Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Friday, September 2, 2005
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

SummerScribes, September 2 edition

Hockey and the remainder of the sporting world has rightfully taken a backseat this week to the disastrous events along the eastern Gulf Coast.

We’ve gotten great feedback regarding the Houston Aeros Charities Hurricane Katrina Relief Auction. Click here to access the auction. An announcement regarding the beneficiary is coming soon.

When the Scribe talked to Curtis Murphy and Joey Tetarenko, and general manager Tom Lynn, they were all more than happy to donate their time for lunches with winning bidders. Ken Double is ecstatic about having company in the booth for a period.

Much has been pondered about the fate of the NFL’s Saints and NBA’s Hornets, both stationed in New Orleans.

But the hockey world didn’t escape Katrina unscathed. Click here for a picture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, home of the ECHL’s Mississippi Sea Wolves. That monstrosity on its side that dwarfs the arena is a casino barge/hotel. The ECHL has said it will take its time deciding where, and if, the Sea Wolves will play.

A good friend of the Scribe works for the Sea Wolves. He and his family rode out the storm in Pensacola with a friend who lost almost everything in Hurricane Ivan. Here’s hoping they have something to go back to.

Opening Night nears

The Aeros.com countdown to Opening Night tells me there are exactly 35 days until the doors open for the October 7 home opener against San Antonio.

Some great plans are in the works for the big day. We’ll announce individual game on-sale dates later in the month. But it’s easy to buy your group tickets, season tickets, partial season tickets, or voucher books from the Aeros’ office at 713.974.PUCK.

In addition to the home opener against San Antonio, which will include 5,000 magnetic schedules, there are other great games in October. Grand Rapids comes to town on Friday, Oct. 21, a night we’ll give away 5,000 “History of the Aeros” posters. The next night, Manchester makes its first ever trip into Houston, and the first 5,000 fans will receive 2005-06 team posters.

“The Hangar” coming soon

Aeros fans, stay tuned for an exciting announcement later this month.

“The Hangar”, the Aeros’ official merchandise store, is set to open DOWNTOWN in time for the season!

Westrum, Wood join organization

While it’s always hard to say goodbye (Zbynek Michalek), it’s great to welcome Erik Westrum and Dustin Wood to the organization. The pair was acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes for “Z” last Friday.

Westrum is a Minnesota native who is full of energy on the ice. That ought to give him a good chance to make the Wild’s roster. If not, the Aeros currently have one more veteran spot open, and they’ll be happy to have him as a presence in the locker room, the community, and of course on the ice as well.

Wood is a late bloomer. He was “only” minus-19 in Utah last year, a number that was second among the team’s defensemen.

And while on the subject of players, the Aeros’ 2005 training camp schedule should be announced next week.

Florida hooks up with Rochester

Adding upon a team that had the best regular-season record in the AHL last season, the Rochester Americans will get 8-10 players from the Florida Panthers in 2005-06.

While Florida’s lack of overall depth may have led to San Antonio’s record the last two seasons, the Panthers’ top prospects are usually ranked among the top in all of hockey. This could be a scary team out of the Western Conference. Ryan Miller will graduate on to the Buffalo Sabres, but there is plenty of talent left in both organizations.

Houston Aeros Charities News

Besides the online auction, the Charities’ folks are working around the clock.

Committee Volunteers needed!
Want to join a great team of people who are looking to help the Charities foundation succeed? Join an event committee! Be a part of the planning, implementation and of course the event itself! You’ll meet great people not only interested in hockey itself but the Houston community. Be a fan and be a part of something big!

We need committee members for our upcoming Golf Tournament and Celebrity Waiter. Please contact aeroscharities@aeros.com.

Tickets for Kids
Corporate or individual sponsors are needed to purchase 500 tickets at a discounted rate to support children who would otherwise be unable to attend a hockey game. Your gift is tax deductible. A write up about your organization’s generosity as well as the ceremonial puck drop at the game are among the benefits you’ll received. Contact a ticket sales representative to make the difference in a child’s life!

Roll ‘Em!
Poker, games and more….mark your calendars and book today for September 29th! Spaces are limited so sign up today to join us at the beautiful Hess Club located in the Galleria Area for a Casino Night featuring a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament! Tickets are $100 for participation in either the Texas Hold ‘Em event or the gaming area. Dress is cocktail causal and you must be 21 or over to attend.

Go out on the Green!
Corporate sponsors are needed for our annual golf tournament on December 6th. Individuals are highly encouraged to purchase single tickets as well. You won’t be left out! Your foursome will be paired with an Aeros player who will be trading in their hockey sticks for putters. Each swing raises money for charity! You’ll have fun, meet the players and help out a great cause.

Chance to own an Aeros Jersey!
The Houston Aeros Charities Foundation has created a special third jersey that will be unique for the 2005-2006 season! Throughout the season, the players will adorn the third jersey and it will be auctioned off at the end of the season. Keep checking the website for more information and don’t miss your chance in April to win these one-of-a- kind jerseys!

“The Green Curtain”


We got several good suggestions for a nickname for the Aeros’ new rifling defensemen team of Curtis Murphy and Kurtis Foster.

We’ve chosen David Huether’s nickname of “The Green Curtain” as our favorite. A tip of the Irish cap to you, David. And a for sure win on St. Patrick’s day in Milwaukee, perhaps?

Until next summer…
Aeros.com is shifting into “In Season Mode”, which means “SummerScribes” won’t be delivered again until late June 2006, after the Aeros secure the Calder Cup. But regular Aeros E-Team Newsletters continue next week!


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