From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
(713) 361-7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930 (Direct Line)
Monday, June 23, 2008

HOUSTON AEROS UPDATE: JUNE 23

HOUSTON, Texas – Although we are in the midst of the off-season, preparations are well underway for next season and other fun events throughout the summer are happening! The 2008 NHL Entry Draft concluded this past weekend, an off-season update from goaltender Nolan Schaefer came in, the Aeros partnered up for the Family Fun Skate, ‘Hockey In The Streets’ events are on the schedule and, speaking of the schedule, five home dates have been announced!

The Aeros’ NHL affiliate, the Minnesota Wild, drafted four players over the weekend as part of the annual NHL Entry Draft. However, in all likelihood, the Aeros might only get a glimpse of these upcoming stars like they did at the end of last season with 2007 first-round draft pick Colton Gillies. There was another local connection with the draft that may have flown under the radar – Tyler Myers, originally from Houston, was drafted 12th overall by the Buffalo Sabers. Myers states the Houston Aeros were his inspiration to start playing hockey.

Goaltender Nolan Schaefer, who won the Harry "Hap" Holmes award, was kind enough to check in and let us know what he’s been up to since the season came to a close in April. After soaking in more of Houston he took off to the Northeast and has a few events and workouts planned for the rest of the summer.

STARskaters.org and the Houston Aeros have partnered up for a family FUNraiser on Saturday, August 2 as the event raises money for STARskaters.org whose mission is to provide an ice skating experience for kids with disabilities. The event is at the Willowbrook Aerodrome from 3:30-5:30 p.m. followed by a sled hockey game.

Chilly, the Aero Dynamics and the Aeros’ H.I.T.S crew will be there with the Slapshot game, on-ice puck-suit relays, free skating lessons and much more. Your $10 entry includes skating, skate rental AND a raffle ticket for lots of great prizes. More information about the event can be found at their webiste, STARskaters.org.

The H.I.T.S. crew will be at the Space City Ice Station this Thursday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. teaching kids about the game of hockey. Chilly and the Aerodynamics will also be hosting a number of games for the kids to practice their new-found skills! H.I.T.S. events will occur over the course of the summer and will re-visit the Space City Ice Station on July 11 and August 15 as well as the fore-mentioned August 2 family FUNraiser at the Willowbrook Aerodrome.

The Aeros also have slated five home dates for the 2008-09 season. October 11 and 18, November 28, December 6 and January 16 are currently scheduled with opponents and times yet to be determined. Dates are subject to change. Season ticket packages and Voucher Books are on sale now!

-- HOUSTON AEROS --