From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
(713) 361-7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930 (Direct Line)
Sunday, July 6, 2008

MINNESOTA WILD SIGNS G BARRY BRUST AND RW JESSE SCHULTZ

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed goaltender Barry Brust to a multi-year contract and right wing Jesse Schultz to a 2008-09 contract. As per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Brust, 24 (8/8/83), posted a record of 24-16-3 with a 2.27 goals against average (GAA), a .919 save percentage and four shutouts in 43 games during his first season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Houston Aeros in 2007-08. He ranked sixth in the AHL in GAA, tied for sixth in save percentage and shutouts, was named the AHL’s Goalie of the Month in April, won Player of the Week for the period ending March 9 and shared a piece of the Harry “Hap” Holmes award, given to the goaltender(s) who allow the fewest goals in the AHL regular season. The four shutouts also contributed to an Aeros' franchise-best 11 shutouts in a season. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound native of Swan River, Manitoba was 1-2 with a 1.78 GAA, a .932 save percentage and one shutout in three playoff games for the Aeros. Brust appeared in 11 NHL contests with the Los Angeles Kings in 2006-07 recording a 2-4-1 mark with a 3.70 GAA and a .878 save percentage. He was originally selected by Minnesota in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Schultz, 25 (9/28/82), recorded 66 points (26-40=66) including six power play goals, 43 penalty minutes (PIM) and a plus-15 rating while skating in all 80 regular season games for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves in 2007-08. He added 14 points (8-6=14) in 24 playoff contests to help lead Chicago to the Calder Cup title. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound native of Strasbourg, Saskatchewan skated in two NHL contests with the Vancouver Canucks in 2006-07. He is a cousin of Wild defenseman Nick Schultz.

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 --