Texas Born/Raised Professional Hockey Players

Article written by Adam Hayes




Despite having an extremely successful hockey NHL team, Texas will never be seen as a hockey hotbed. The short winters that rarely bring cold temperatures make it hard for children to focus on playing hockey when they can play football or baseball throughout the entire year. Despite the lack of ideal conditions, Texas has still produced a few great professional hockey players. These are the three current NHL Players that were born in the state of Texas.




Tyler Meyers, Winnipeg Jets


Tyler Meyers is easily the most successful of the three Texans currently playing in the NHL. Meyers was born in Houston, but he never considered playing hockey until moving to Calgary at the age of 10. A successful career in the Western Hockey League helped the big defensemen get drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Myers quickly became one of the most important players on a young Sabres squad. Tallying 48 points in his rookie season win the 2010 Calder Memorial Trophy. After failing to live up the promise of his rookie season, the Buffalo Sabres traded Tyler Meyers to the Winnipeg Jets before the 2014-2015 season.




Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets


Seth Jones was destined to be a professional athlete thanks to his great pedigree. Seth's dad, Popeye Jones played in the NBA for 12 seasons, and he is currently a coach on the Indiana Pacers. Seth was born in Arlington while his dad was playing for the Dallas Mavericks, but he didn't pick up the game until the age of while living in Denver. Seth Jones learned the fundamentals of hockey at a young age before his family moved to Frisco, Texas, when he was 12. Jones continued his love for hockey after returning to Texas, he eventually became a member of the U.S. National Development Team. His unprecedented size and athleticism help Seth get drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. Nashville eventually traded Jones for Yan Johansen before the start of the 2015-2016 season. Despite struggling mightly in his rookie year. Seth Jones has quickly become one of the top young defensemen in the NHL.




Stefan Noesen, Anaheim Ducks


Stefan Noesen is a right winger currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks was born in Plano, Texas before moving to Canada as a child. Noesen had a successful junior hockey career with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League before getting drafted with the 21st overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Despite being a top draft pick. Stefan Noesen never appeared in a game during his two seasons with the Ottawa Senators. The team eventually traded Noesen and Silfverberg to the Anaheim Ducks for Bobby Ryan. Noesen appeared in two games during his first two pro seasons, but is finally getting extended time this season. Stefan Noesen scored the first goal of his career on December 7th, 2016, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

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."





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)  

Weekly Southwest Hockey Schedule for 2/13-20

Here's a look at this week's Weekly Hockey Schedule as the Tier 1 & Tier 2 State Champions have now been crowned and are now looking forward to prepare for Nationals which will be taking place in Late March & Early April for the Tier 2 Teams. Tier 1 Teams on the other hand will have to get through Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament from March 1-4 in Denver with the winners clinching a spot in Nationals which will be in Buffalo, N.Y. for the Tier 1 Teams this season.

This week will be crucial for the Stars as the schedule begins to toughen up as the team currently sits in 11th Place and are still 3 points back of 8th Place Phoenix and will have a chance to catch up as they will play the Calgary Flames on Thursday & the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday with a chance to make up some ground in the playoffs. But first, it's a very tough matchup against the Detroit Red Wings where they won a NHL Record Tying 20 Home Games in a row where they haven't lost since November 1st in a 2-1 OT Loss to the Minnesota Wild when the Wild were on they sup rising start earlier in the season, where, like the Stars have fallen back in the standings recently.

After their critical games against Phoenix, Calgary & Detroit the Stars will finish the week on Sunday Night against the Nashville Predators who are in 5th Place in the West in which the Central Division has been the Group of Death right now where Detroit is leading the Conference with 78 points, while even the Predators and Blues sit in 2nd & 3rd in the Central Division (4th & 5th Conference) with 75 & 70 points respectively in their Conference. If the Regular Season ended today, the Nashville Predators & St. Louis Blues would play each other it would most likely be a very exciting 1st Round Playoff Series.

