Austin Smith & Jack Campbell Interviews on Austin Radio Station

As the newest members of the Dallas Stars Org. both Jack Campbell & Austin Smith were interviewed on Austin's KLBJ 93.7 which is one of Austin's best known Classic Rock Stations earlier this afternoon.

It was only a few minutes but it gives listeners a vision of what they were coming through as they were on their way to the Professional game as both players will be looking to make their Professional Debut on Friday against the Oklahoma City Barons.

He was interviewed on the B-DOE Show which comes on from 3-7 PM Weekdays on 93.7 KLBJ, Austin's Classic Rock.

Here's the Austin Smith &; Jack Campbell Interviews

93.7 KLBJ FM Classic Rock Austin

Austin Smith should make Pro Debut on Friday VS. Oklahoma City

After Austin Smith's Colgate Career came to an end this past weekend with losses to Union College & Cornell in the ECAC Hockey Conference Championships, Austin according to several sources including Brandon Worley of Defending Big D saying that Smith signed a 2 Year Entry Level Contract last night and will be looking to make his Pro Debut on Friday Night when the Stars head North to play the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons when the Stars begin a 3 game road trip that will also include games against the Toronto Marlies on Sunday & against the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland on Tuesday Night.

Photo of Austin Smith: Courtesy of the Colgate Raiders & Alliance Bulldogs Website.



This will make him the first Texan to ever make his Pro Debut and only the 2nd Player overall to make his Debut after Edmond's Matt Donovan made his AHL Debut last spring around this time and is in the middle of his first full AHL Season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NY Islanders Affiliate).

Smith is ending a very long 5 year journey that was filled with doubts and him looking to presence of looking to show that he is a worthy prospect in the Dallas Stars Sizes. Doubts contained everything from his size where he was a very small but very fast 5'5" frame when he was playing for Gunnery Prep School in Connecticut during his Junior & Senior Years of High School before he was taken in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Stars. The doubts continued over the course of his career while at Colgate which isn't known as a great hockey team for the most part & including Smith never getting the Raiders to the NCAA Hockey Tournament during his Career.

After playing his final games of his NCAA Career at the ECAC Hockey Conference Championship and his frustrations when the game began to slip for the Colgate Raiders in their Conference Semifinal against the Eventual Champion Union College describing what his emotions were at that time. "I've never given up in a game before, ever. I always compete to the end," said Smith. "When it hit 5-1, I was trying to hold the tears back. The rest of the game I was circling and I had a million things going in my head. I wasn't very effective."

He told the College Hockey News' Rob Moore after the game ended. Smith went on to say, "I thought we dominated the first period and were with them for most of the second period. When we got that goal to make it 2-1, I believed more then anyone that we could win," said Smith. "By the middle of the third period though, he was beginning to think different thoughts. "That [fifth goal] was the goal for me where I realized it was the end of my career."

If Smith is looking to show the Stars that he is a strong prospect going forward, he needs to have a strong end to the American Hockey League Season where the Texas Stars are out of the playoff race and have been at or near the Bottom of the Western Conference for most of the last 2 months by providing a fresh energy and challenging some of the team's top prospects like Brendan Dillion & Matt Fraser as well as others like Colton Sceivour who's been getting the bill as one of the more underrated players in the AHL this season.

He will have 12 games to show the Stars that he can thrive in the Pro Game and be a force to be reckon with at the AHL Level and looking to show that he can be worthy of a Call Up next season. With the Stars having nothing to play for the rest of the season, Smith needs to show that he can make the Stars a hard team to play against as the Stars lost their 5th in a row with a 5-2 loss against Abbotsford last night and went just, 2-5, on the 7 game home stand that wrapped up last night.

Even though it took 5 years to get him from the Draft to signing with the Stars, he's still got a mountain of a journey in front of him as he looks to shine in Austin and show the Stars that he is worthy of playing for Dallas in the near future. With upcoming prospects like Rielly Smith, Scott Glennie, Jack Campbell, Matt Frasier & Brendan Dillion possibly on the horizon.

He will really have to work hard to stand out among the Stars improving Prospect Pool to earn a spot in Dallas in the future. With Austin's Speed, determination & scoring ability, he has spent his entire career to this point defining the odds and proving people wrong and he is looking forward to doing it again to play for his hometown Stars.

Here's the Remaining Texas Stars Schedule

3/23: @ Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

3/25: @ Toronto Marlies  2:00 PM

3/27: @ Lake Erie Monsters  6:00 PM

3/29: VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  7:30 PM

3/31: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  7:00 PM

4/1: VS. Lake Erie Monsters  5:00 PM

4/4: @ Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

4/5: @ Peoria Rivermen  7:00 PM

4/10: VS. Chicago Wolves  7:30 PM

4/13: @ San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

4/14: VS. Oklahoma City Barons 7:00 PM

4/15: @ Houston Aeros  5:05 PM

Hockey's Future has him ranked #13

Yesterday, Hockeys Future came out with their Dallas Stars Top 20 Prospects for the Spring as the NCAA & Canadian Hockey League Season is coming to an end. Smith has taken a strong jump from #18 to #13 after his strong season and being a Top 10 Candidate for the Hobey Baker Award which will be cut from 10 to 3 on March 29.

Here's Hockey's Future comments from Mike Farkas. You can see the Full Top 20 & comments on each player by clicking on the Hockey's Future Link. Here's the Austin Smith Comments.

"What a year it has been for senior Austin Smith at Colgate University. After posting a career worst 10 goals last season, Smith exploded this season for a nation high 36 goals and a career best 57 points (four off the country's top spot). After offseason surgery, Smith has comeback healthy and confident and flying. He continues to be an all situation player with good speed and tremendous work rate, he has skated circles around the ECAC This season.

While he's not projected to be an elite scorer at the NHL level by any stretches of the imagination, he has a future as a quality utility man. He's not particular big or strong but he makes up for it with world class determination and a swagger that's hard to match. Smith will also certainly be signed after his collegiate career ends and will likely finish the year in Texas if the Stars management so chooses."





Austin Smith Interview on The Pipeline Show

Austin Smith with the Colgate Raiders. From the Alliance Bulldogs Alumni Page & the Colgate Hockey Team Websites.



Before the Colgate Raiders will host the Quinnipiac Bobcats in the ECAC Quarterfinals beginning on Friday Night for a chance to win the Conference Championship next weekend in Atlantic City. On last night's show, Smith was interviewed on such topics on being surprised that the Stars were interested in him late in the Draft Process, how he felt about last season after having hip surgery and going into what he mentioned as "The Most Important Off Season of his life". Surprisingly, they was very little discussion about his chances about his Hobey Baker Chances as the Top 10 Vote will be announced on March 15.

