Aeros Sign First Round Pick Gillies, Gajic To Contracts

March 28, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


HOUSTON, Texas - Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed center Colton Gillies (pronounced KOHL-tuhn GIHL-eez) to a multi-year contract beginning with the 2008-09 season. Gillies has also signed an Amateur Tryout contract with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL) to finish the rest of this season. The Aeros have also signed RW Milan Gajic to a Professional Tryout contract.

Gillies, 19 (2/12/89), recorded 47 points (24-23=47) and 97 penalty minutes (PIM) in 58 games during his third full season with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2007-08. The 6-foot-4, 194-pound center ranked first on the team in goals (24) and power play markers (14) and second in scoring. He was named team captain in January and won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships held in the Czech Republic. The White Rock, British Columbia native led Saskatoon with 148 PIM and posted 30 points (13-17=30) in 65 games in 2006-07. He also appeared in six games for Team Canada at the 2007 U18 World Junior Championships and tallied three points (2-1=3). Gillies was originally selected by Minnesota in the first round (16th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and will wear sweater #18.

Gajic, 26 (6/1/81), has totaled 20 games in the AHL this year tallying 10 points (3-7=10). The Burnaby, British Columbia native played four games with the Aeros in November marking two assists, the other 16 games and eight points were recorded with the Manitoba Moose. He has also played in 35 games with ECHL Victoria, tallying 40 points (15-25=40) and 14 PIM this season. Gajic was originally selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round (No. 122 overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

The Houston Aeros' St. Patrick's Day Jerseys are now up for auction starting today! Don't delay the auction only runs until April 9 and at 12:01 p.m. CST it will be closed. Check back often to make sure you are still the front runner for these autographed jerseys. Most are even game worn!

Don't miss out on tonight's home game at 7:35 p.m. but get to Toyota Center early as the first 3,000 fans through the doors will receive Aeros Mullet Hats! Call 713.974.PUCK to get your tickets now.



American Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2008


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