ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Wild AHL Affiliate Moving to Iowa

Published on April 18, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - The Wild announced today that its American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate will relocate from Houston, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, beginning with the 2013-14 season.

"Our organization has enjoyed tremendous support from the loyal, passionate hockey fans in Houston since 2001," Wild Assistant to the General Manager/Aeros General Manager Jim Mill said. "There is a great hockey history in Houston, beginning with the Apollos in 1965, and continuing with the Aeros in the WHA, IHL and AHL. We are honored to have been a part of this hockey tradition."

"We are grateful to our corporate and community partners, as well as our hard-working staff in Houston," Mill added.

"We were informed today that the Wild are moving their AHL affiliate to Des Moines," said Orlando Solar Bears COO Bob Ohrablo. "As we continue our affiliation with the Minnesota Wild, affiliated players recalled to the AHL will now play with Des Moines."

"We were not able to find agreement on terms of a new arena lease which would allow us to continue to successfully operate our franchise. We thank Toyota Center for the partnership we've had since moving there in 2003," Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka said.

"We have enjoyed a very strong relationship with the Aeros dating back to Toyota Center's inaugural 2003 season. Both parties worked diligently and in good faith during this process, but unfortunately we were unable to reach an agreement. We wish the Aeros continued success," Houston Rockets/Clutch City Sports & Entertainment CEO Tad Brown said.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Des Moines, Iowa, AHL, play all of their home games at the 2012 *Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal* Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Don't get shut-out when we sell out! Take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority for the 2013-14 season. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com .

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