From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Thursday, March 27, 2008

STONER NAMED HOUSTON AEROS’ 2007-08
AMERICAN SPECIALTY/AHL MAN OF THE YEAR

HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Aeros are proud to announce that defensemen Clayton Stoner has been named the team’s winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Houston community during the 2007-08 season.

It is not one single cause or action Clayton has embraced or performed this year which makes him stand apart, but rather his overall involvement in our Houston community. During this, 2007-08 season, Clayton has expressed true leadership and wonderful enthusiasm with all community relations initiatives with which our team has an affiliation.

Clayton was selected to represent the Aeros as spokesman for Crisis Intervention of Houston, Inc. Our partnership with Crisis Intervention is one which began last season. Clayton filmed a Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging youth to think before they text, a serious national issue. This PSA has aired not only at our home games but on local television and through the Houston Independent School District. On October 25th, Clayton represented the Aeros at a United Way Kick-Off campaign by providing a special Houston Aeros gift and signing autographs for the staff following the event.

During the holiday season the Aeros helped build over 20,000 bicycles for underprivileged children so they are able to receive a gift during the holiday season which will continue to help them all year long. This year Clayton helped make the $5,000 check presentation, proceeds from our 13th Annual Houston Aeros Charity Golf Classic, to founder David Moore. He also helped Aeros Charities continue the holiday spirit by delivering toys to a local television station, KHOU, from our Toyota Center Aeros Charities Toy Drive. On January 12th, the Aeros' Canadian Night game, Clayton jumped at the opportunity to speak to over 400 kids from Kipp Academy, a low-income private school in Houston, and tell them all about Canada. On February 20th Clayton led the pack, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, to honor our men and women during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans (NSTHV) which was established as an official VA program in 1978.

On a monthly basis, we visit Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital where our team adopted the Houston Aeros Power Playroom. In this playroom, Clayton reads to the patients, teaches hockey drills, plays board games, and participates in arts & crafts projects. On March 5th, we hosted our 10th Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner & Auction which raises funds for the playroom.

The tips which Clayton collected from our co-chairs table, combined with other members of our team, collectively totals $50,000 which was donated to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Clayton is a perfect example of how an athlete should represent his team and give back to his community.

In recognition of his efforts, Stoner will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming Aeros home game.

Stoner is now one of 29 finalists for the AHL’s 2007-08 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be announced by the AHL in coming weeks.

After Friday’s Aeros game the team hits the road for two weeks but the fun at Toyota Center doesn’t stop. Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience will be running April 2-6 featuring 15 life-sized dinosaurs roaming the arena floor. This live theatrical production will have eight shows over five days and is fun for the whole family! Tickets are on sale now at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1.866.4.HOUTIX, at the Toyota Center Box Office and at select Houston area Randall’s locations.

The Aeros will return home for two games against division-rival Milwaukee Admirals on April 12-13 to finish off the regular season. The Admirals are only a few points behind the Aeros so that weekend could define playoff positioning for either team. Call 713.974.PUCK to get your tickets today!

-- HOUSTON AEROS --