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

AEROS' SCHEDULE FORMAT RELEASED
Houston to play a franchise-high 20 opponents in 2008-09

HOUSTON, Texas – The American Hockey League’s (AHL) schedule format was announced Friday, and the Houston Aeros, primary affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild, will play 20 opponents in the 2008-09 season. The 20 opponents marks the most in a single season in franchise history for Houston, up from 18 in 2007-08, and includes two “new” opponents.

The Aeros will again play in the AHL’s only eight-team division, the West Division. Houston plays Iowa (Anaheim), Peoria (St. Louis), Quad City (Calgary) and San Antonio (Phoenix) a total of eight times each (four home, four away) during the regular season. The Aeros will play Chicago (Atlanta), Milwaukee (Nashville) and Rockford (Chicago) a total of six times each (three home, three away) to round out the divisional lineup. A total of 50 of their 80 games, and 25 of their 40 home games, will be against the West Division.

New to the Aeros' regular season schedule are the Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) and Hershey Bears (Washington) from the East Division.   Houston will play each team twice (one home, one road).  They have never played Binghamton before, but did collide with Hershey in the 2002 playoffs in which the Aeros swept the Bears 4-0. Two other teams from the East Division will face off for two games (one home, one road) against the Aeros in 2008-09, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders) and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh). Houston has not played either Bridegport or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton since the 2002-03 season.

Houston will also take on two teams from the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. The Providence Bruins (Boston) and Worcester Sharks (San Jose) will each play a two-game set (one home, one road) just as they did in 2007-08.

Rounding out the Aeros' schedule is the Western Conference’s North Division in which Houston will play every team in the North at least twice. Houston will see Lake Erie (Colorado) and Manitoba (Vancouver) four times each (two home, two away), while squaring off against Grand Rapids (Detroit), Hamilton (Montreal), Rochester (Florida), Syracuse (Columbus) and Toronto (Toronto) twice each (one home, one road).

The complete 2008-09 AHL schedule will be released in early August.

Season ticket packages are available now and can be ordered today by calling (713) 974-PUCK. Back by popular demand is the Aeros “Elite Fleet” full-season ticket package that includes 40 games for the price of 30 and begins at just $360. The Aeros also have mini-plans of “25 for 22” and “15 for 13” in which fans can enjoy great season ticket holder benefits including a skate with the Aeros’ players and merchandise discounts. Voucher Books are also a great way to save on tickets. 10-packs are available, and by picking one, fans will receive two free tickets to the game of their choice!



-- HOUSTON AEROS --