The guys also talked briefly about his experience with the Gunnery Prep School in Connecticut during his Junior & Senior Years of High Schools to prepare him and help his chances of being drafted by the Stars which took him in the 5th Round (128th overall) back in 2007. Then going to Penticton  for the 2007-08 season where he was the Team's Leading Goal Scorer to help the Vees win the 2008 BCHL Championship; and his career up to this point at Colgate University which finished the ECAC in 4th Place with a 17-14-3 Overall & 11-10-1 Record with 23 points in the standings.

Through Colgate's Regular Season Finale, he finished the regular season with a NCAA Leading 34 goals with 52 points overall. For his entire career, Smith has stock piled 155 points in 148 career NCAA Games, averaging a strong 1.05 PPG over his College Career. He will look to get the Raiders back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005 when they lost to Colorado College 6-5 in the Mid-West Regional Semifinal.

To do so will be tough as many experts are thinking that the ECAC will be a 1 team conference for this year's tournament, so it's most likely be win the Conference or Bust for every body in the ECAC Hockey Playoffs. I'm sure he would love to do one of the few things that has eluded his career and that is pull off a strong run or even something like a big first Round Upset at the NCAA Tournament to end his NCAA Career on a high before he goes off to the Pro Ranks as he looks to eventually join the Dallas Stars and end his journey where it began in his home town.

About The Pipeline Show: Based in Edmonton, Alberta, The Pipeline Show is one of the biggest Radio Shows in North America talking about NHL Prospects, as well as the latest news and features on NCAA & Canadian Hockey League Teams & Players. Hosts Dean Millard & Guy Flaming also talk to many different scouts, broadcasters, coaches and media personnel to discuss which young players are on the verge to burst onto the NHL Scene. It comes on twice a week on Tuesday Nights from 8-10 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM-1 PM. You can listen live online at The Team 1260, or you can listen to previous interviews and features on their huge Archive Section on the The Pipeline Show's Website.

In addition to extensive coverage of the NCAA & CHL, they also discuss the news revolving around the biggest Prospect Hockey Events during the season. The show's Grand Slam of events are the NCAA Frozen Four in April, the CHL Memorial Cup in May, NHL Draft in June & the World Junior Hockey Championships during the Holidays. In addition to the Grand Slam Events, some other big events include the RBC Cup which is the Canadian Jr. A National Championships, the AHL Calder Cup & the IIHF U18 World Championships.

Austin Smith Interview on the The Pipeline Show

Full March 6 Episode

Austin Smith Colgate Profile

Colgate's Austin Smith for Hobey Baker Section

Upcoming Dates for the NCAA Hockey Playoffs & Hobey Baker Award Countdown

3/9-11: Conference Quarterfinals

3/15: Hobey Baker Award Top Ten Announcement

3/15-17: Conference Champions hp Weekend

3/18: NCAA Hockey Tournament Selection Show

3/23-25: NCAA Tournament Regional Rounds

3/29: Hobey Baker Final Three Announcement

4/5: NCAA Frozen Four Semifinals

4/6: Hobey Baker Award Winner Announcement

4/7: NCAA Hockey National Championship Game

Mike Heika's Weekly Stars Chat

Every Thursday during the hockey season, Mike Heika gets the chance to chat with Stars fans. With the season beginning to comedown the home stretch. What kind of records needed to get back to the playoffs was a big topic of discussion.

Also topics like Eric Nystrom's hit on Kris Letang during the Stars VS. Penguins Game that became very  after it was revealed that Nystrom will not be suspended for the play. Also the crowds as they beginning to slowly win back hockey fans with the recent run where they won 4 in a row including a big win Sunday Afternoon against Vancouver on Sunday Afternoon.

With just 18 games left and their looking to to start putting some pressure like San Jose & Chicago for the 6th & 7th Place Spots and are also just 4 points back of Pacific Division Leading Phoenix Coyotes which would get them an automatic top 3 spot. Their becoming a team that can really be at least a dangerous lower seed in the playoffs and with guys like Ryan Garbutt who came out of nowhere to make an impact, as well as players like Brendan Morrow who are out who are on the verge of coming back.

Also in Austin, it could be a chance for players like Scott Glennie, Matt Fraser, Colton Sceviour & Jordie Benn possibly looking to get some call ups as the Texas Stars Playoff Hopes are beginning to disappear as they sit on the bottom of the AHL Western Conference to bring in some energy and to challenge some of the top players as well.

It will be a Western Canada Road Trip coming up for the Stars with Edmonton tomorrow night, Calgary on Sunday Afternoon and wrapping up in Vancouver on Tuesday Night.

Mike Heika Chat Replay

Poll Question: Will the Dallas Stars make the Stanley Cup Playoffs

After last night's 3rd period comeback to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 last night and a Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 Shootout victory last night. That put the Dallas Stars (8th Place), Calgary Flames (9th Place) & the Los Angeles Kings (10th Place) all tied with 66 points.

Tonight is a very critical night in the playoff chase as the Stars have a chance to claim 8th Place all by themselves with both the Flames & Kings having the night off tonight and to gain ground on the Phoenix Coyotes who helped them out after coming back from 2-0 down and fighting off a desperate Flames in OT after Calgary scored to tie the game with 1:48 left in the 3rd period by Olli Jokinen to save the Flames last night.

The Stars will look to win their 1st game on the 2nd night of a back-to-back all season and against another team in the Minnesota Wild who sit in 12th Place (27-24-9) and are just 3 points back of CGY, DAL & LA & can make this race even tighter by over taking the Colorado Avalanche who are playing the Columbus Blue Jackets who are currently the worst team in the league and are well on their way to having the #1 Overall Draft Pick this summer. So that makes tonight's Stars Game VS. Minnesota even more important tonight to get away from the playoff chase and to get further into the playoff race this season.

So the Poll question is simple, can the Stars end their 3 year Stanley Cup Playoff Drought and get back to the Playoffs this year? I want to hear from you with your comments & Votes on your thoughts on the Stars as they enter the final 21 games of the regular season which will wrap up on April 7 against the St. Louis Blues.

Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild Preview

Here's a look at the next 5 games for the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames & Los Angeles Kings as the battle for the playoffs heats up at the end of February.

