Minnesota Wild Statement on American Hockey League Affiliate
April 18, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - - The Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL) announced on Thursday that its American Hockey League (AHL) developmental 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 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.
"On behalf of our Board of Governors, I would like to thank the fans of the Houston Aeros for the terrific support they have shown their team and the American Hockey League for the last 12 years," American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews said.
The Minnesota Wild will have no further statement at this time.
Houston finishes the regular season with a three-game road trip starting Friday at the Texas Stars at 7:30 p.m. before heading to San Antonio Saturday to take on the Rampage at 7 p.m. The Aeros end the regular season Sunday, April 21st at the Oklahoma City Barons at 4 p.m.
Information on mini-plans for the remainder of the season is available on the team website at www.aeros.com. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on all tickets, to book your group outing to an Aeros game please call 713-974-PUCK (7825).
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