The Aeros & Rampage both continue their mammoth road trips where both teams won't return home till March (The Aeros on 3/10 & Rampage on 3/3). Houston continues to be in a solid 4th Place, but a struggling Abbotsford Heat team has allowed the Chicago Wolves to overtake them for 5th Place as the Wolves will look to catch up on the Aeros as they would currently hold down the final home ice birth for the Conference Quarterfinals right now.

The Aeros will wrap up their Mid-Western Section of their Road Trip after beating the Grand Rapids Griffins in back-to-back games 5-1 & 5-4 back on 2/10-11 last weekend. Houston will next head to Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Admirals where they will look revenge after losing 2-1 back on February 5th.

After a game in Wisconsin, the Aeros head to B.C. to take on the Abbotsford Heat for a pair of games on 2/17-18 as they will look to continue the Heat's Woes as they have lost 9 of their last 11 dating back to a January 15th loss in Oklahoma City near the end of their Southwestern Road Trip. Since then, the Heat have fallen from 5th to 7th Place in the Western Conference and are of danger of falling out of the Western Conference Playoff picture as the gap from 7th Place Abbotsford to 11th Place Milwaukee is just 4 points right now as they expecting to see a very desperate Heat Team.

Since winning 7 in a row back in January, the Rampage have used that as a spring board as they continue to overcome their slow start to the season as they have jumped to 6th Place out West after winning 2 of 3 last weekend against the Toronto Marlies & Rochester Americans before ending the weekend with a 7-4 loss to Grand Rapids. This weekend will see the Rampage stay closer to home with a 3 game in 3 night stretch with a Friday/Saturday Set against the last place Texas Stars, then a trip north of the Red River to play the Western Conference Leading Oklahoma City Barons Sunday Afternoon.

Texas will wrap up their short road trip after losses to Rochester & Hamilton will look to end on a positive note against the Lake Erie Monsters Wednesday Morning as the Monsters will be playing in their team's annual School Day Field Trip Game for Cleveland Area Grade School Kids. Following the road trip, the Stars will return home for a Friday/Saturday Series against the San Antonio Rampage.

Oklahoma City will be off until Friday Night as they look to continue to grow their Conference Lead over their Division Rival Houston Aeros & Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers as they have a weekend series against the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday & Saturday followed by a Sunday Afternoon Game against the San Antonio Rampage.

Elsewhere we have a pair of Turner Conference Teams in the Central Hockey League as the Evansville Icemen & Dayton Gems will be coming down South for some important games. Especially for the Ice Men who are battaling with Ft. Wayne for the Turner Conference Lead. The Ice Men will play a pair in Mcallen against the RGV Killer Bees on Tuesday & Wednesday Night, then will head up north to play Tulsa on Friday Night.

While the Gems who for the most part are way out of the Playoff Race, will also play the Oilers on Tuesday Night, then will head South to Dallas to play the Brahmas on Wednesday Night.

Elsewhere in the CHL will have another important series at NYTEX Sports Center as the Killer Bees & Brahmas will play a weekend series as the Killer Bees look to recover after losing a 9-6 game on Sunday Afternoon where at one point, the Killer Bees were able to comeback from 5-1 down in the 2nd period to get the game tied at 5-5 only for the Oilers to pull away in the 3rd period to get a huge win and an important 2 points for the 4th & Final Playoff spot in the Berry Conference.

It will be a slow weekend for the Southwest Area Junior Teams as the Texas Tornado & Dallas Snipers will be having the weekend off in the Dallas Area. Also, Amarillo, Odessa & Wichita Falls also have the weekend off this weekend. That leaves just leaves 2 Junior Series in the Southwest this weekend, 1st in the NAHL, it's the Corpus Christi Icerays hosting the last place New Mexico Mustangs for a pair on Thursday & Friday Night.

Despite the Mustangs being in Last Place, it hasn't been a slam dunk as the Ice Rays are just 4-2-0 in 6 games against New Mexico this season and they looking to rebound after losing 4-of-their-last-5 and letting the lead against Wichita Falls slip to 6 points, however, Corpus Christi does have games in hand against all 3 of their playoff challengers in New Mexico, Wichita Falls & Odessa.