Dallas Stars

2/24: VS. Minnesota Wild  7:30 PM

2/26: VS. Vancouver Canucks  2:00 PM

2/29: VS. Pittsburgh Penguins  6:30 PM

3/2: @ Edmonton Oilers  8:30 PM

3/4: @ Calgary Flames  5:00 PM

Los Angeles Kings

2/25: VS. Chicago Blackhawks  7:00 PM

2/27: @ Nashville Predators  7:00 PM

2/28: VS. Minnesota Wild  6:30 PM

3/3: VS. Anaheim Ducks  9:30 PM

3/6: @ Nashville Predators  7:00 PM

Calgary Flames

2/25: VS. Philadelphia Flyers 9:00 PM

2/27: VS. St. Louis Blues  8:00 PM

3/1: VS. @ Phoenix Coyotes 8:00 PM

3/2: @ Anaheim Ducks  9:00 PM

3/4: VS. Dallas Stars  5:00 PM



Mike Heika Chat for 2/23

Every Thursday during the NHL Season, Dallas Morning News Mike Heika does a chat with fans regarding the Dallas Stars & the rest of the NHL. Right now, the NHL Trading Deadline is on the mind of many fans right now after Nicklas Grossman got traded to the Flyers back on February 16 for a 2012 2nd Round Pick & a 2013 3rd Round Pick. Rumors are going around that Steve Ott could be on the trading block here coming up as the Trade Deadline will be coming up on February 27 at 2:00 PM CT.

Even though the trade deadline dominated conservation, other topics included about the relationship between GM Joe Nieuwendyk & Stars Owner Tom Galgardi, and an interesting question regarding prospects; and that is Does the Team take to long bringing up it's prospects?

Tonight's game will wrap up a quick 2 game road trip after shutting out the Montreal Canadians, 3-0 on Tuesday. It's a trip to Chicago to visit the Blackhawks and the Stars have a chance to get into the 8th & Final Playoff spot tonight with a Stars Victory and a Calgary Flames loss to the Phoenix Coyotes tonight which starts at 8:00 PM Tonight. This was possible thanks to a Los Angeles loss to Colorado last night. Also, Richard Bachman will be getting his 1st start since February 2nd where the Stars to the San Jose Sharks, 5-2.

It's a busy night across the NHL Tonight as other important games for Stars fans to follow include the Minnesota Wild playing Florida, Pacific Division Leading San Jose playing Toronto & the Anaheim Ducks playing the Carolina Hurricanes.

2/23 Mike Heika Chat

NHL Trade Deadline Tracker

Dallas Stars Week Ahead 2/22-26

Since battling a bit of a head cold the last few days, so I'm looking to catch up despite the Stars VS. Canadians Game last night where the Stars won 3-0 against a Montreal team that is falling in the Eastern Conference as last night's loss takes them to 14th Place with a 24-27-10 record (58 PTS) and 7 points back of 8th Place Toronto with just 21 games left in the regular season. It last night's win for the Stars last night included just the 3rd shutout of the season and Ryan Garbutt who scored his 1st career NHL Goal in just his 3rd game.

The Stars on the other hand are at 30-26-4 with 64 points and are now just 2 points back of the 8th Place Los Angeles Kings for the 8th & Final Playoff Spot in the Western Conference with 22 games left. Overall the gap from 7th Place Phoenix to 13th Place Anaheim is just 9 points right now. However, they left some valuable points on the table with 3 straight losses last week with OT Losses to Phoenix & Calgary as well as a 3-2 loss to Nashville as all 3 games had opportunities to not only close the gap in the West but be able to make it easier to jump over teams without needing help from opposing teams.

The Stars have another opportunity to play some critical opponents as the Stars will finish their quick 2 game road trip in Chicago tomorrow night, then it's back home for a 3 game home stand with Minnesota on 2/24, Vancouver for the first time this season Sunday Night & then a Nationally Televised Game in both the USA & Canada on February 29 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It's been an up-and-down month of February as the team is nearing the end of a very hectic February where they were playing 16 games in 29 days this month as they currently sit 6-4-2 this month, which sounds good. Until you look at some of the victories which included the likes of the Columbus Blue Jackets who's the absolute worst team in the league, as well as some critical losses in the Pacific Division where 3 of the 4 regulation losses have come from which could have helped in the Pacific Division Race.

Despite those losses, the Stars are just 5 points back of Division Leading San Jose but they would have to get on a run to leap frog past the LA Kings & Phoenix Coyotes are tied with 66 points right now. Anaheim on the other hand is sitting in 13th Place in the West and just 4 points back of the Stars, that's how tight the Race for the final 2 playoff spots in the West with most teams having just over 20 games left in the season.

Here's the Schedule for the rest of the Week

2/21: Dallas Stars 3  Montreal Canadians 0  (1-0, 0-0, 2-0)

2/23: Dallas Stars VS. Chicago Blackhawks  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/24: Minnesota Wild VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/26: Vancouver Canucks VS. Dallas Stars  2:00 PM (FSN Southwest)  

2/6-12 Southwest Hockey Schedule

Here's a look at the Southwest Hockey Schedule for the week of February 6-12.

National Hockey League

2/7: Phoenix Coyotes VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/9: Dallas Stars VS. Columbus Blue Jackets  6:00 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/10: Dallas Stars VS. Buffalo Sabres  6:30 PM (FSN Southwest Plus)

2/12: LA Kings VS. Dallas Stars  (FSN Southwest)

American Hockey League

2/7

San Antonio Rampage VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  9:00 AM

Houston Aeros VS. Chicago Wolves  11:00 AM

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM



2/8: Milwaukee Admirals VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

2/9:  Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsford Heat  8:00 PM (In Calgary, AB)

2/10

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Toronto Marlies  6:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

2/11

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Abbotsord Heat  9:00 PM

2/12

Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs  2:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  4:00 PM

Central Hockey League

2/9

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks  11:00 AM

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

2/10

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

2/11

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Evansville IceMen VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

2/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

North American Hockey League

2/7

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

2/10

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/11

Amarillo Bulls VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

2/12

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  2:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/10

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:45 PM

2/11

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  2:15 PM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  7:30 PM

2/12

New Mexico Renegades VS. Dallas Snipers  10:00 AM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:15 AM

Dr. Pepper Stars Center in Plano to Reopen

After being closed for being closed for basically the entire season due to foundation issues and not being able to get the work on during the Stars Ownership situation. A group of investors outside of the Stars Organaziation will look to get it back open again in the next several months.

Steve Stoler of WFAA reported this last night and you can the video and full report here.

Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule for 1/30-2/5

The All Star & Top Prospects Game continue for some leagues across North America this week as the American Hockey League All Star Game takes place tonight up in Atlantic City, New Jersey after the Western Conference winning the Skills Competition last night 18-10. Highlights including former Texas Tornado Goalie Ben Bishop won the Top Goaltender so far this season which leads the league with 6 shutouts was one of the top goaltenders by stopping 16 of 19 shots when in net. Also Ryan Keller of the Oklahoma City Barons was the co champion of the Accuracy Shot by hitting all 4 targets in just 5 shots along with Abbotsford Heat Forward Brian Connelly as well.

You can read about the entire AHL All Star Skills Competition here as well as the full results here.

With the NHL All Star Break now behind us, the league will resume the Regular Season tomorrow night with the Stars beginning a huge 2 game road trip to California to play the Ducks on Wednesday & the Sharks on Thursday as the Stars will look to eat into the Pacific Division Gap as they sit 8 points back of the Division Leading San Jose Sharks. Following the California Road Trip, it's back home to the Stars as they face the Minnesota Wild who currently holds down the 8th & Final Playoff Spot who like the Stars, have fallen back some what after an impressive start to the regular season.

Eddie Belfour will also be on hand for his NHL Hall of Fame Recognition after he got inducted back in November. He is the 3rd player from the Stars 1999 Stanley Cup Winning Team to be inducted into  the NHL Hall of Fame along with Joe Nieuwendyk who also got inducted along with Belfour & Brett Hull who was inducted back in 2009.

The 1st 7 games on February are critical to the team's Playoff Chances as they will be playing teams that are all very winnable and that are critical to the playoff run with 34 games left in the regular season that will take place over the final 2 months of the regular season which will wrap up on April 7.

When the AHL All Star Break wraps up after tonight's All Star Game. The American Hockey League will get back to business on Thursday Night with all 4 Regional Teams in action with San Antonio playing the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons while the Texas Stars will take on the Houston Aeros.

Oklahoma City will look to cool off a surging Rampage Team that has now risen to 7th Place thanks to a 7 game winning streak that goes back to January 14th win against the Rockford Ice Hogs. In addition to Rockford, San Antonio has also 3 wins over Houston & a victory over the Abbotsford Heat as well who are battling with Houston for 4th & get in a position where they would have home ice advantage in the 1st Round. Overall, the gap from from the 4th Place Houston Aeros to 7th Place San Antonio Rampage is now just 4 PTS.

Other big games in the AHL This week includes a battle of the West Division Leading Oklahoma City Barons against the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers on Friday in OKC. Charlotte will also visit the Texas Stars on Saturday, while the Lake Erie Monsters are also visiting the Southwest by playing the Rampage on Friday & the Aeros on Saturday Night as well.

Elsewhere in the Region this week will have an important battle for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the Berry Conference between the Tulsa Oilers & RGV Killer Bees in Tulsa. RGV needs to respond after losing 2 of 3 last weekend after a OT Loss to South Texas Rival Laredo Bucks & a 4-1 loss to the Allen Americans on Sunday last weekend that allowed the Oilers to gain a slight lead where they were able to gain points in all 3 games with wins over the Texas Brahmas & Laredo Bucks as well as forcing OT in Kansas over the Wichita Thunder who are battling with Allen for the Conference Lead right now.

Among the Junior Ranks, we will see an all Dallas Area Game on Wednesday Night as the Ice Jets will play their final game before being off for two weeks as they will look to go ahead of the El Paso Rhinos for the Mid-West Division. This game is a virtual must win to help the Ice Jets Chances as the Rhinos still has two games in hand (three after Wednesday Night) as the Rhinos will have another Favorable Series against West Coast Division Cellar Dwelling Phoenix Knights after El Paso outscored Park City 28-3 in the 3 game series that wrapped up yesterday.

In the NAHL, the Texas Tornado & Wichita Falls Wildcats will play a 3 game series as the Tornado will host the series on Thursday & Friday before both teams head to Wichita Falls on Saturday Night. Also it will be a chance for the Corpus Christi Icerays to show that not only they can make the playoffs, but show they will be a dangerous foe as the Icerays travel to Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners on Wednesday & Thursday Night.

Finally the Dallas Stars Elites at both the U18AAA & U16AAA Levels will play their 2nd to Final Tier 1 Elite League Showcases of the season as the U18's will head to LA while the U16's will be in Denver. This weekend will also be used a tune up for the TAHA State Championship where both teams will play the Alliance Bulldogs in the Best of 3 State Tournament Series. Speaking of Alliance, the Alliance Bulldogs U18 team will play the Dallas Oilers on Sunday; while the U16's will head to Colorado to play the Pikes Peak Miners in an exhibition series up in Colorado this weekend.

National Hockey League

2/1: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks  9:30 PM (FSN Southwest+)

2/2: Dallas Stars VS. San Jose Sharks  9:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/4: Minnesota Wild VS. Dallas Stars  7:00 PM (FSN Southwest+)

American Hockey League

1/30 (All Star Game) 6:00 PM in Atlantic City, New Jersey

2/2

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. Houston Aeros  7:05 PM

2/3

Charlotte Checkers VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

2/4

Charlotte Checkers VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

Lake Erie Monsters VS. Houston Aeros  7:35 PM

2/5: Milwaukee Admirals VS. Houston Aeros  12:05 PM

Central Hockey League

1/31: RGV Killer Bees VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:05 PM

2/1: Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:00 PM

2/3

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

2/4

Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

North American Hockey League

2/1: Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

2/2

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/3

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/4

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

Western States Hockey League

2/1: Dallas Ice Jets VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  9:30 PM

2/3

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  9:00 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  9:00 PM

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  9:00 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  9:30 PM

2/4

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  3:45 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  6:30 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  8:45 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  9:00 PM

2/5

Long Beach Bombers VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  10:15 AM

Dallas Snipers VS. Park City Moose  12:45 PM

El Paso Rhinos VS. Phoenix Knights  1:30 PM

Cheyenne Stampede VS. New Mexico Renegades  3:00 PM

U18AAA

2/3

Phoenix Jr. Coyotes VS. Dallas Stars Elites 10:00 AM

Colorado Thunderbirds VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:15 PM

2/4

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage  10:30 AM

Russell Stover VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:45 PM

2/5

Rocky Mountain Roughriders VS. Dallas Stars Elites  10:30 AM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Dallas Oilers AA  8:00 AM

U16AAA

2/3

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders  3:30 PM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners  6:30 PM

2/4

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover  12:15 PM

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners  3:00 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Thunderbirds  6:30 PM

DJHA U18 AA VS. Dallas Ice Jets  7:00 PM

2/5

Alliance Bulldogs VS. Pikes Peak Miners 9:00 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage  12:30 PM



This weeks Southwest Hockey Schedule 1/16-22

Here's a look at this weeks Southwest Schedule as different All Star Games are coming up. Beginning with the United States Hockey League (USHL) Top Prospects Game which is coming up on January 24.

The Dallas Stars have been delivered a massive blow with All Star Center Jamie Benn having an emergency appendectomy to really make it tough over the next couple of weeks without the team's top centers in Mike Riberio & Jamie Benn. As for this weeks schedule, a brief road trip to St. Louis to take on the Blues tonight, followed by a pair of home games against the Detroit Red Wings & Tampa Bay Lightning this week as the Stars will have to be extremely Pesky (Note the Nick Name Pesky Stars) over the next couple of weeks as they will have to rely on being successful in lowing scoring games coming up.

They will wrap up this weeks schedule with their 2nd to last game of the Pre All Star Game Schedule with a short road trip to the Minnesota Wild coming up on January 2. When the Dallas Stars return from the All-Star Game on February 1st against the Anaheim Ducks, the Stars will have just 34 games remaining in the season as they will look to gain ground on a very tight group from 6th Place Nashville to 12th Place Calgary is just 7 points right now.

National Hockey League

1/16: Dallas Stars VS. St. Louis Blues  6:30 PM (NBC Sports Network)

1/17: Detroit Red Wings VS. Dallas Stars (FSN Southwest)

1/20: Tampa Bay Lightning VS. Dallas Stars (FSN Southwest)

1/21: Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild  (KTXA 21)

American Hockey League

1/16

Texas Stars VS. Rockford Ice Hogs  1:05 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. San Antonio Rampage  4:00 PM

1/18: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves  7:00 PM

1/19: Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans 6:35 PM

1/20

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Rochester Americans  6:35 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Houston Aeros  7:35 PM

1/21

Oklahoma City Barons VS. Lake Erie Monsters  6:30 PM

Peoria Rivermen VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

1/22

San Antonio Rampage VS. Houston Aeros  5:05 PM

Central Hockey League

1/16: Tulsa Oilers VS. Allen Americans  1:00 PM

1/17

Missouri Mavericks VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:00 PM

1/18

Texas Brahmas VS. Laredo Bucks  7:00 PM

1/20

Tulsa Oilers VS. Ft. Wayne Koments 6:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks  7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Arizona Sundogs  8:05 PM

1/21

RGV Killer Bees VS. Laredo Bucks  4:00 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Ft. Wayne Komets  6:30 PM

Wichita Thunder VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Arizona Sundogs  8:05 PM

1/22

Texas Brahmas VS. Wichita Thunder  5:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Evansville Ice Men  5:15 PM

North American Hockey League

1/20

Texas Tornado VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

1/21

Texas Tornado VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  8:30 PM

1/22: Odessa Jackalopes VS. New Mexico Mustangs  2:00 PM

Western States Hockey League

1/20

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede  7:35 PM

1/21

Dallas Snipers VS. Texas Brahmas  2:00 PM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  7:00 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede  7:35 PM

1/22

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Cheyenne Stampede  11:30 AM

New Mexico Renegades VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  12:00 PM

Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule for 1/9-15

Here's a look at this week's Southwest Regional Hockey Schedule coming up this week. As always, if you have questions or comments about what's going on this week at the Professional, Junior & AAA Hockey Levels. If you have any questions or comments regarding any of the games this week, use the hash tag #SWHockey & use the Twitter name @tanman9.

The Stars are on the road in Southern California this week with games in Anaheim & Los Angeles coming up on Tuesday & Thursday as the team looks to eat into San Jose's Pacific Division Lead which is just 3 points, but at the same time be able to gain a lead on both the LA Kings who is currently tied for 2nd in the Division. And just 2 points ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes right now with 45 right now, so this would be a good time to gain some ground on both fronts.

As for the San Jose Sharks are also on the road against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, Winnipeg Jets on Thursday Night & the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday Evening as well. Fortunately for the Sharks it's against teams that are closer to the bottom of the league as Columbus is dead last in the Western Conference & a Winnipeg Jets team who has been red hot right now which them currently in 9th place just 1 point back of Pittsburgh for the 8th & Final Playoff Spot in the Eastern Conference right now.

They will wrap up the week on Saturday Afternoon against the Colorado Avalanche. The team will also officially reach the half way point of the Regular Season and the run to the NHL All Star Break which will go from January 26-30 this year, with the Skills Competition on Saturday the 28 & the All Star Game it self will be on January 29 this season from the from the Scotiabank Center in Ottawa, Ontario.

The American Hockey League Teams will have on of their busier weeks of the season so far today as the Aeros will go on the Northern Part of their 4 Game Road trip after beating the San Antonio Rampage 4-3 yesterday with the help of a 2nd period surge with the help of Aeros Power Play Goals from Kris Foucault & Jon Disalvatore to help beat San Antonio and are back tied with the Abbotsford Heat for 2nd in the West Division & are just 3 points back of the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons.

Speaking of the Western Conference Leading OKC Barons, they have a 3 game in 3 night home stretch this weekend; which will include a pair of games against the Abbotsford Heat on Saturday Night & Sunday Afternoon with the West Division Lead likely on the line. It will depend however on how the Heat will do against the San Antonio Rampage on Tuesday Night & the Texas Stars on Wednesday Night to determine how much 'Heat' will be on the Barons to help protect the lead. It should be a pair of fiesty games for the Division Lead.

Back in November, the Barons & Heat split a weekend series with a pair of 4-1 games between the two teams. The Barons lead Abbotsford by 3 Points going into this week. In addition to the two games against Abbotsford, they will play the Rockford Ice Hogs who are currently dead last in the Western Conference

As for the American Hockey League All Star Game, it will be taking place on January 29 & 30 at the Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, N.J. You can see the info on this year's event here and info on this year's roster here.

Saturday Night will be extremely busy for the AHL Teams as all 4 teams are in action against separate opponents. Texas is in Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Admirals, Abbotsford will host the Oklahoma City Barons, the Houston Aeros are in Illinois to play the Peoria Rivermen and the Rampage hosting the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Elsewhere around the region on Thursday & Friday Night will have a critical battle for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the South Division as the Odessa Jackalopes & Corpus Christi Icerays will play each other at the American Bank Center. The Icerays are currently leading for the 4th Spot by 4 points, so the Jackalopes will need to win both games in regulation to get to a tie for 4th.

The League will also have the Topeka Roadrunners & Amarillo Bulls each other as the Roadrunners are looking to overtake the Tornado for 2nd Place who have lost their lost 3; and allowed the Roadrunners to get within 2 points of 2nd Place and what would be 1st Round Home Ice in the NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs.

