Texas Stars lost out in a strong goaltending battle

Just like the Dallas Stars later in the day against the St. Louis Blues, the Texas Stars ended up losing out in a 2-0 shutout to the Rockford Ice Hogs where despite 32 saves for Andrew Raycroft. The offense couldn't muster anything past Carter Hutton who made 31 saves in the Shutout Victory. This was also Brad Lukowich's 1000th career Professional Game as well as they were looking to make his big night a success as well.

This keeps the Stars down in last in the West Division and 14th Place in the Western Conference. It also didn't help that the San Antonio Rampage pulled off a big victory over the Abbotsford Heat who have been battling hard for the Western Conference Lead against the Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons. Next up for the Stars is a hot Chicago Wolves Team who's just 2 points back of the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers.

Texas Stars 0  Rockford Ice Hogs 2  (0-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

Updated AHL Standings

From Rockford, Illinois: The Texas Stars (17-18-3) were defeated by the Rockford Ice Hogs (15-21-4 34 PTS) 2-0 in front 4717 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Monday Afternoon. Rockford center Carter Hutton (6-5-1) recorded his first shutout of the season, stopping all 31 Texas shots for the win. Goalie Andrew Raycroft (3-2-1) made 32 saves in the defeat, as the team fell to 9-11-1 on the road this year. Ice Hogs Brandon Svendson scored the eventual game winning goal at 8:49 of the second period and Rockford added an insurance goal in the third by Jeremy Morin. Texas Captain Brad Lukowich played in his 1,000 pro game in the defeat. Stars right wing Colton Sceviour had his six game scoring streak snapped as the club was shutout for the first time all season. Texas travels to Chicago for a game Wednesday at 7:00 PM to face the Wolves.

After a scoreless first period, Rockford claimed a 1-0 lead with the only goal of the 2nd period. IceHogs center Brad Pirri snapped a shot to the Texas Net from the bottom of the right wing circle. Texas goalie Andrew Raycroft made the save, but couldn't control the rebound. Rockford center Brandon Svendson poked in the puck for his 1st goal of the season at 8:49, giving the Hogs a 1-0 lead through 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, Rockford's Jeremy Morin banged in a rebound for his ninth goal of the year and a 2-0 lead with 3:59 left on the clock. Ben Smith and Brian Fahey each had an assist on the power play that rounded out the scoring.

Texas concludes a four game road trip in Chicago on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The team will return home on Friday, January 20th to host Peoria at 7:30 PM on Friday Night. The first 2,500 fans to Friday's game will receive a player magnet courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Friday is also 3-2-1 night presented by Community Impact featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 Sodas and $1 Hot Dogs. The Stars take on the Houston Aeros at home on Saturday, January 21st at 7:00 PM. The first 2,500 fans to Saturday's game will receive a player card set compliments of Goodwill. Saturday is also State Farm Family Four Pack Night consisting of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48.

Individual tickets for all four games are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.texasstarshockey.com/tickets/ or by calling 512-GO-STARS (467-8277).

2011-2012 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call 512-GO-STARS or visit www.texasstarshockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.







San Antonio holds on to slim lead in AHL West Division with 3-2 win

The Rampage continue their strong home ice performance with their 4 win in their last 5 games as all 3 goals in the 2nd period.

Including some very key goals by Mathieu Beaduoin with his team leading 9th of the season and Defensemen Mikkel Boedker who scored twice in just over a minute as the Rampage were able to break open a 1-1 game into a 3-1 game where that Boedker goal turned out to be the game winner.

Early in the 3rd period, a goal by rookie defense Nick Leddy scored and put the Icehogs within 1 at 3-2 just 3:20 into the game as that gave the Icehogs life and put pressure at numerous points in the 3rd period.

But Goaltender Al Montoya wouldn't have any of it as 14 saves in the 3rd period helped keep the Rampage up 3-2 including in the final 45 seconds when Rockford pulled goalie Alec Richards looking to force OT, but a pair of late key saves ended the Icehogs hopes last night.

In addition to the 3-2 win over Rockford, Oklahoma City has been able to keep up the pressure with a 6-2 win over the Chicago Wolves last night as the Rampage lead in the West Division stays at 2 points.

In addition to last night's game, they has been a change in the Broadcast Schedule for Sunday Afternoon when the Rampage take on the Chicago Wolves. It will be on 92.5 KRPT the Patriot instead of the usual Sports Radio 760 The Ticket due to a schedule conflict.

92.5 The Patriot Website

San Antonio Rampage Broadcast Press Release


San Antonio VS. Rockford Game Highlights

Rockford Ice Hogs 2  San Antonio Rampage 3  (0-0, 1-3, 1-0)

Game Story from the San Antonio Rampage Website

From San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Rampage swept the Rockford Icehogs in back-to-back games as they claimed a 3-2 victory at the AT&T Center Friday Night and are now tied for first in the league with a 11-4-1 record good for 23 points.