The only WSHL Team hosting a series this weekend is the El Paso Rhinos where they will be playing the Texas Jr. Brahmas for the 2nd straight weekend after taking 2-of-3 against the Jr. Brahmas at NYTEX Sports Center last weekend. The Ice Jets will be heading North to Idaho for a series against one of the WSHL's Best Teams in the Idaho Jr. Steelheads.

This is after a two-and-a-half week layoff since the Ice Jets lost to the Jr. Brahmas 4-2 back on February 1st. The Extended layoff has allowed the El Paso Rhinos to build the Division Lead to 12 points in the Mid-West Division Lead thanks to the last 2 Rhinos Series against the Long Beach Bombers & Park City Moose where they were able to destroy both teams in recent weeks.

Finally, with the Road to Nationals getting in high gear, the area AAA Teams are playing their last handful of Showcase & Tournament Events of the Regular Season. Both the Dallas Stars Elites U18AAA & U16AAA Teams will play their Final Tier 1 Elite League Showcase Events of the Season this weekend as the U18AAA will head to Orland Park, Illinois to play the Great Lakes Division, including the league leading Victory Honda Team.

The U16AAA will head West to Scottsdale,Arizona to play the Rocky Mountain Division Teams as well as the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes to finish the Tier 1 Elite League Regular Season.

Both Teams will be using this to prepare for the Rocky Mountain Tier 1 Regional Tournament that will take place in Denver from 3/1-4. The Winners will quailify for the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championships that will be in Buffalo, N.Y. from March 28 through April 1.

Also playing one of their final Showcase Events of the Season is the Dallas Ice Jets U16AAA where they head to Woodrige, Illinois which will include a game against the highly touted Shattuck St. Mary's Prep School.

Here's the Full Schedule

NHL

2/14: Dallas Stars VS. Detroit Red Wings  6:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/16: Calgary Flames VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

2/18: Dallas Stars VS. Phoenix Coyotes  7:00 PM (KTXA 21)

2/19: Nashville Predators VS. Dallas Stars  6:00 PM (FSN Southwest)


AHL

2/14: Houston Aeros VS. Milwaukee Admirals  7:00 PM

2/15: Texas Stars VS. Lake Erie Monsters 9:45 AM

2/17

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars  7:30 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat  9:00 PM

2/18

Milwaukee Admirals VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

San Antonio Rampage VS. Texas Stars  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. Abbotsford Heat  9:00 PM

2/19: San Antonio Rampage VS. Oklahoma City Barons  4:00 PM


Central Hockey League

2/14

Evansville Ice Men VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:00 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

Texas Brahmas VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Dayton Gems VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:05 PM

2/15

Dayton Gems VS. Texas Brahmas  7:00 PM

Evansville Ice Men VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:00 PM

2/17

Allen Americans VS. Dayton Gems  6:00 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Evansville Ice Men VS. Tulsa Oilers  7:35 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Rapid City Rush  8:05 PM

2/18

Allen Americans VS. Ft. Wayne Komets  6:30 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Rapid City Rush  8:05 PM


North American Hockey League

2/16: New Mexico Mustangs VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

2/17: New Mexico Mustangs VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM


Western States Hockey League

2/17

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

2/18

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM

2/19

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. El Paso Rhinos  5:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Idaho Jr. Steelheads  8:00 PM


U18AAA

2/17

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

Texas Tornado VS. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes  4:00 PM

2/18

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks  8:15 AM

Cleveland Barons VS. Dallas Stars Elites  6:15 PM

2/19

Oakland Grizzlies VS. Dallas Stars Elites  12:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. West Michigan Hounds  4:00 PM

Belle Tire VS. Dallas Stars Elites  8:15 PM

2/20

Victory Honda VS. Dallas Stars Elites  2:15 PM


U16AAA

2/17

Texas Tornado VS. San Jose Jr. Sharks  10:00 AM

Texas Tornado VS. New Jersey Jr. Titans  4:15 PM

2/18

Texas Tornado VS. Orange County  10:15 AM

Colorado Thunderbirds VS. Dallas Stars Elites  5:30 PM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Team Illinois  11:40 AM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Mission  6:20 PM

2/19

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Chicago Young Americans  8:10 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Russell Stover  11:10 AM

Dallas Ice Jets VS. Shattuck St. Mary  2:00 PM

Colorado Rampage VS. Dallas Stars Elites  7:00 PM

2/20

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Rocky Mountain Roughriders  9:00 AM

Dallas Stars Elites VS. Phoenix Jr. Coyotes  3:00 PM

This Weeks Shows & Podcasts

Here's some recent shows from across North America to get you the latest from the NCAA, Juniors & the NHL from the past few days. Also here's a look at what time the shows start live where many of them have email, Twitter & Facebook Accounts where you can ask questions to the Show Hosts as well.

The Pipeline Show, 1/21 Episode

Puck Podcast, 1/21 Episode

USCHO Live, 1/17 Episode

WHL This Week Radio Edition, 1/19

OHL This Week Radio Edition, 1/20 Episode

1/23-29 Southwest Schedule

Here's a look at the Southwest Hockey Schedule from January 23th through 29th as the NHL & AHL All Star Games are on the horizon. The Stars have only 1 game this week as the league will officially go on it's All Star Break after Wednesday Night. After the NHL Goes on All Star Break. The Fantsay Draft will be on Thrusday Night January 26, while the Super Skills Competition on the 28th and the All Star Game from Ottawa, Ontario will take place Sunday Afternoon on January 29. All the NHL All Star Break Festivities will be on NBC Sports Network.

In addition to the NHL All Star Break, the American Hockey League will also be having their All Star Break on 1/29-30 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, it will be a very busy week leading into the All Star Break as all 4 Regional Teams will be playing twice in an all Regional Weekend to minimize travel prior to the event on Friday & Saturday. The Division Leading Oklahoma City Barons will look to head into the All Star Break with a big lead as they currently lead the Aeros by 5 points right now.

While the rest of the Western Conference is in a very tight battle where the gap from 6th Place Milwaukee to last Place Rockford is just 7 points right now. San Antonio sits in the 8th & Final Playoff Spot right now, while the Texas Stars are just 3 points back in 10th Place and have won 3 in a row as the Stars are beginning to click despite numerous call ups to the Dallas Stars like Matt Fraser who was called up just yesterday. Fraser was a free agent signee after a strong 5 Year WHL Career with the Kootenay Ice & a little bit with the Red Deer Rebels early on where he scored 74 points in 66 games (36G 38A) to help play a major role in the Kootenay Ice winning the WHL Championship last year.

Both games on Friday Night will be important for both races. In Oklahoma City, the Barons & Aeros will look to sway the Division Race in their direction in Oklahoma City. While Texas & San Antonio will faceoff in at the AT&T Center to get into the Division Race. A Texas win could see the Stars & Rampage tied for the 8th & Final Playoff spot in the AHL Western Conference right now. While a San Antonio Win could get them battaling with Milwaukee & Chicago battaling for 6th right now.

As for the Milwaukee Admirals, they will be playing Peoria on Tuesday (Away), Chicago on Friday (Home) & Rockford on Saturday (Away). The Chicago Wolves will also have a trio of games with a pair of games against Abbotsford on both Tuesday & Wednesday (Both Road), then will head to Milwaukee to play Chicago on Friday (Road).

Elsewhere across the Southwest will be the Allen Americans will begin a stretch on Tuesday Night where they will be at the Allen Event Center for 9 of their next 10 Games (Their only Road game is against the Texas Brahmas). They will be looking to finish off the Arizona Sundogs where they won a pair of 1 goal games over the weekend (4-3 on Friday & 2-1 on Saturday) and look to take over the Wichita Thunder for the Southern Conference Lead which will come into the spotlight on Friday Night. The battle for the 3rd & 4th Spots in the South will also be on the line when the Texas Brahmas & Tulsa Oilers will go head-to-head from NYTEX Sports Center.

The Junior Ranks will have a very busy weekend with Corpus Christi contuning to put their lead against the Wichita Falls Wildcats after the Wildcats sweeped the Ice Rays last weekend with 4-2 & 2-1 wins. While the Fresno Monsters will make a rare trip to the South as they will take on the Tornado on Friday Night & the Amarillo Bulls on Saturday Night this weekend.

For the Western States Hockey League, it's a very busy weekend with 1st Place on the line with the El Paso Rhinos hosting the Park City Moose who is currently last in the Rocky Mountain Conference. While the Ice Jets are going to host the San Diego Gulls who are looking to seperate themselves from the rest of the pack for 2nd Place in the West Coast Division with the Fresno Monsters running away with the Division with a 21 point lead right now. Also the Texas Jr. Brahmas & New Mexico Renegades will faceoff in Rio Rancho, New Mexico while the Dallas Snipers will travel to Utah to play the Ogden Mustangs.

National Hockey League

1/24: Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars  7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

1/26: NHL All Star Fantsay Draft

1/28: NHL Super Skills Competition

1/29: NHL All Star Game

American Hockey League

1/27

Houston Aeros VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Texas Stars VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/28

Texas Stars VS. Oklahoma City Barons  7:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage  7:00 PM

1/29: AHL Skills Competition 3:00 PM

1/30: AHL All Star Game  7:00 PM

Central Hockey League

1/24: Arizona Sundogs VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

1/27

Wichita Thunder VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Tulsa Oilers VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. RGV Killer Bees  7:30 PM

1/28

Tulsa Oilers VS. Wichita Thunder  7:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  7:05 PM

Laredo Bucks VS. Texas Brahmas  7:30 PM

1/29

Laredo Bucks VS. Tulsa Oilers  4:05 PM

RGV Killer Bees VS. Allen Americans  5:05 PM

North American Hockey League

1/26: Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

1/27

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

Amarillo Bulls VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

1/28

Fresno Monsters VS. Amarillo Bulls  7:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Odessa Jackalopes  7:05 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Topeka Roadrunners  7:05 PM

1/29: Odessa Jackalopes VS. Amarillo Bulls  6:00 PM


Western States Hockey League

1/26: Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM


1/27

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets  7:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades  8:30 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM


1/28

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets  6:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades  8:30 PM

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  7:30 PM

Park City Moose VS. El Paso Rhinos  8:30 PM


1/29

Dallas Snipers VS. Ogden Mustangs  11:00 AM

San Diego Gulls VS. Dallas Ice Jets  1:00 PM

Texas Jr. Brahmas VS. New Mexico Renegades  2:00 PM

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.

11/4 Professional Scoreboard

Here's a look at the scoreboard from the NHL, AHL, ECHL & CHL from last night.

National Hockey League

NY Rangers 1  Philadelphia Flyers 4  (0-0, 1-3, 0-1)

Columbus Blue Jackets 3  Atlanta Thrashers 0  (0-0, 2-0, 1-0)

NY Islanders 1  Ottawa Senators 4  (0-1, 1-2, 0-1)

San Jose Sharks 0  St. Louis Blues 2  (1-0, 1-0, 0-0)

Vancouver Canucks 3  Colorado Avalanche 1  (1-0, 1-0, 1-1)

Tampa Bay Lightning 0  Los Angeles Kings 1  (0-0, 0-0, 0-1)


American Hockey League

No Games Last Night


East Coast Hockey League

Alaska Aces 1  Ontario Reign 0  (0-0, 1-0, 0-0)


Central Hockey League

No Games Last Night

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).

10/26 Professional Scoreboard

Here's a look at last nights action from the National Hockey League and American Hockey League. For the Texas Stars, Allen Americans VS. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and the Tulsa Oilers Games, look for the Game Summaries.


