From: Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

MINNESOTA WILD RECALLS RW JOEL WARD FROM HOUSTON AEROS

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled RW Joel Ward from the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Ward, 26 (12/2/80), has recorded one assist and 11 shots on goal while averaging 7:32 of ice time in 10 games with Minnesota this season. The Wild has recalled the 6-foot-2, 215-pound forward four times this season. The Toronto, Ontario-native made his NHL debut Dec. 16 and recorded an assist for his first NHL point Dec. 26 at Toronto . Ward has collected 11 points (6-5=11) and 24 penalty minutes (PIM) in 34 games with the Aeros this season. Minnesota signed the training camp tryout to a contract on Sept. 27, 2006. He will wear jersey number 27 with the Wild.

---HOUSTON AEROS---