SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced today that the organization has named Tom Garrity president of the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild. He will be responsible for Houston’s overall business operations including marketing, advertising, communications, promotions, ticket sales, budget development and corporate partnerships.

“I am very excited to join the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Sports & Entertainment and be involved with this first-class organization,” said Garrity. “I look forward to joining the staff of the Calder Cup champion Houston Aeros and focusing my efforts on continuing to make the franchise a model in the AHL.”

Garrity, 38 (1/8/64), most recently served as president of the AHL’s Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. He was named the second president in franchise history on May 4, 2001 after spending the previous two seasons as the club’s senior vice president. Garrity was responsible for the organization’s non-hockey functions as well as having total authority regarding the day-to-day business operations. In his first season as president in 2001-2002, the Mighty Ducks attracted a franchise record 218,384 fans. Last season, Cincinnati established franchise records in sponsorship, season ticket and group sales.

Prior to joining the Mighty Ducks, Garrity served as Director of Corporate Training for Game Face Marketing in Portland, Oregon. His successful 13-year career in sports administration and sales has included stints with the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Minnesota Timberwolves, Major League Soccer’s (MLS) San Jose Clash and at the collegiate level with the University of Minnesota.

The University of Wisconsin at Platteville graduate is a native of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Garrity and his wife, Gina, have two children, a daughter, Caitlyn and a son, Connor.

The Aeros have been in existence for nine years compiling a 387-265-81 record and have qualified for the playoffs in eight of their nine seasons including winning the International Hockey League’s (IHL) Turner Cup Championship in 1999 and the 2003 Calder Cup. Houston will play the 2003-04 season in the new downtown Houston Arena. MSE announced on July 7, 2003 that it agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the Aeros from owner Chuck Watson. Minnesota originally named Houston its primary development affiliate on May 21, 2001.

Garrity will begin his new position with the Aeros in late July.

Deposits are now being accepted for 2003-04 Houston Aeros season tickets.

Call 713/974-PUCK for more information.