From: Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Thursday, December 16, 2004
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

BOOGAARD A DESIGNATED DRIVER NOMINEE

Aero up against three other Houston athletes in celebrity vote

HOUSTON, Texas - Houston Aeros winger Derek Boogaard is one of four nominees participating in the Designated Driver campaign launched by Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. By visiting the Houston Press website, www.houstonpress.com, Houstonians, 21 years of age and older, will have the opportunity to select the local sports celebrity they would choose as a Designated Driver. Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. and Houston Press are working to create awareness about the importance of using a designated driver particularly during the holiday season. Advertisements began running in this week's Houston Press to promote voting.

Boogaard, a 22-year-old, 6-foot-7, 270-pound hulk from Regina, Sask., is up against Astro Brandon Backe, Rocket Jim Jackson and Comet Cynthia Cooper. Boogaard recorded a team-high 207 penalty minutes in 2003-04. Silver Eagle Distributors will make a financial contribution to Boogaard's charity of choice if he is selected as the winner.


---HOUSTON AEROS, BE A FAN---