From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
(713) 361-7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930 (Direct Line)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

MINNESOTA WILD SIGNS FIVE

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed RW Danny Irmen, C Corey Locke, C Bryan Lundbohm and D John Scott to 2008-09 contracts. In addition, the Wild has signed D Brandon Rogers to a multi-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Irmen, 23 (9/6/84), played 77 games with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Houston Aeros last season, posting 23 points (10-23=33) and 51 penalty minutes (PIM). The 6-foot, 190-pound native of Fargo, N.D., has accrued 62 points (27-35=62) and 96 PIM in 161 games in two-plus seasons with the Aeros. Irmen skated three collegiate seasons with the University of Minnesota. He was the Wild’s third-round draft pick (No. 78 overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Locke, 24 (5/8/84), was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens July 11. He has spent the last four seasons with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, totaling 229 points (85-144=229) in 313 games. He also made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens against the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 8, 2008. The 5-foot-9, 171-pound native of Newmarket, Ont., was Montreal’s fourth-round pick (No. 113 overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Lundbohm, 30 (8/24/77), played with the Aeros from 2005-07, totaling 60 points (18-42=60) and 80 PIM in 155 games. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound native of Roseau, Minn., skated with Soenderjyske of the Denmark League in 2007-08, tallying 27 points (13-14=27) in 33 games.

Scott, 25 (9/26/82), scored three goals and had a team-high 184 PIM in 64 games with Houston in 2007-08. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound native of St. Catharines, Ont., has nine points (4-5=9) and 291 PIM in 129 games covering two seasons with the Aeros. The Wild signed Scott as a free agent on Dec. 31, 2006.

Rogers, 26 (2/27/82), had a career-year in 2007-08, totaling 28 points (4-24=28) and 77 PIM in 63 games with the Aeros in his third pro season. Rogers led the Aeros with a plus-17 rating. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Rochester, N.H., was Anaheim’s fourth-round pick (No. 118 overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Rogers played four collegiate seasons at the University of Michigan.

Aeros' season ticket packages are available now and can be ordered today by calling (713) 974-PUCK. Packages include the popular “Elite Fleet” which has 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 --