Brahmas send five players to AHL camps

Cruthers, Kinnunen, Merlini, Jaeger and Deck report to three teams

As testament to the quality of players signed by Dan and Ronnie, the Texas Brahmas have sent a team record five players to American Hockey League (AHL) training camps this week.

Newly signed forward Ryan Cruthers reported to the 2008 Calder Cup Champion Chicago Wolves (affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers) camp at the Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center and Ice Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The Wolves will play three preseason games during their seven-day camp against the Rockford IceHogs and the Milwaukee Admirals (two games).

Defensemen Justin Kinnunen and Derek Merlini and goaltender Brett Jaeger are attending the Houston Aeros (affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) camp at the Sugar Land Sports and Ice Center (SLICE) in Sugar Land, Texas. On Saturday, September 26 the Aeros host the San Antonio Rampage in a preseason exhibition at SLICE and then on Monday, September 28 the Aeros will travel to Austin for a pre-season game against the expansion Texas Stars at the new Cedar Park Center.

Defenseman Kyle Deck has reported to the San Antonio Rampage (affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes) camp. The Rampage will play a trio of preseason games starting Thursday, September 24th when they host the Texas Stars at the Northwoods Ice Rink, the team’s official practice facility. The team will travel to Houston on Saturday, September 26th for an exhibition game against the Aeros at Sugarland Ice and Sports Center. On Sunday, September 27th, the Rampage will make their first trip to Austin as the Texas Stars host a game in their new arena, Cedar Park Center.

Last season, three Brahmas played in the AHL (the most of any team in the CHL); including Jason Deitsch (Houston Aeros), Scott Sheppard (Rockford IceHogs) and Kinnunen (San Antonio Rampage).

"This is a great thing for these guy’s careers as they have all proven their skill and talent. We hope they make the Brahmas proud as they workout in the camps," said Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong.

Image Credit: Chicago Wolves