Despite being out-shot 11-10 in the first period, the Rampage were able to get some quality shots on Rockford netminder Alec Richards but unfortunately took some unlucky bounces and the game remained scoreless heading into the 2nd period.

San Antonio claimed the first lead of the game off right wing Brett Maclean's goal 8:06 into the 2nd period. Mikkel Boedker assisted on Maclean's backhanded shot at the left post beating Richards low stick side for a 1-0 lead.

Rockford Right Wing Hugh Jessiman netted an equalizer on the power play just 1:31 later to even the score at 1-1. Nick Leddy's shot from the left faceoff circle was deflected by Jessiman to the upper right corner past Rampage goaltender Al Montoya.

The Rampage took a 2-1 advantage 16:57 into the 2nd period as leading scorer Brett Maclean scored his nineth of the season. Alex Picard sent a cross ice pass to Beaudoin at the left goal line who punched a low stick side past Richards. Vitkor was credited with the second assist.

San Antonio extended their lead to 3-1 as Boedker scored the game winning goal at the 18:04 mark of the 2nd period. Rookie Chris Summers supplied his first assists of his pro career on Boedker snap shot that went high glove side. Boedker's goal marked his fifth multi point game of the season to lead all Rampage attackers.

Icehogs defensemen Nick Leedy made it a 3-2 contest after his goal at 3:20 into the third period. Leddy fired a bullet from the left faceoff circle beating Montoya high stick side. Brian Connelly and Ryan Potunly added the helpers.

Rockford Head Coach Bill Peters pulled Richards with 45 seconds left in the game in favor of a sixth attacker, but the Icehogs could not convert the man advantage and the Rampage finalized the victory 3-2.

Montoya stopped 36 of 38 Icehog Shots while Richards made 26 saves on 29 shots on net.

The Rampage return to the AT&T Center on Sunday Afternoon as they host the Chicago Wolves at 3:00 PM.

Jamie Benn has huge night, Puts Stars up 3-0 in Rockford

Jamie Benn led the way in Game 3 of the AHL West Division Semifinal as the Stars Rookie had 2 goals and 2 assists to help the Stars to a big 6-1 win over the Rockford Icehogs to move them to a 3-0 series lead and on the verge of the team's first ever playoff series victory.

Other players that had big nights included Mathieau Beadoin, plus Dan Jancevski and Aaron Gagon who each had two assists in the game.

Brent Krahn has contained his great showing with making 26 of 27 saves as his string of giving up 1 goal has continued throughout the playoffs.

Ben Smith had Rockford's only goal & Corey Crawford was pulled after the 2nd intermission. The Stars are looking to end the Icehogs season on Friday Night in Game 4 of the 1st Round Series.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Rockford, Illinois: The Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 6-1 on Wednesday Night in front of 3232 fans at the Rockford Metro Center. The Stars now lead the best of 7 series 3-0. Texas forward Jamie Benn scored twice and added two assists, helping the Stars move within 1 win of the 2nd Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Stars Goalie Brent Krahn stopped 26 of 27 Rockford Shots in the win.

Rockford Goalie Corey Crawford made 16 saves on 21 shots in two periods of play. Forwards Travis Morin and Aaron Gagnon, as well as defensemen Dan Jancevski, each added two assists as the Stars improved to 9-2-0 against Rockford this season. Texas will remain in Rockford for Game 4 on Friday April 23 at 7:05 PM.

After 19:35 of scoreless hockey, the Texas Stars took a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by defensemen Garrett Stafford. The Stars worked the puck off a faceoff to the right point and Stafford unleashed a that found the back of the net and gave Texas a 1-0 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the 1st period. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and center Jamie Benn each had an assist on the play.

Texas exploded for four goals in the middle frame, starting with Jamie Benn's 2nd goal of the playoffs and his 1st on the night. Benn snapped a shot from the left wing, beating goalie Corey Crawford for the 2-0 Texas Lead at 1:26 into the middle period. Captain Landon Wilson made it 3-0 Texas at 12:14 of the third period with his first goal of the playoffs.

Forward Travis Morin set up the Stars captain lead to 4-0 just 3 minutes later. Rallo scored off a rebound in front of the Rockford net for his first goal of the playoffs. Benn snagged his 2nd goal of the night, putting in a rebound on his own shot at 19:34, giving the Stars a 5-0 lead through two periods of play.

