From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
(713) 361-7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930 (Direct Line)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

MINNESOTA WILD SIGNS LW BRUNETTE AND RW WELLER

HOUSTON, Texas – Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough announced Tuesday the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed left wing Andrew Brunette and right wing Craig Weller each to multi-year contracts.

“Andrew is a consistent offensive performer and an excellent teammate who helped create the culture of our team,” said Risebrough. “We are better, on the ice and in the dressing room, with him back. Not often do you get the chance to correct a mistake.”

Brunette, 34 (8/24/73), played three seasons for the Wild, from 2001-04, accruing 164 points (54-110=164) in 245 games. Brunette ranks third on the team’s all-time assist list, is fifth in points and seventh in goals. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound native of Sudbury, Ont., played with Colorado in 2007-08, totaling 59 points (19-40=59) in 82 games. Brunette is the NHL’s active leader in consecutive games played with 453.

In 788 career NHL games covering 12 seasons with Washington, Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Colorado, Brunette has posted 549 points (191-358=549) and 264 penalty minutes. Brunette served as the Wild’s monthly captain four times during his three-year stay in Minnesota. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Colorado in Game 7 of the 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinal. Brunette has 34 career Stanley Cup Playoff points (16-18=34) in 43 games.

Brunette was Washington’s seventh-round pick (No. 174 overall) in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Weller, 27 (3/17/81), totaled 11 points (3-8=11) and 80 penalty minutes in 59 games for the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-08, his first NHL campaign. He spent the previous five seasons with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, including a career-best 34 points (12-22=34) to go along with 152 PIM in 2005-06.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Calgary, Alberta, was St. Louis’ fifth-round pick (No. 167 overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Weller helped the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Kootenay Ice to a Memorial Cup title in 2002, and also appeared in six games with the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2000-01, picking up one assist. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Aeros' season ticket packages are available now and can be ordered today by calling (713) 974-PUCK. Packages include the popular “Elite Fleet” which includes 40 games for the price of 30. Mini-plans include “25 for 22” and “15 for 13” and also come along with great season ticket holder benefits. Voucher Books are also a great way to save on tickets. These 10-packs are available, and by picking one, fans will receive two free tickets to the game of their choice!

-- HOUSTON AEROS --