In the Western States Hockey League, after a 3 game sweep of the Dallas Ice Jets in Grapevine over the weekend. The Rhinos have a chance to take the Mid-West Division Lead as the Rhinos will host the New Mexico Renegades this weekend. El Paso needs to get at least 3 of a possible 6 points to take the Division Lead which would at least be a win, an OT Loss & Regulation Loss or better this weekend.

Finally, it's a very busy weekend for U16AAA & U18AAA Teams with the MLK Weekend coming up.

At the U18 Level, The Dallas Stars Elites will head to Denver to play the Rocky Mountain Teams in their Tier 1 Elite League Showcase. The Ice Jets & Alliance Bulldogs will head to the High Performance Hockey League Showcase in Chicago. Finally the Texas Tornado U18 & U16 Teams will be in Troy, Michigan (just outside of Detroit) for one of the final NAPHL Regular Season.

The U16 Level will have the Stars Elites heading to Hingham, Mass (Just outside Boston). The Ice Jets will also be at the HPHL Showcase to play Shattuck St. Mary's as well as a trio of Detroit Powerhouses in Compuware, Honeybaked & Little Caesars during the MLK Weekend as well.

The TAHA State Tournament gets underway a month from tomorrow. So some teams who are going to looking to qualify for the Tier 2 State Tournament in Mid February will be looking to get in position to qualifiy for the Tournament next month.

Here's the Video & Audio Links where you can watch & Listen to games on line.

All Start Times on here are CST.

Here's this week's schedule

National Hockey League

1/10:  Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks  9:00 PM (FSNSW+)

1/12: Dallas Stars VS. Los Angeles Kings  9:30 PM (FSNSW)

1/14: Colorado Avalanche VS. Dallas Stars  2:00 PM  (FSNSW & NHLN US)

American Hockey League

1/10: Abbotsford Heat VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/11

Houston Aeros VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

1/13

Texas Stars VS. Grand Rapids Griffins  6:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen  7:00 PM

1/14

Texas Stars VS. Milwaukee Admirals  7:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen  7:00 PM

Rockford Ice Hogs VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/15: Abbotsford Heat VS. Oklahoma City Barons  4:00 PM

Central Hockey League

1/13

Allen Americans VS. Missouri Mavericks  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Arizona Sundogs  8:05 PM

1/14

Texas Brahmas VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Arizona Sundogs  8:05 PM

1/15: RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas  5:00 PM

North American Hockey League

1/12: Odessa Jackalopes VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

1/13

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

1/14

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats  7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

1/15

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. New Mexico Mustangs  2:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Corpus Christi Icearys  3:05 PM

Western States Hockey League

1/13: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

1/14: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

1/15: New Mexico Renegades VS. El Paso Rhinos  5:30 PM

U18AAA

1/13

Texas Tornado VS. Omaha AAA Lancers  12:00 PM

1/14

Wenatchee Wild VS. Texas Tornado  8:00 AM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Culver Academy  1:40 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders  2:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks  4:15 PM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Chicago Young Americans  8:40 PM

1/15

West Michigan Hounds VS. Texas Tornado  8:15 AM

Dallas Alliance Bulldogs VS. Honeybaked  10:40 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover  12:15 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Team Illinois  12:40 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Thunderbirds  6:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Mission  7:20 PM

1/16

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Honeybaked

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Colorado Rampage 12:30 PM

U16AAA

1/13

Orange County VS. Texas Tornado  2:15 PM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Ohio Blue Jackets  11:00 AM

1/14

Texas Tornado VS. Indiana Jr. Ice  10:00 AM

Pittsburgh Hornets VS. Dallas Stars Elites  5:20 PM

Shattuck St. Mary VS. Dallas Ice Jets  7:50 PM

1/15

Compuware VS. Dallas Ice Jets  11:40 AM

Phoenix Firebirds VS. Texas Tornado  12:00 PM

Honeybaked VS. Dallas Ice Jets  6:20 PM

TPH Thunder VS. Dallas Stars Elites  9:20 PM

1/16

Texas Tornado VS. Pikes Peak Miners  6:00 AM

Buffalo Jr. Sabres VS. Dallas Stars Elites  7:00 AM

Little Caesars VS. Dallas Ice Jets  8:40 AM


TAHA Tier 2 State Tournament Qualifiers

U18

1/11

GM1 :DJHA-Kowall VS. Texas Jr. Brahmas  7:45 PM

GM1: Dallas Stars Selects VS. Alliance Bulldogs  8:00 PM


U16

1/14

GM1: Houston Hitmen VS. Texas Aces  1:30 PM

GM2: Texas Aces VS. Houston Hitmen  7:30 PM

1/15

GM3: Houston Hitmen VS. Texas Aces  8:50 AM


U14

1/12

GM2: Allen Jr. Americans VS. Dallas Ice Jets  7:30 PM

Mike Heika Chat

Got a question for Dallas News Stars Insider Mike Heika? Mike will be having his weekly chat this afternoon at 1:30 PM which will get underway in about a half-hour. As always, his chats go on for about an hour so get in line to ask him anything related to the Stars.

Mike Heika Weekly Fan Chat

This Weeks Southwest Schedule

After the Dallas Stars 5-0 crushing against Colorado back on Saturday Night, the Stars have plenty of time and plenty to think about as they look to rebound with several days off as they don't hit the ice again until Thursday Night when they start a 2 game, 2 night road-trip to Southern California as the Stars will take on the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the Anaheim Ducks on Friday Night.

Then the team will return home as the Stars will faceoff against the Ducks, Kings and Avalanche again next weekend.

So it will be interesting to see how the Stars will react to some the same opponent's and hit the video room to take a look at how to take down the Avalanche after losing 5-0 and looking to take down their Pacific Division Rivals.

This will be an interesting test as the Stars won't have more then two nights rest between next week and just before the Christmas Rest Period after the December 23 game against the Calgary Flames.

It's a busy week for the San Antonio Rampage and Houston Aeros as both teams will be playing 4 games this week.

For the Rampage, it's a short trip to Oklahoma City on Tuesday Night, then a 3 game home-stand as the Rampage will play back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday Night against the Rockford Iceogs as the Rampage will be battling for 2nd place in the West Division as of right now and it could be for the West Division Lead if San Antonio beats Oklahoma City tonight.

For the Rampage, it will be a Sunday Afternoon tilt against the Chicago Wolves who's looking to climb back up in the Division after winning the West Division last year and getting knocked out by the Texas Stars last year.