In the third period, Rockford Spoiled Brent Krahn's shutout bid, scoring 5:47 into the final period. Rookie Ben Smith put in a rebound and cut the Texas lead to 5-1. The Stars extended their lead back to five goals as Mathieu Beaudoin buried a one-timer at 8:23, scoring his first goal of the playoffs in the 6-1 win

Texas Stars VS. Rockford Icehogs Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: Texas 6 Rockford 1

Game 4, 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

The Series remains in Rockford for Game 4, as well as Game 5 if necessary. Game 4 will be on April 23 starting at 7:05 PM. The Series would return to Cedar Park Center For Games 6 & 7 if needed. All Games can be heard on the Stars Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM and 1530 AM.

To Purchase a Calder Cup Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or to book a group, those interested may 51-GO-STARS. Single Game Tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster outlet or by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Lead Series 3-0

Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 6 Rockford Icehogs 1 (1-0, 4-0, 1-1)

1-0 TEX: Garrett Stafford (PP) (Hutchinson, Benn) 19:35 1st

2-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Gagon) 1:26 2nd

3-0 TEX: Landon Wilson (Morin, Jancevski) 12:14 2nd

4-0 TEX: Greg Rallo (PP) (Benn, Gagnon) 15:14 2nd

5-0 TEX: Jamie Benn (Jancevski, Fortunus) 19:34 2nd

5-1 RFD: Ben Smith (Kearns, Klinkhammer) 5:47 3rd

6-1 TEX: Mathieu Beaudoin (Lindgren, Morin) 8:23 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 26 RFD 27

PP: TEX 2/4 RFD 0/3

Goalies: TEX Brent Krahn 26 SVS on 27 Shots RFD Corey Crawford 16 SVS on 21 Shots Hannu Toivonen 4 SVS on 5 Shots

PIM: TEX 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties RFD 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

ATT: 3232

3rd Star: Aaron Gagon (TEX)

2nd Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

1st Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

Fortunus, Lindgren & Sawada put the Stars up 2-0 against Rockford

Another great defensive showing plus goals by Sawada, Fortunus and Lindgren, along with 2 assists from Colton Sceviour have put the Texas Stars up 2-0 and have them half way to winning the team's first ever Playoff Series as the Series will shift to Rockford, Illinois for Games 3, 4 & 5 coming up this week.

Brent Krahn has been amazing so far in the playoffs. Giving up just 2 goals so far which gives him a .967 SV% and a rock solid 1.00 GAA and he has been next to impossible for him to beat. And the goals he has given up, have been generally late in the game where the result was pretty much determined.

If they can continue this great play in Rockford this week, expect this series to be a short one and getting ready for the West Division Final either against the Chicago Wolves or the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2nd Round.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 3-1 on Saturday Night in front of 6212 fans at Cedar Park Center. The Stars now lead the best-of-7 series 2-0. Texas Forwards Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour each notched two assists as the Stars took Game 2 of the West Division Semifinal.

Texas Defensemen Maxime Fortunus and forward Colton Sceviour each scored in the first period, and right wing Raymond Sawada added a third period tally in the victory. Stars Goalie Brent Krahn stopped 31 of 32 Rockford Shots in the win. Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford made 31 saves in the loss. Texas travels to Rockford Game 3 on Wednesday April 21 at 7:05 PM.

Texas took a 1-0 lead 7:08 into the first period. Defensemen Maxime Fortunus picked up a rebound at the right point and blasted a shot past Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford. At 17:12 Stars Center Perttu Lindgren found a loose puck in front of the Rockford Net and fired a shot pass Crawford, increasing the Texas lead to 2-0. Forwards Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour assisted on both goals.

After a scoreless 2nd period, Texas extended its lead to 3-0 over Rockford just 1:06 into the frame. Winger Ray Sawada fired a shot past the Right-Wing circle, beating Crawford on the gloveside. Center Warren Peters set up Sawada's second goal of the playoff season. Rockford got on the board with 5:44 remaining in the 3rd period. Left Wing Kyle Beach scored from the right wing corner during a power for the 3-1 final score.

Current AHL West Division Semifinal Schedule

Game 1: Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: Rockford 1 Texas 3

Game 3: 4/21 @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4: 4/23 @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5: 4/24 @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6: 4/26 @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7: 4/27 @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

The Series shifts to Rockford, Illinois for Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 5 if Necessary. Game 3 is on Wednesday April 21st at 7:05 PM. Game 4 will be on Friday, April 23 at 7:05 PM. The Series would return to Cedar Park for Games 6 & 7 if needed. All Games can be heard on the Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM The Horn and on ESPN 1530 AM.

