From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
(713) 361-7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
(713) 361-7930 (Direct Line)
Monday, June 23, 2008

MINNESOTA WILD SELECT FOUR IN 2008 NHL ENTRY DRAFT

Ottowa, Ont. – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild, the Houston Aeros' NHL affiliate, selected four players in the two-day 2008 NHL Entry Draft at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario. Minnesota selected defenseman Tyler Cuma in the first round (23rd overall), defenseman Marco Scandella in the second round (55th overall), defenseman Sean Lorenz in the fourth round (115th overall) and left wing Eero Elo in the fifth round (145th overall). The Wild acquired the 23rd overall pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Minnesota’s 24th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and a third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft as their only draft-day trade.

Cuma, 18 (1/19/90), recorded 32 points (4-28=32) and 69 penalty minutes (PIM) in 59 games during his second season with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2007-08. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound native of Toronto, Ontario finished second on his team among defenseman in scoring, notched two power play goals and one game-winning marker and was the only Ottawa rearguard to finish with a positive plus-minus rating (+4). Cuma earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 IIHF Under-18 World Championships collecting four points (1-3=4) in seven games. He was named Ottawa’s Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 after posting 19 points (3-16=19) in 63 matches. Cuma was the 19th ranked North American skater in the draft by the Central Scouting Service.

Scandella, 18 (2/23/90), recorded 14 points (4-10=14) and 35 penalty minutes (PIM) in 65 games during his rookie season with the Val d’Or Foruers of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2007-08. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Montreal, Quebec won a gold medal with Team Canada at the Under-18 IIHF World Championships, posting two points (1-1-2) and a plus-7 rating in seven games. He led Val d’Or rookie defensemen in scoring and was named the QMJHL Prospect of the Month in December 2007. Scandella’s uncle, Sergio Momesso, was drafted 27th overall by Montreal in 1983 and played in the NHL from 1985-97 and his brother, Guilio, plays on the Italian National team and plays pro hockey in Milano.

Lorenz, 18 (3/10/90), recorded nine points (4-5=9) and 24 penalty minutes (PIM) in 49 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2007-08, part of USA Hockey’s National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. He earned a bronze medal for Team USA at the Under-18 IIHF World Championships recording a plus-5 rating in seven games. Lorenz tallied 11 points (2-9=11) and 32 PIM in 64 games as a captain for the U.S. National Under-17 Team in 2006-07. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound native of Littleton, Colo. will attend the University of Notre Dame (CCHA).

Elo, 18 (4/26/90), recorded 27 points (12-15=27) and 34 penalty minutes (PIM) in 42 games with Lukko Rauma of the Finnish Junior League in 2007-08. The 6-foot-3, 189-pound left wing is a native of Rauma, Finland.

Houston Aeros' 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 --