Houston is in the middle of a 4 game road-trip with a pair of road-trips to Abbotsford, BC and Peoria. Last night for the Aeros, it looked like it would be a win for the Aeros. But after a late comeback, the Heat ended up winning in a shootout and will faceoff again tonight.

After tonight, it's a long flight to Illinois as the Aeros play the Rivermen coming up on Saturday & Sunday which is in the middle of a string where they are currently playing 7 of their next 8 away from H-Town.

The next time the Aeros will head home will be for a single game on November 17 against the Chicago Wolves.

Both OKC & Texas will have slow weeks as the Stars will play only one game this week against the Chicago Wolves coming up on Wednesday Night.

 The Barons are in the middle of an 8 game home-stand and will only play twice this week as they will play San Antonio tonight and then Chicago on Friday Night, then it's a full week off as the Barons won't play again until November 19 against the Texas Stars.

Who can stop the Tornado?

That is the question that the Corpus Christi Icerays will try to figure out as the team's 12 game winning streak is currently the longest of the season and has taken the Tornado to the top of the entire NAHL with a 14-2-3 record with 31 points.

And with a number of players getting named to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month on both sides, the pressure will be on to perform as they will be under a big spotlight as they look to sign NCAA Scholarships.

To check out your favorite teams on the web, here's a series of links to listen online and on the Radio


Dallas Stars: Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket

AHL Live

Texas Stars:  ESPN Austin

San Antonio Rampage:  Sports Radio 760 the Ticket

Houston Aeros:  Houston News Talk 1070

 Corpus Christi Icerays:  Keys News Talk 1440


Here's this weeks Southwest Schedule

National Hockey League

11/11: @ Los Angeles Kings    9:30 PM (FSN Southwest, NHLN-CA)

11/12: @ Anaheim Ducks        9:00 PM  (FSN Southwest Plus)


American Hockey League

11/8: Houston Aeros 2  Abbotsford Heat 3  (SO) (1-0, 1-1, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)


11/9

San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons   7:05 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat   9:00 PM


11/10

Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars     7:30 PM


11/11

San Antonio Rampage VS. Rockford Icehogs    7:00 PM


11/12

Chicago Wolves VS. Oklahoma City Barons     6:05 PM

Rockford Icehogs VS. San Antonio Rampage    7:00 PM


11/13

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen     7:05 PM


11/14

Houston Aeros VS. Peoria Rivermen     3:05 PM


Central Hockey League

11/9

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Laredo Bucks     7:00 PM


11/12

RGV Killer Bees VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs     7:05 PM

Odessa Jackalopes VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM

Allen Americans VS. Laredo Bucks    7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Colorado Eagles    8:05 PM


11/13

Laredo Bucks VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs    7:05 PM

Allen Americans VS. Odessa Jackalopes     7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas    7:30 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Rapid City Rush     8:05 PM


11/14

Allen Americans VS. Odessa Jackalopes    4:05 PM



North American Hockey League

11/12

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners    7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado    7:30 PM



11/13

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats     7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners    7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Texas Tornado    7:30 PM

Dallas Stars sign Jack Campbell

Back on Thursday Night, the Dallas Stars officially signed 1st Round Draft Pick Jack Campbell who's currently with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires to the standard 3 year entry contract which won't go into effect until he makes his NHL Debut.

My concern is that Campbell has been off to a sluggish start in the OHL with Windsor this season, so through 13 games played as he just has a 6-6-0 record with a 3.82 GAA & a .881 SV% and with these numbers, it could jeopardize the amount of playing time he's expected to get at the upcoming World Junior Championships which starts on December 26 in Buffalo, New York as the Canadians are looking to return to the Top of the Podium after losing in a very exciting Gold Medal Game 6-5 against the Americans last season.

When you have guys like Gormley and Fowler who were selected by Pacific Division Rivals Anaheim and Phoenix. Fowler did make the Anaheim Ducks this year and has 3 points (1G 2A) through 8 games.

As for Brandon Gormley, is back with the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) but he is beginning to shred the league with 16 points and leads the Moncton Wildcats in defensemen scoring as the Wildcats are looking to defend the QMJHL Title and get back to the Memorial Cup after the team went winless in the Round Robin against the Calgary Hitmen, Brandon Wheat Kings and the 2 time defending Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires.

As for the Dallas Stars picking Jack Campbell, many are questioning and still question on taking a goaltender when the Stars could have easily filled a major hole in defense and get a player who slipped from the top 5 who could have maybe been on the team this season or shortly there after. Goalies always take a long time to develop and this is why many teams don't goalies high in the NHL Draft.

The big test for me is if he can recover and have a strong World Junior Championship coming up over the Winter Holidays. If he can't, then the Stars may have to wonder about him panning out to be a big time NHL Goalie.

In addition, tonight's game vs. the Colorado Avalanche will be on FSN Plus. This is a change where the game was originally scheduled to be on TXA 21 in the DFW Area.

TV Info for tonight's Game

Jack Campbell OHL's Profile

Dallas Stars Press Release: The Dallas Stars announced today that the club have signed goaltender Jack Campbell to a three year entry level contract. Campbell was Dallas' first round selection (#11) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Campbell, 18, is currently playing for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, having appeared in 12 games so far this season with a 6-5-0 record, a 3.81 GAA and an .882 SV%.

"Jack is a very promising player for the future of our organization," said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. "He has a strong work ethic and we are looking forward to watching him develop as his career progresses."

The 6'3", 175 pound net-minder played for the US National Team Developmental Program last season, going 6-3-1 with a 2.21 GAA and a .917 SV%. He also has represented the USA at the 2010 World Junior Championship, as well as both the 2009 and 2010 U18 World Championships. Campbell lead the Americans to Gold at all 3 tournaments.

Campbell will continue to play with the Windsor Spitfires this season and is expected to participate in the Stars 2011 Summer Developmental Camp and the team's 2011 Training Camp.

New Dallas Stars Poll Question: Strong start of the Season

With the Stars off to a strong start which includes a 7-4-0 start through 11 games and being 2nd place in the Pacific Division and just 4 points back of Division Leading LA. What do you think of the strong start for the season,

My New poll question deals with the start of the season, Do you think it's just a mirage or do you feel confident that they can carry this to have a strong season and look to return to the playoffs after missing the post-season for the last two seasons.

Here's the options, just 2 possible answers here.

Just a Mirage

Hope for the rest of the season


I would like to see your comments both on the site and on my twitter account.

