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Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Friday, April 28, 2006
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

AEROS SIGN NO. 4 OVERALL PICK POULIOT TO ATO

HOUSTON, Texas – The American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros have signed 2005 No. 4 overall pick Benoit Pouliot (POOH-lee-OTT) to an amateur tryout, the team announced Friday. The 19-year-old left winger is expected to be available for the Aeros’ upcoming West Division Final series against either Milwaukee or Iowa.

"Benoit is coming to Houston to begin his adjustment to the pro game," Aeros general manager/Minnesota Wild assistant general manager Tom Lynn said. "This will give him a great foundation for next year, as well as provide the Aeros with additional skill and forward depth for their playoff run."

Pouliot posted 65 points (35-30=65) and 141 penalty minutes in just 51 games for Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League this season, while adding a team-high 11 points (8-3=11) in only eight post-season contests. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound native of Alfred, Ont., put up 134 points (66-68=134) and 253 penalty minutes in 124 games in two-plus seasons with Sudbury.

Minnesota took Pouliot with the No. 4 overall pick in 2005. He ranked second among all North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings. He becomes the fifth Wild first-rounder to play with the Aeros, joining Mikko Koivu (2001), Pierre-Marc Bouchard (2002), Brent Burns (2003) and A.J. Thelen (2004). Only Sylvain Turgeon (second overall in 1983) and Neil Brady (third overall in 1986) are higher draft picks who have worn the Aeros sweater.

Tickets for Games "E" and "F" of the West Division Final are on sale now! Dates and opponent to be determined. Tickets are available at the Toyota Center Box Office, at select area Randalls locations, online at www.aeros.com or by calling 1.866.GO.AEROS. The Toyota Center Box Office is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and from 12 p.m.-event time on Sunday event days. Single-game playoff tickets for the West Division Final begin at $16. Please visit www.aeros.com or call the Aeros office at 713.974.PUCK for more information on playoff packages, playoff vouchers and special group pricing for the Calder Cup Playoffs.


---HOUSTON AEROS, BE A FAN---