Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

WILD ASSIGNS 571-GAME NHL VETERAN NAZAROV TO AEROS

D Chris Heid loaned to ECHL Pensacola

HOUSTON, Texas – The National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild has assigned left wing Andrei Nazarov (AHN-dray, nuh-ZAH-rahf) to the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros, the teams announced Wednesday. Nazarov was the No. 10 overall pick by San Jose in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. The Aeros have also loaned defenseman Chris Heid to ECHL Pensacola.

Nazarov, a veteran of 571 NHL games, is in his 13th pro season. He totaled six penalty minutes in two games with the Wild in 2005-06. He spent the NHL lockout in Russia, and played the previous 2 1/2 seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. The 31-year-old native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, has 124 points (53-71=124) and 1,409 penalty minutes in the NHL. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder has also played for NHL San Jose, Tampa Bay, Calgary, Anaheim and Boston. He has played three career AHL games, all with Kentucky, in the 1996-97 season.

Heid had one assist and 14 penalty minutes in four games with the Aeros this season. In parts of three seasons with the Aeros, Heid has 18 points (3-15=18) and 69 penalty minutes in 81 games. He played four playoff games for Pensacola in 2004-05, with one assist.

The Aeros are home for three games in four nights, beginning Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Iowa Stars and former Aeros Mike Smith, Patrick Traverse, Marius Holtet and David Oliver. There are lots of great ways to get in the action.

At each game leading up to the November 12 Harry Potter Glasses giveaway, the Aeros are offering fans a chance to receive an official movie poster. The first 400 fans to buy a “Harry Potter Four Pack” for any home game leading up to November 12 will receive the poster. The four pack starts at just $40 for upper end zone and can be upgraded to any level. One poster included per package purchased. Call 713.974.PUCK to order.

Coming attractions:

THU, vs. IOW, 7:05 p.m.
Bring out the Boys Night. Similar to Wednesday’s “Ladies Night”, fans can get center ice seating, $10 in Toyota Bucks and free VIP parking for only $30. That’s a $45 value! The packages can be upgraded, too, as the Aeros take on the Iowa Stars for the first time at 7:05 p.m. The first 500 men will receive Aeros jersey koozies courtesy of Rockwell Management. Click here to download an order form to fax in, or order online. Username is Happy, password is Hour.

FRI, vs. MTB, 7:35 p.m.
Cowbells (3K)
Buy tickets

SUN, vs. MTB, 5:05 p.m.
Family Day. The Family Day package includes four seats, four gifts (either four pucks, or two mini-sticks with two koozies), free parking, $20 in Toyota Bucks AND a special post-game family activity. This package starts at just $59 and can also be upgraded. Click here to download an order form to fax in, or order online. Username is Family, password is Days. Sunday's post-game activity is a shot on goal for kids 4-14.


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