MINNESOTA SWAPS REILLY FOR STRACHAN
Dec 9, 2015Iowa Releases Forward Mike Aviani
DES MOINES, IA – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher on Wednesday announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled defenseman Tyson Strachan (pronounced STRACK-in) from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) and reassigned defenseman Mike Reilly to Iowa. In addition, Iowa Wild General Manager Brent Flahr announced the AHL club has released forward Mike Aviani from a professional tryout agreement (PTO).
Strachan, 31 (10/30/84), has recorded two assists and 34 penalty minutes (PIM) in 26 games with Iowa this season. He tallied five assists and 44 PIM in 46 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season and set career highs in games played, points, assists, PIM, blocked shots (105) and TOI/game (18:59). The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of Melfort, Sask., owns 20 points (1-19=20) and 199 PIM in 184 career NHL contests in parts of seven seasons (2008-15) with St. Louis, Florida, Washington and Buffalo. Strachan played four seasons at Ohio State University (2003-07) and was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed as a free agent by the Wild on July 2 and will wear sweater No. 28 with Minnesota.
Reilly, 22 (7/13/93), was recalled by Minnesota on Dec. 2 and did not appear in a game. He has collected nine points (2-7=9) including two power-play goals in 23 games with Iowa this season. He leads team defensemen in scoring and his point total ranks tied for ninth amongst AHL rookie defensemen.
Aviani, 22 (4/7/93), was scoreless in three games for the Wild, playing two games at Lake Erie and one game at home. Prior to joining Iowa, he suited up for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, picking up one assist in four games played. He started the season with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. In 15 games with Florida, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound center had eight goals and 15 points. He spent the bulk of his rookie season in Florida as well, scoring 10 goals and totaling 25 points in 54 games played. He also was scoreless in two AHL games with Charlotte in 2014-15. The undrafted forward played in the WHL for Spokane from 2009-14. In 273 games, Aviani scored 89 times and set up 117 others for 125 points.
The Wild returns home on Sunday, Dec. 13 for a game against Grand Rapids. Sunday is “Star Wars Night”, benefitting BRAVO: Connecting Kids and Culture Program. A Star Wars package is available online at Iowawild.com, providing fans with an exclusive pregame meet and greet, a custom Iowa Wild Lightsaber, appetizers and more. Fans are encouraged to dress up and join Star Wars characters on the concourse. Universal Printing, Lazer 103.3 and Iowa Ortho are sponsoring a “Crash Star Wars Poster Giveaway” during the game. Sunday’s game also features the Subway/Star 102.5 Combo Pack: including one ticket, one hot dog, one soda, and one Subway coupon for $12.
The Wild travels to Charlotte for a pair of games on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 against the Checkers. Iowa returns home again on Sunday, Dec. 20 to play San Antonio at 3 p.m. Sunday’s game features the “Teddy Bear Toss”, benefitting the pediatric unit at Mercy Hospital. Iowa hosts a holiday movie watch party following the game, courtesy of More 104. After the game, fans can stick around to enjoy the movie “Elf” on the big screen, starring Will Ferrell. The game includes the Subway/Star 102.5 Combo Pack as well. The teams will rematch on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Monday’s game includes free parking (until the Iowa Events Center lots are full) sponsored by HITS 99.9. The game also includes a ticket special for fans that bring their student ID’s and buy a defense-preferred ticket, receiving a second ticket for only $0.99 courtesy of HITS 99.9.
Fans may purchase single-game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, the Wells Fargo Arena box office or participating Hy-Vee food stores. Tickets are available online at www.Iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. The Wells Fargo Arena box office is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For Saturday game days, the box office will open at 10 a.m. For Sunday game days the box office will open at 12 p.m. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-844-55-HYVEE or by visiting participating Hy-Vee food stores locations in the greater Des Moines area. Those interested may also visit www.hy-veetix.com. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild 2015-16 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center, it runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team’s 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play its 2015-16 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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