From: Robert Desimone, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7920
Palmer Hestley, Asst. Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930
September 17, 2009

MINNESOTA WILD ASSIGNS TEN PLAYERS TO HOUSTON

HOUSTON – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher announced the National Hockey League (NHL) team has reduced its training camp roster to 41 players and assigned ten players to the Houston Aeros, its American Hockey League (AHL) Affiliate. G Barry Brust, LW Brandon Buck, LW Jon DiSalvatore, D Jamie Fraser, C Brian Kaufman, C Morten Madsen, RW Carson McMillan, D Maxim Noreau, D J.P. Testwuide, and C Peter Zingoni were assigned to Houston.

“There is some understandable disappointment for these players in not making the NHL at this time,” Aeros General Manager Jim Mill said. “At the same time, this is the first step for us as we build toward the future and it is a great opportunity for these players to continue their development and prepare for the NHL.”

Four players returning to the Aeros from last season include Brust, Madsen, Noreau and Testwuide. Brust, 26, is returning to Houston after playing the last two seasons with the Aeros. He played in 28 games last season, posting a 9-9-3 record with a 2.52 goals-against-average and .912 save percentage. Madsen, 22, skated in 56 games for the Aeros last season and posted 22 points (6-16=22) and 33 penalty minutes (PIM). Noreau, 22, scored 39 points (14-25-39) and added 49 PIM in 77 games for the Aeros last season. He also added 11 points (4-7=11) and two PIM in 20 playoff games during Houston’s run to the Western Conference Finals. Testwuide, 24, posted 13 points (3-10=13) and 110 PIM during his senior season at the University of Denver. He then signed an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO) for Houston, scoring two points (1-1=2) and adding 14 PIM in 13 playoff games.

Buck, 21, played for the Guelph Storm (OHL) last season, scoring 64 points (24-40=64) and adding 30 PIM in 66 games. He later signed an ATO with the Norfolk Admirals, posting two points (1-1=2) and four PIM in six games.

DiSalvatore, 28, scored 46 points (22-24=46) and added 46 PIM in 76 games for the Lowell Devils (AHL) last season.

Fraser, 23, played one game for the New York Islanders last season after playing in 66 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL). He scored 21 points (7-13=21) and also added 30 PIM for the Tigers.

Kaufman, 25, scored 22 points (10-12=22) and added 12 PIM in 41 games during his senior season at Miami University (Ohio).

McMillan, 21, scored 72 points (31-41=72) and 93 PIM in 68 games for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) last season. He also posted 11 points (3-8=11) and 18 PIM in the playoffs before falling to Kelowna in the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Zingoni, 28, scored 14 points (7-7=14) and added 22 PIM in 43 games for the Admirals, missing part of the season to injury. He posted 38 points (20-18=38) and 92 PIM in 66 games during the 2007-08 season playing for the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL).

The Aeros will host training camp beginning Monday, September 21 at Sugar Land Sports and Ice Complex (SLICE). Houston opens up the regular season Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 in Manitoba, followed by the return to Toyota Center for Houston’s home opener Friday October 9 against the Texas Stars. For more information visit aeros.com or call 713-974-PUCK (7825).

-- HOUSTON AEROS --