From: Ryan Stanzel, Vice President of Communications/Administration
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Monday, July 30, 2007

HOUSTON AEROS NAME TROY G. WARD ASSISTANT COACH FOR 2007-08 SEASON

HOUSTON, Texas. – The Houston Aeros have named Troy G. Ward as their assistant coach for the 2007-08 season, the team announced Monday.

Ward served as Constantine’s assistant coach for the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins for three seasons, from 1997-2000. Ward helped Constantine and the Penguins upset top-seeded New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in 1999. Ward’s other assistant coaching stops include two seasons at Indianapolis of the now-defunct International Hockey League, three seasons at the University of Wisconsin and three at the University of Denver.

Ward was named the ECHL’s Coach of the Year for the 2000-01 season, when he led Trenton to the Kelly Cup Finals with a 50-18-4 record. The next season, Ward served as the ECHL’s Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations

He also joined ECHL Victoria in mid-season in 2005-06, leading the Salmon Kings to a 12-14-8 record. Ward became the head coach of Dubuque of the United States Hockey League in 1993. He also served as the Fighting Saints’ general manager.

Ward first became a head coach in 1987, with his Alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Ward played four seasons of collegiate hockey at UWEC, which included winning the NAIA national championship in 1984, and then was assistant coach there for two seasons prior to becoming the head coach.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --