AEROS, SWARM TO HELP HARDING “FUND THE FIGHT” MARCH 23

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn./HOUSTON, Texas – Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the National Lacrosse League’s Minnesota Swarm and the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros have announced a joint venture for March 23 to help current Minnesota Wild goaltender and former Aero Josh Harding “Fund the Fight” against breast cancer. The Aeros play host to the Rochester Americans at Toyota Center at 7:35 p.m. on March 23.

A portion of each ticket for that night’s game, purchased by calling 713.974.PUCK and asking to "Fund the Fight", will be donated to help fight the disease. This is a cause dear to Harding’s heart, as his sister, Stephanie, has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Harding has set up fundthefight.com to raise money and increase awareness.

“Josh has been an integral part of the MSE family since he was drafted in 2002,” said Tom Garrity, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment’s Vice President of Minor League Properties. “We are happy to get involved in such a worthy cause, and we know our fans in both cities will help Josh.”

Individuals and companies can also sponsor seats to be given to local cancer patients, survivors, and supporters of this cause from but not limited to Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, MD Anderson, Baylor Breast Care Center and others. In return for fans’ support, anyone purchasing at least 20 tickets will receive a special autographed photo from Josh. Order 50 or more seats and receive an official Minnesota Wild puck signed by Harding. In addition, fans can donate money at the March 23 game.

This downloadable order form can be filled out and returned via fax to 713.361.7934, or call 713.974.PUCK and ask to "Fund the Fight" to order. More information on Josh’s quest to ‘Fund The Fight’ can be found at www.fundthefight.com. Harding is also holding eBay auctions for various NHL items, starting this week with a game used stick by Vancouver Canucks All-Star goalie Roberto Luongo.

Between the Aeros and Swarm, the team that raises the most money for Fund the Fight will also donate an additional $500 to program. Harding is signing autographs at the Swarm's March 23 game for fans who purchase Fund the Fight tickets.

Harding played three seasons with the Aeros from 2004-07, totaling a record of 67-40-7 with a 2.40 gaa and a .924 save pct. He ranks second all-time on the franchise’s all-time wins list, fifth in gaa and first in save pct. His seven shutouts are second among all Aeros netminders. With the Wild this season, Harding is 2-0-1 with a 0.66 gaa and a .978 save pct. and one shutout in four games. Harding is wearing a goalie mask with pink ribbons on it to show his support for his sister.

---HOUSTON AEROS---