AeroScribes, October 1 Edition

Exhibition slate opens tonight

It’s been 5 ½ months since the Aeros were last seen on the ice, but the chance to see them is here again, beginning this weekend with the first two exhibition games. San Antonio hosts tonight’s 7 p.m. game in the Ice Center at Northwoods, while the Aeros take on the Rampage at the Sugar Land Aerodrome Saturday at 7 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets remaining at $7. They can be purchased at the Aerodrome from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today and tomorrow. And don’t forget that we’ll have Street Fleet set up, beginning at 5 p.m., so come on out early and play street hockey and hang out with other Aeros fans in anticipation of the game.

Both games should be exciting because they are played in small buildings where the fans will be on top of the action. The Aeros ask that you please be nice to the Rampage players as they walk through the crowd to get to the ice Saturday night.

As many as nine first-round draft picks could take the ice this weekend, including three Aeros. San Antonio has its own World Cup player in Jay Bouwmeester. Mikko Koivu was the Aeros’ representative.

Scraps usually happen early and often in the pre-season as well, as players try to show their coaches they have the grit to make it in the AHL.

Familiarize yourself with the AHL’s recent rule changes. Remember, you won’t see the goalies playing the puck in the corners. And if you do…the referee will have his whistle in his mouth.

The Aeros have won eight straight exhibition games, including four against the Rampage.

Four players released

Following this morning's practice session, the Aeros released Scott Selig, Jeff Neufeld, Sheldon Nedjelski and Chad Woollard. The Aeros roster now stands at 37.

Training Camp Recap

In the final scrimmage before the exhibition season begins, Team Harding scored five unanswered goals after an early deficit and beat Team Gherson 5-1.

After Rickard Wallin staked Team Gherson to the early lead on a penalty shot, rookie goalie Josh Harding closed the door the rest of the way while his team exploded offensively. Erik Reitz scored on a penalty shot with less than 30 seconds to go in the first of two periods, and David Bararuk put a rebound by Robert Gherson early in the second period to take the lead.

Jason Beckett made it 3-1 with a penalty shot goal, and Stephane Veilleux took a nifty 2-on-1 pass from Matt Foy, hesitated and put the puck past Gherson from along the goal line. Foy scored on a penalty shot of his own for the final margin.

Aeros on “The Tube”

Make sure to watch KTBU Channel 55 “The Tube” tonight at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. “Sports Off Center” will have special Aeros guests Mike Smith and Mark Cullen.

Is he or isn’t he?

The lockout is forcing many veteran players to look at other options. Most have chosen Europe, although others like 42-year-old Chris Chelios are considering the AHL. Reports out of Chicago say that if Chelios can find his own insurance policy, he’s already agreed with the AHL Wolves on a contract. Chelios and Travis Roche on the same blueline? It could happen, and it would help add yet another chapter to the Aeros’ historic rivalry with the Wolves.

Cassivi to Cincinnati

Veteran goalies who don’t mind taking a backseat to prospects are like lefthanded relievers in baseball. Many could play until their mid-40’s.

Frederic Cassivi, most recently of Chicago, signed an AHL deal with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks this week. It should help lighten the load on Ilya Bryzgalov, who played 64 games for Cincinnati last season in addition to one in Anaheim. Cassivi, 29, played for the IHL Cincinnati Cyclones in 1998-99.

Also to the Ducks

One of the good guys in hockey, Dan Bylsma, was hired by the Ducks this week as an assistant coach after retiring. Bylsma, who with his father has written four books aimed at assisting athletes and their families with responsibilities that accompany participating in team sports. They run a summer hockey camp that includes current Aero Todd Reirden as an instructor.

Ruutu out before season begins

Blackhawks top prospect Tuomo Ruutu, who was slated to begin the season with Norfolk, will miss three-to-four months after surgery to repair his left shoulder. Ruuto is perhaps best known for his great move along the boards to score a goal in the World Cup of Hockey Final against Canada.

Trivia

This week’s trivia has an Aeros/Rampage twist. Which two players, one from each team, were once traded for each other? The winner gets a secret prize, to be unveiled in the next edition. Send answers to ryans@aeros.com.

The Last Word (actually a Picture)

Lots of emails about a note sent out earlier this week regarding some hairstyles in the locker room. We present to you, Mike Smith, Erik Reitz and Derek Boogaard, fashioning the Afro, Mohawk and Bald looks, respectively. 

--Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications


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