HOUSTON – Houston Aeros President and General Manager Dave Barr announced today defenseman Curtis Murphy has been recalled by the Minnesota Wild (National Hockey League). He joins the Wild as they prepare for their first playoff appearance against the Colorado Avalanche.



Murphy, 27 (12/3/75), won the American Hockey League’s Eddie Shore Award as the league’s outstanding defenseman. The fifth-year pro was also voted to the First All-Star Team and participated in the AHL All-Star Game. Murphy led all defenseman with 23 goals and finished second in defensemen points with 54. He ranked third on the Aeros in scoring and was tied for second on the team with eight power play goals. Murphy was the only Aero to play in all 80 games this season. He set a new career-high in goals and set an Aeros record for most goals by a defenseman in one season. The Kerrobert, Saskatchewan-native made his NHL debut with the Wild on December 15 against the Carolina Hurricanes.



Minnesota faces Colorado in the First Round of the NHL Playoffs. Their first game is Thursday in Colorado. The Aeros begin the playoffs on Wednesday, April 16 with Game Two on Friday, April 18. Houston will play an opponent currently participating in the Qualifying Round. Ticket information is available by calling 713/974-PUCK (7825).