To purchase a Calder Cup Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-Stars. To rent a suite for home playoff games or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-Stars. Individual Tickets for Playoff Games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster outlet or the Cedar Park Box Office, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Lead Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Rockford Icehogs 1 Texas Stars 3 (0-2, 0-0, 1-1)

0-1 TEX: Maxime Fortunus (Morin, Sceviour) 12:52 1st

0-2 TEX: Perttu Lindgren (Sceviour, Morin) 17:12 1st

0-3 TEX: Raymond Sawada (Peters, Wathier) 1:06 3rd

1-3 RFD: Kyle Beach (PP) (Connelly, Cullen) 14:16 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RFD 32 TEX 34

PP: RFD 1/3 TEX 0/5

PIM: RFD 34 Minutes on 10 Penalties TEX 30 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: RFD Corey Crawford 31 SVS on 34 Shots TEX Brent Krahn 31 SVS on 32 Shots

ATT: 6212

3rd Star: Maime Fortunus (TEX)

2nd Star: Perttu Lindgren (TEX)

1st Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)

Texas Stars Use strong Defense to win first ever Playoff Game

Calling Card all season for the Texas Stars has been a strong defense where the Stars have given up just 2 and a half goals per game during the regular season. In Friday Night's Game 1 of the AHL Calder Cup West Division Semifinals against the Rockford Icehogs, that trend continued with Jamie Benn and Raymond Sawada both scored late in the 1st & 2nd periods to go up 2-0 going into the 2nd intermission.

The 3rd period saw Brent Krahn step up his game to keep the Icehogs from coming back to attempt to win the opening game of the series. Only a Rob Klinkhammer goal 7 and a half minutes into the 3rd period was the only thing to get past Krahn where he stopped 27 of 28 shots in Game 1 to win the team's first ever playoff game.

The Texas Stars have shown they have the defense to get the job done to make a long run in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Big question is do they have a strong enough offense with players like Jamie Benn, Aaron Gagon and Perttu Lindgren to keep up in high scoring games, should they have to play teams like the Chicago Wolves & Hamilton Bulldogs in the later rounds of the playoffs should they get past the Rockford Icehogs in the opening round.

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford Icehogs 2-1 on Friday Night in front of a crowd of 5862 fans at Cedar Park Center. The Stars now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. Texas Wingers Jamie Benn and Raymond Sawada each scored as the Stars won Game 1 of the West Division Semifinals. Stars goalie Brent Krahn stopped 27 of 28 shots Rockford Shots in the victory. Icehogs goalie Corey Crawford made 21 saves in the loss. Texas Hosts Game 2 of the series against the Icehogs on Saturday Night at 7:00 PM.

Texas took a 1-0 lead of the first period. Winger Jamie Benn finished off a backhander through the legs of Rockford Goalie Corey Crawford after bringing the puck through center in the Rockford Zone. Center Travis Morin set up Benn for the first goal of the playoffs.

Stars Winger Raymond Sawada increased the Texas lead to 2-0 with just nine seconds remaining in the 2nd period. Sawada found a rebound in the crease and fired a shot past Crawford on the stick side. The Power-Play Goal was assisted by defenseman Garrett Stafford.

The Icehogs cut the Stars lead in half at 7:56 of the 3rd period. Left Wing Rob Klinkhammer picked up a rebound in front of the Texas Net and sent a shot past Stars Goalie Brent Krahn. Pete Macarthur and Danny Richmond tallied assists on Klinkhammer's first goal of the playoffs.


Here's a look at the Best-of-7 series between the Texas Stars & Rockford Icehogs.

Game 1: 4/16 @ Rockford 1 Texas 2

Game 2: 4/17: @ Texas 7:00 PM

Game 3: 4/21: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4: 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5: 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 6: 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 7: 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM

The Stars will host Game 2 of the West Division Semifinal on Saturday, April 17 at 7:00 PM. The Series shifts to Rockford for Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 5 if necessary. The Series would returns to Cedar Park for Games 6 & 7.

All Games can be heard on the Stars Flagship station ESPN Austin 104.9 FM "The Horn" or ESPN Austin 1530 AM.

To Purchase a Calder Cup Playoff Package, which offer fans the same seat for all 16 possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-Stars. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-Stars. Individual tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticket Master at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any TicketMaster Outlet, the Cedar Park Box Office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com


Texas Stars Lead Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Rockford Icehogs 1 Texas Stars 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)

0-1 TEX: Jamie Benn (Morin) 17:41 1st

0-2 TEX: Raymond Sawada (PP) (Stafford) 19:51 2nd

1-2 RFD: Rob Klinkhammer (Macarthur, Richmond) 7:56 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: RFD 28 TEX 23

PP: RFD 0/3 TEX 1/5

PIM: 27 Minutes on 8 Penalties TEX 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: RFD Corey Crawford 21 SVS on 23 Shots TEX Brent Krahn 27 SVS on 28 Shots

ATT: 5826

3rd Star: Raymond Sawada (TEX)

2nd Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

1st Star: Brent Krahn (TEX)