Minnesota Wild Name Mike Yeo As Houston Aeros Head Coach

St. Paul, Minn—The Minnesota Wild and the Houston Aeros have named Mike Yeo as new head coach of the Houston Aeros, the minor league affiliate of the Wild.

Yeo, who spent the last five seasons as assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins and won a Stanley Cup in 2009, will replace Kevin Constantine, who lead the Aeros to a playoff berth in 2007-2008 and three seasons behind the bench.

"After an intensive search that included an outstanding group of candidates, we are excited to name Mike Yeo the new Head Coach of the Aeros," said Minnesota Wild Assistant to the General Manager/Houston Aeros General Manager Jim Mill.

"He has been a winner at all levels and is a great fit for both the Wild and the Aeros organizations."

Yeo Joined the Penguins' coaching staff when Michel Therrien was named head coach in December 2005. He helped lead the Penguins to a 47-point improvement, the fourth-biggest turnaround from one year in NHL history.

"I am thrilled to be part of the Wild organization and the rejoin the Houston community," Yeo said. "I look forward to building on the success the Aeros have established over the past 16 years."

A former Aeros player himself, Yeo spent five season in Houston (1994-1999) and served as captain of Houston's 1999 Turner Cup Championship team.

The left winger posted 127 points (55-72-127) and 511 PIM in 317 games with the Aeros, including career highs of 20 goals and 21 assists in the 1997-98 season.

Prior to joining the Pittsburgh coaching staff, Yeo spent six seasons as Assistant Coach for the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins.

He began his coaching career at age 26, after a career-ending injury while playing for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the 1999-2000 season.

In six seasons behind the bench, Yeo helped lead the Penguins to a Western Conference title, two Eastern Conference titles, and two Calder Cup finals appearances.

Responsibilities with the Aeros will begin immediately.