SummerScribes, June 9 edition
June 9, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Thanks to everyone for feedback from edition one. We'll get to questions, comments and trivia later on. Feedback, as always, is welcomed - send to qanda@aeros.com. The next edition is scheduled for June 23.
Calder Cup Finals tied at one game apiece -
If it seems like it's been a week since you've heard about AHL hockey, it has. The Calder Cup Finals took a week off due to scheduling issues in Hershey, so the teams take to the GIANT Center ice Saturday tied at one game apiece in the seven-game series. Milwaukee dominated the first half of Game 1, and then held on for a 2-1 win behind a huge effort from Finnish goalie Pekka Rinne. Hershey poured it on in Game 2, getting a 6-3 victory to end Milwaukee's amazing 10-game winning streak. The Admirals went a calendar month without losing. Milwaukee has now played two games in more than two weeks, so it will be interesting to see if there's any rust in the three games in Hershey. The Scribe's pick - Milwaukee in seven to give the West Division its fourth championship in five seasons.
Is chase for Lord Stanley over? -
Edmonton has seemingly been down for the count many times before, but the Oilers are going to need a Herculean effort from 18 skaters and Jussi Markkanen to rally from this 2-0 series deficit headed back home. You never know what will happen when the Oil get back in front of their rabid Rexall Place fans, but without Dwayne Roloson, they are going to have to outplay Cam Ward and the Hurricanes by a wide margin. Ward is doing amazing things for a rookie who wasn't even Carolina's No. 1 goalie when the playoffs began. His two saves on Shawn Horcoff in the third period in Game 1, including the ranging stop late in regulation, are already legendary. It'll be a tight vote between Ward and Rod Brind'Amour for the Conn Smythe as playoff Most Valuable Player. Brind 'Amour will likely get it as sort of a career accomplishment award, but he definitely deserves it. Has the man lost a faceoff in the series?
On a personal note, no matter what happens, Rem Murray left a lasting impression on the city of Houston. Dozens of you have sent Good Luck Rem messages via Aeros.com, and we'll send them his way shortly. Talking to him at length before the series began, Murray was genuinely thankful for everyone in Houston. He was happy to know he had another city supporting him. His cause has now been mentioned in Sports Illustrated's "Who's Hot" section a couple of editions ago.
A Hurricanes series victory actually works out better for the Wild in the NHL Draft, scheduled for two weeks from now in Vancouver. Minnesota, which already owns the ninth overall pick, received Edmonton's first-rounder in the Roloson trade. If Carolina wins the Cup, the Wild picks 17th, but if Edmonton wins it all, Minnesota would get the 30th and final first-round pick.
Two join the Wild system -
While NHL free agency doesn't technically begin until July 1, teams were allowed to sign European players in early June. The Wild wasted no time, inking goalie Niklas Backstrom and defenseman Peter Ratchuk. Backstrom, who hails from Sweden but has been a star in the Finnish Elite League, gives the Wild great flexibility with Josh Harding. Goalies who have played in Finland are definitely "in". First off, as far as his skill level, aforementioned Pekka Rinne was Backstrom's backup in Finland. Rinne is hoping to lead Milwaukee to the '06 Calder Cup, while countryman Antero Niittymaki led Philadelphia to the AHL's championship last season.
Ratchuk, on the other hand, is a highly-offensive skilled defenseman who has played a bit at the NHL level, but saw extensive action in the AHL prior to going to Europe. His numbers are similar to Ray Giroux - and his leadership characteristics too, from all the Scribe has heard.
Aeros, Wildcatters join forces -
The Aeros announced the Texas Wildcatters as their ECHL affiliate Thursday at a press conference in downtown Beaumont. Houston would have supplied the Wildcatters with players in 2005-06, but for Hurricane Rita forcing the Wildcatters to close their doors for the season. More on this news later in this edition of SummerScribes.
$50 "locks" you in -
For a deposit of just $50 per seat, you can secure a package for next season at this past season's prices!!! Also, for current season seat holders, don't forget about the deadline next Friday (June 16th) for your payments! As always, feel free to contact your account representative at 713.974.PUCK.
Father's Day Flight Plan introduced -
Father's Day right around the corner, and the Aeros are pleased to announce a special package for all the hockey Dads out there. For just $75, you can get Dad four lower end-zone vouchers good for any game during the upcoming season AND a new Bomber logo t-shirt. It's limited to the first 100 orders, so get your Father's Day Flight Plan today by calling 713.974.PUCK.
Become Part of Houston Aeros Entertainment Team -
If you enjoy the excitement of sports entertainment, ice skating and love the idea of performing for thousands of AHL fans, try out for the Aerodynamics Team (formerly Strike Force). This is a great opportunity to work for a professional sports team.
The Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League are currently seeking candidates interested in becoming a member of the Aerodynamic Team.
We're looking for athletic, spirited and outgoing individuals that can entertain the crowd at all Houston Aeros home games. They will also be responsible for distribution of giveaways, assist with intermission activities and entertain at all Aeros home games. The teams impact will not be limited to the game entertainment, all Aerodynamics will also be available for charitable and community appearances and assist with the team's marketing efforts in the Houston community.
All members must hold a full-time job or be a full-time student. You must be at least 18 by July 28, 2006. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Call Gabriel Presas at 713.361.7907 for more information.
Aeros' summer program a big HITS -
The Houston Aeros Hockey In The Streets program (formerly known as Street Fleet) is officially underway! The Hockey In The Streets program (HITS) is designed to teach Houston area kids about the basic fundamentals of hockey in a fun filled environment. Kids will participate in games of street hockey with equipment provided by the Houston Aeros. Also look for special appearances by Aeros mascot Chilly, and Aeros Cheerleaders and Cheer Squad, Strike Force and Sonic Boom. Games, prizes, snacks, and drinks will be available courtesy of the Houston Aeros. Look for the Hockey In The Streets program to be coming to a neighborhood near you this summer.
Interested in hosting a Hockey In the Streets event this summer? Do you have a local organization that would want to team up with the Aeros to host an event? Call 713.361.7950 for more information.
Log on!
There is still one week remaining in the latest Aeros.com "Register to Win" contest. You can win an Aeros prize pack, including a Bomber t-shirt! Click here to sign up!
Mailbag time
Q: When an Aeros player is suddenly called up to the Minnesota Wild either for a short time or perhaps longer...They have to fly out so fast. How do they get all their belongings up there with them. Do most own cars here or do they lease, rent apt. through the Aeros? It seems somewhat nomadic since many don't stay but a few years on one team. Just curious since for instance Harding left so quickly then was back during the playoffs it appears they must more or less live out of a suitcase when they live here. Thanks! - Nancy
Scribe says: Great questions, Nancy. When a player is called up, they usually don't know for how long, so they just grab some suits, some clothes, their equipment and get on a flight. More items can be shipped at a later date if needbe. And in the extreme case, the Aeros resort to assistant equipment manager extraordinaire Phil Shipp. Phil tells me he leaves Monday to drive Rem Murray's car, and all the rest of his belongings, to Detroit. Most of the Aeros own cars here, whether they drive them here from Canada or the northern United States, or sometimes a European player will rent/buy a car once he's in Houston. There are one or two apartment places that are usually the "favorites" among the Aeros.
Q: Congrats on the new affiliation. We live in Pearland and go to the casinos once in a blue moon - for a short getaway. During one trip - we took in a game at the Ford Arena and saw the Wildcatters. They are a feisty bunch of players and have a pretty supportive fan base. Whatever they don't know about hockey in Beaumont - they don't show it. They are into the game as much as the Houston fans are. David from Pearland.
Scribe says: The Scribe attended Thursday's press conference, and it was an enthusiastic crowd. A meet and greet followed at a local restaurant later in the evening. The ECHL plays some great hockey, and new coach Malcolm Cameron is as good a recruiter as there is in hockey. He's won everywhere he's been. The Wildcatters couldn't play in 2005-06 due to Hurricane Rita. It's less than 90 miles from our downtown offices. I suggest you check out a game when the Aeros are on the road. Ford Arena is one of the best facilities in the ECHL. Tell them the Scribe sent you.
Thanks for all the great questions! Keep 'em coming.
Trivia time
Back by popular demand, it's SummerScribe trivia time. Before getting to this week's question, let's discuss the Memorial Day version and the controversy created by the Scribe. The question was...What long-time NHL coach actually got his start by being the first head coach of an organized hockey team in Houston? Congratulations to those of you who gave the Scribe the answer he was looking for - Hector (Toe) Blake. The problem? The Scribe was wrong, Blake was preceded by Artie Sommers, no slouch in his own right. So, we picked one winner from each of the two correct answers. Congratulations to Matt from Houston and August from Magnolia, our two winners of an autographed Derek Boogaard/Minnesota Wild picture.
This edition's prize is an Aeros visor. The question is...Cam Ward was the winning goalie in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals despite allowing four goals. Who was the last goalie to post a win when allowing four or more goals? Send answers to qanda@aeros.com.
American Hockey League Stories from June 9, 2006
- SummerScribes, June 9 edition - Houston Aeros
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