Philip Larsen called up with Stephane Robidas suspended for Thrusday's Game against LA

With Stephane Robidas getting a 5 minute Boarding Major along with a game miscoudnt in last night's 5-2 loss against the Anaheim Ducks when he rammed Anaheim Winger Matt Belesky midway through the 3rd period when he rammed the boards in a hit that wasn't as bad as it seemed.

 Due to him picking up a 2nd Boarding Major in less then half-a-season (41 games) he has picked up an automatic 1 game suspension and will have to sit out tomorrow night's game against the LA Kings.

To fill in for Robidas tomorrow night will by 20 Year Old Danish Defensemen Philip Larsen who's playing his first full season in the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars. So far in the AHL Season, he's played in 6 games and has contributed 2 assists in his time.

This continues with the youth movement that the Stars are continuing to do this season to take a more serious look at their young guys in Texas this season. Going on with theme when Aaron Gagnon was brought up for one game back on October 18 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They were plans to bring up Swiss Defensemen Severin Blindenbacher, but couldn't because of a minor injury substained in a car accident last week.

Here's the Press Release from the Dallas Stars

Philip Larsen Profile

The Dallas Stars announced today the club has recalled defensemen Philip Larsen from the Texas Stars, Dallas's primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League.

Defensemen Stephane Robidas has received an automatic one game suspension from the NHL and will miss Thursday's home game against the Los Angeles Kings. Robidas was assessed his second game misconduct within 41 games in the boarding/checking from behind category on Robidas is subject to the automatic one game suspension. He is eligible to return to action for Saturday's game against Buffalo.

Larsen, 20, has skated in six games for Texas this season, collecting two assists. Last season he appeared in two games for Dallas and recorded one assist. Larsen spent the majority of the 2009-2010 season with Vastra Frolunda HC of the Swedish Elite League where he played 42 games and posted 10 points (1G 9A) and 20 penalty minutes. He was Dallas' fifth round selection (149th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Dallas Stars will face the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow (7:30 PM, TV: FSN Southwest, Radio; Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket).

Stars lose 5-2 against the Ducks

It was a very frustrating night for the Stars as they lose 5-2 and go to 0-2 on this current 6 game home stand and it was Clarey the most frustrating game of the season so far as the Stars were able out-shot the Ducks 37-26 and score the first goal of the game which was part of a great first period where it looked like the Stars were going to win their first game of the season against Pacific Division.

Here's some other thoughts

*Keep track of Bobby Ryan Bobby Ryan has been just an unreal Stars Killer in recent years for the Ducks. With a 2 goal performance, this was another stellar night for the Ducks against the Stars as he's had several performances like this over his Ducks Career for the Stars. Another great example was during the home finale of last season as he scored both goals for the Ducks that night.

Improving Power Play: The Power Play looked better tonight as the Stars scored on their first power play attempt. But it still shows that they have a long way to go when they had 4 PP Chances in the 2nd period and gave up 3 goals in that period. 2 of them (2nd Bobby Ryan Goal and George Parros coming less then a minute apart). This was clearly a rough time in that aspect as the team just looked a lot different after that moment and were just looked lifeless at time.

The Stephane Robidas Miscounted: The Refs clearly over reacted on that 5 minute penalty. It was a normal looking hit that had an ugly result, but it was later turned out that Stephane Robidas hit to Beleskey. This was clearly not mel intent and he turned out to be fine after that hit. Once again, the refs get it wrong again, it should be on the intent of the hit, not the result of the injury.

He should not get any kind of suspension, if he does, the league Clarey overreacts on this sort of thing and isn't very good when dealing out apporiate penalties for different things.


Here's some other thoughts

Defending Big D Thoughts

This Weeks Power Rankings

Here's a look at the Power Rankings and where the Stars are ranked. Despite a 1-0 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Rankings still have the Stars going sky high as several websites including networks like ESPN still have the team in or near the top 5. Tonight, the team has the Anaheim Ducks as the 6 Game Home- stand continues and their first Pacific Division Game of the season tonight.

To see the Full Lists, click on the Network Link

ESPN: Dallas Ranked #4, The Stars 5-2-0 continue to impress even though they dropped a 1-0 decision to Nashville on Saturday. Goalie Kari Lehtonen is carrying a heavy workload early on but has been more then up to the task.

FOX Sports: Dallas Ranked #3, After opening up the season with four straight wins, Dallas cooled off a bit in week three, winning only once in three games. The Stars? Power Play failed to connect on any of the 10 chances the team was awarded in three games.

CBS Sports: Dallas Ranked #7 in the West,  Dallas' Special Teams are atrocious, but the team does well on even strength. The Team has four of the five NHL's five plus/minus leaders. The Stars Game against the Kings in Dallas will be an early indication of who's who in the Pacific Division.

Stars VS. Ducks Preview Plus AHL & CHL Previews

Here's a look at some links getting ready for the Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks Game tonight as the Stars will be playing their first Pacific Division Game of the season tonight for the Stars as they look to go to 1-1-0 in their 6 game home-stand.

In addition to the Dallas Stars, the Texas Stars play the final game of a 5 game home-stand tonight as they will play the Peoria Rivermen for the 2nd time in the last few days. Back on Saturday, the Texas Stars lost a close fought 2-0 decision with the T-Stars outshoting the Rivermen 36-19 in the game back on Saturday Night.

Finally, the Allen Americans and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs will be battling it out in a battle for the Southern Conference Lead as well as the Tulsa Oilers will play the Colorado Eagles tonight in the Central Hockey League.

Theirs also an interesting article regarding the Dallas Stars Home Attendance Concerns from the website Defending Big D.

Here's some fun that Adam Burish had with a recent email about his player on EA Sports NHL 2011. It includes an email that the person (Withholding his Name) along with Burish's Video Response.

Adam Burish's NHL 2011 Response

Here's the links for tonight's Action.

Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars   8:00 PM

Mike Heika: Kari Lehtonen to start his 8th straight game tonight

Mike Heika: Scouting the Ducks

Crawford Unsure on who will sit out Tonight

Defending Big D: Dallas Stars VS. Anaheim Ducks Preview

If you want to chat with me and other Stars Fans, check out the Defending Big D Game Thread where you can chat with other Stars Fans for every game during the season.

Defending Big D Dallas VS. Anaheim Game Thread


Defending Big D: Attendance Problems


Peoria Rivermen VS. Texas Stars   7:30 PM

Peoria VS. Texas Game Preview


Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs VS. Allen Americans    7:30 PM

Bossier-Shreveport Gameday Preview


Colorado Eagles VS. Tulsa Oilers    7:00 PM

Colorado VS. Tulsa Game Preview