday, October 7th at 7:35pm! Great discounted seats are now available for your group of co-workers, friends and family members. Call 713.974.PUCK for information on joining the Aeros Group Priority Seating List.

Become a Season Ticket Holder!
Want your chance to enjoy the very best prices in the same seat for 13, 22, or all 40 home games? Looking for a dynamic and exciting way to entertain business associates? Aeros season seat plans are going fast this summer, so call 713.974.PUCK today to join the fun. Click here for more information. Want to secure your seat today, or think a voucher book is the thing for you? Call 713.974.PUCK today!

Amateur Hockey Updates
The Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex at Willowbrook will be starting their Adult Rec A League and their Adult Rec League in August. The Youth In-House program will start registration August 14th with play starting September 9th. Details for all these programs as well as Adult Novice League and Hockey classes can be found at www.aerodromes.com, or you can email TC Lewis at tlewis@aerodromes.com.

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center will again be hosting many hockey classes and leagues from youth to adults. For more information on registration, please contact Lisa Flanagan at 281.265.7407 or lflanagan@sugarlandice.com.

Space City Ice Station will be hosting an adult hockey tournament July 28th-30th. Each participating team will be guaranteed 3 games plus a possible 2 game playoff. There will also be live music Friday and Saturday in the bar, trophies, t-shirts and FREE food. For additional information, click here or call 281.486.7979!

Become Part of Houston Aeros Entertainment Team
If you enjoy the excitement of sports entertainment, ice skating and love the idea of performing for thousands of AHL fans, try out for the Aerodynamics Team (formerly Strike Force). This is a great opportunity to work for a professional sports team.

The Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League are currently seeking candidates interested in becoming a member of the Aerodynamic Team.

We’re looking for athletic, spirited and outgoing individuals that can entertain the crowd at all Houston Aeros home games. They will also be responsible for distribution of giveaways, assist with intermission activities and entertain at all Aeros home games. The teams impact will not be limited to the game entertainment, all Aerodynamics will also be available for charitable and community appearances and assist with the team's marketing efforts in the Houston community.

All members must hold a full-time job or be a full-time student. You must be at least 18 by July 28, 2006. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Call Gabriel Presas at 713.361.7907 for more information.

Aeros’ summer program a big HITS 

The Houston Aeros Hockey In The Streets program (formerly known as Street Fleet) is officially underway! The Hockey In The Streets program (HITS) is designed to teach Houston area kids about the basic fundamentals of hockey in a fun filled environment. Kids will participate in games of street hockey with equipment provided by the Houston Aeros. Also look for special appearances by Aeros mascot Chilly, and Aeros Cheerleaders and Cheer Squad, Strike Force and Sonic Boom. Games, prizes, snacks and drinks will be available courtesy of the Houston Aeros. Look for the Hockey In The Streets program to be coming to a neighborhood near you this summer.

Interested in hosting a Hockey In the Streets event this summer? Do you have a local organization that would want to team up with the Aeros to host an event? Call 713.361.7950 for more information.

HAC preparing for a new season
Houston Aeros Charities is going for major wins this season! Make sure to join us for our 12th Annual Charity Golf Classic to be held in October at Wildcat Golf Club where our players will trade in their sticks for clubs. Don’t miss out because right now we are seeking corporate sponsors for our in game fundraisers: Tickets for Kids, Golden Puck, Birthdays, and more! This is a great opportunity to receive corporate recognition and contribute to local charities.

If you would like additional information on upcoming events or make a monetary donation, please contact Courtney Eidman at 713.361.7925. Be sure to visit the Community section of the website frequently as we’ll be updating our information as the season draws near.

Mailbag time

Q: When will the new bomber jerseys be made available to the public? – Name not given.

Scribe says: We’ve consulted with Aeros merchandise guru Jim Gadd, who says jerseys should be delivered September 27, just in time for training camp!

Thanks for the great question! Keep 'em coming.

Trivia time
Congratulations to Kristin from League City, who correctly stated that Sylvain Turgeon was the first, first-round draft pick to play for the Aeros, back in 1995-96. Turgeon went second overall to the Hartford Whalers in 1983, some 12 seasons before he put up 59 points in 65 games with the Aeros.

Looking for a way to cool off this summer? This week’s prize is two free public skating passes at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center. The question is…Since the Aeros joined the AHL in 2001-02, what player has the most penalty minutes with the team? Send answers to qanda@aeros.com.

That’s it, Aeros fans. We’ll see you again next time!


---HOUSTON AEROS---