Minnesota Wild affiliate Houston Aeros to become the Iowa Wild, move to Des Moines

Mar 14, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) celebrates his first career NHL goal with defenseman Ryan Suter (20) against the Colorado Avalanche at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official….. almost.

An official announcement that the Houston Aeros are moving to Des Moines to become the Iowa Wild is expected Thursday afternoon, according to Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press.

The news of the Minnesota Wild moving the Aeros surfaced earlier this month by the Star Tribune.

Per the Star Tribune report, the Wild has not been able to come to terms on a new lease at the Toyota Center in Houston. The team is to relocate to Des Moines, where it will play at Wells Fargo Arena.

So there it is. Iowa Wild.