Kochan heads north, Domenichelli and Cloutier added



HOUSTON – Houston Aeros President and General Manager Dave Barr announced three roster changes today. Goaltender Dieter Kochan was recalled by the Minnesota Wild (National Hockey League) and left wing Hnat Domenichelli was returned to Houston from the Wild. Additionally, goaltender Frederic Cloutier was recalled from the Louisiana IceGators (East Coast Hockey League) to replace Kochan on the Aeros roster.



Kochan, 28, is in the midst of a strong run for the Aeros, including his first shutout of the season on Sunday against the Rochester Americans. He is unbeaten in his past five games, allowing only six goals during that time. On Sunday, he turned away all 21 Rochester shots for the shutout. During his five-game win streak, he has registered a goals against average of 1.20 and a save percentage of 94.5. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-native ranks 14th in the American Hockey League with an overall GAA of 2.45 and is tied for fourth in wins (13). He has a record of 13 wins, 5 losses and 2 ties this season. He previously played in 20 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, recording one win, 10 losses and one tie with a 3.88 GAA in different stints from 1999-2002.



Domenichelli, 26, returns to Houston after playing one game with the Wild. He is tied for fourth on the Aeros with 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists. He leads the team with two shorthanded goals. Last season, he played for Minnesota and Atlanta (NHL). In 67 games, he had nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points.



Cloutier, 21, joins the Aeros from the Louisiana IceGators (ECHL). The second-year pro currently ranks third in the ECHL with 16 wins. He played in 26 games posting a 3.04 GAA with one shutout. Last season, he was the ECHL’s Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, and named to the All-ECHL First Team and All-Rookie Team. He led Louisiana with 28-5-3 record, 1.84 GAA and seven shutouts.



The Aeros host division rival Chicago on Thursday night at 7:00 PM. The first 4,000 fans will receive a Chilly bobblehead on Friday. The game against the Cleveland Barons begins at 7:30 PM.