From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
DATE

AEROS RECEIVE FOUR FROM WILD

HOUSTON, Texas – Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has assigned four players to the training camp of the Houston Aeros, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Defensemen Shawn Belle and John Scott and forwards Benoit Pouliot and Petr Kalus have all been assigned to the Aeros.

Belle, 22 (1/3/85), enters his third professional season having come off a strong 2006-07 where he ranked fourth among Aeros blueliners with 18 points (4-14=18) in only 57 games. He also skated in nine games with NHL Minnesota totaling one assist. He was also a perfect five-for-five in shootouts; no other AHL player was 100 percent on more than two shots. In two pro seasons, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Edmonton, Alberta native has totaled 127 games, 24 points (6-18=24) and 158 penalty minutes (PIM).

Scott, 25 (9/26/82), played his rookie season with Houston in 2006-07. He played in 65 games where he had six points (1-5=6) and 107 PIM. Prior to turning professional, the 6-foot-8, 255-pound defensman played four seasons for Michigan Tech University. During his collegiate career, Scott had 19 points (7-12=19) and 252 PIM in 126 games. He had over 100 PIM in two seasons at Michigan Tech.

Pouliot, 21(9/27/86), is entering his second season with Aeros after having a fine rookie season with the team. He ranked fifth among Aeros’ players in scoring and was tied for 31st among AHL rookies with 36 points (19-17=36). The 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward was fourth on the Aeros’ roster with 109 PIM. He was called up to NHL Minnesota for a brief stint in which he played three games with the club before returning to Houston. The Alfred, Ontario native finished the season with eight power-play goals (PPG) which was second on the team to Matt Foy (12).

Kalus, 20 (6/29/87), played in 43 games last season with AHL Providence tallying 30 points (13-17=30) and 110 PIM. The 6-foot-1, 192 pound forward also netted one goal and 12 PIM in nine Calder Cup playoff appearances last spring with Providence. Kalus also tallied five points and six PIM in nine games with NHL Boston. The Ostrava, Czech Republic, native was originally selected by the Bruins in the second round (39 overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Single game tickets are on sale now so visit Aeros.com to get yours! You can still reserve your priority group seating for Opening Night today by calling (713) 974-PUCK. It’s also not too late to order your 2007-08 season tickets and receive 10 of the 40 regular season games free! Call (713) 974-PUCK or click here to get your season tickets today!

-- HOUSTON AEROS --