National Hockey League

Florida Panthers 1  Toronto Maple Leafs 3  (0-1, 1-0, 0-2)

Buffalo Sabres 3  Philadelphia Flyers 6  (1-1, 0-3, 2-2)

Phoenix Coyotes 2  Ottawa Senators 5  (0-3, 1-0, 1-2)

Edmonton Oilers 4  Calgary Flames 5  (SO) (1-2, 1-2, 2-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Colorado Avalanche 3  Vancouver Canucks 4 (OT)  (1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 0-1)

NHL Scoring Leaders


American Hockey League

Rochester Americans 2  Abbotsford Heat 1  (1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

AHL Scoring Leaders

AHL Goaltending Leaders

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

My thoughts on Tonight's Stars win against Florida

With the Stars convincing 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers and coming back after their first loss of the year against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here's some of my thoughts from the game tonight.

*First the return of Jamie Benn was felt immediately, after being out for 3 games with a Concussion, he makes a huge comeback with his first 3 points of the year (All Assists) and he makes a huge difference on the special teams where the PK had their first clean sheet of the year. Its things like this why he's a superstar in the making and will look to show the team and the rest of the league that this is just the beginning.

*The team defense was much better tonight, even though Florida is not a great team offensively, it felt like they was a different energy, different feeling and a look to crush any Panther hopes of a home win tonight where the prior to tonight, Florida had given up just 5 goals all year including 2 shutouts against in-state rival Tampa Bay and the Calgary Flames.

*Jeff Woywitka showed my very little in his first game of the night. In a night where he made his season debut to take the place of Kris Barch, and was in part for giving up the only goal of the night that caused Kari Lehtonen that would have gotten his first shutout as a Dallas Star.

*Even though the SOG Were better, this is still a concern for the team. Even though it was just by 1 (29-28 for the game), this is a much better improvement from some of the recent games like Tampa Bay (By 25) and Detroit (By 11). This is still something that needs to be worked on.

*Finally tonight a great game by Tom Wandell who some think he could be the next Jere Lehtinen and man did he show it tonight. 2 Fantastic goals including a goal that looked like a fade away shot you would see in basketball just before the end of the 2nd period.

*In all, a great night as the Stars look forward to a 6 game home-stand to prove the NHL That this great start is no fluke and to make a statement that they can have a shot of returning to the playoffs this season. It all starts on Saturday Night against the Nashville Predators and it could be our first look at backup goalie Andrew Raycroft who we brought in during the off-season.

Here's Mark Stepenski's Thoughts on Tonight's Game from ESPN Dallas


Here's a look at the Game Boxscore

Dallas Stars 4  Florida Panthers 1  (2-0, 2-0, 0-1)

Here's a look at the 6 Game Homestand Schedule

10/23: VS. Nashville Predators   7:00 PM (TXA 21)

10/26: VS. Los Angeles Kings     8:00 PM  (FSN Southwest)

10/28: VS. Anaheim Ducks       7:30 PM  (FSN Southwest)

10/30: VS. Buffalo Sabres      7:00 PM  (TXA 21)

11/3:  VS. Pittsburgh Penguins    7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

11/5:   VS. Phoenix Coyotes     7:30 PM (FSN Southwest)

Online Chat with Dallas Morning News Hockey Insider Mike Heika

Earlier today, Mike Heika chatted from sunny South Florida as he chatted with Dallas Stars fans about the latest with the team. Major topics today included the latest with the Stars Ownership situation, options with Brad Richards with this year being his final year of his contract.

Also involved were questions about fixing the Special teams (Esp. PK) and if this team can find a way to make the postseason for the first time since the 2007-2008 season when they reached the Western Conference Finals.

Here's the Link to the Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars Chat

Here's some other stories from Mike Heika in the last few days as the Dallas Stars will face the Florida Panthers tonight.

Dallas Stars Success depends on fixing little Things

Kari Lehtonen plays huge role against the Florida Panthers Tonight


Here's the Game Thread that Defending Big D will be chatting about the game tonight which gets underway at 6:30 PM (FSN Southwest). I will also be on the Fan Chat as well. So look for me as tanman9.

Defending Big D Game Thread