It was a bounce back game for the Texas Stars as they were able to defeat the Chicago Wolves Friday night after suffering a nasty 4-1 defeat against Chicago Wednesday night. The key to the Stars’ victory tonight was a four goal first period including two goals by Alex Chiasson.

First Period

The Stars opened the scoring just 2:47 into the opening frame as Alex Chiasson stuffed home a rebound off a Mike Hedden shot to give the Stars a quick 1-0 lead. Just 12 seconds later Austin Smith scored his first career AHL goal and gave the Stars a 2-0 lead just under three minutes into the game. At the 10:32 mark of the first Alex Chiasson struck again and made it a highlight reel worthy goal as he stepped around Chicago’s Andrew Gordon and sniped the puck right past the glove of Chicago goalie Matt Climie giving the Stars a 3-0 lead. Then at the 13:57 mark of the first Toby Petersen finished the Stars first period onslaught with his third goal of the season. That ended the night for Chicago goalie Matt Climie as he was pulled in favor of Joe Cannata. The Wolves then showed signs of life as Andrew Gordon scored on the power play shortly after Cannata entered and the first period ended with the score 4-1 Stars

Second Period

The Wolves carried the momentum from the end of the first period into the second period. Michael Davies tipped a puck past Jack Campbell making the game 4-2 Stars. Mike Hedden struck back with a power play goal 12:41 into the second gave the Stars a 5-2 lead with his second goal of the season. At 16:52 Chicago captain Darren Haydar scored and the second period ended with the Stars ahead 5-3.

Third Period

The third period became gritty as more of a checking game developed between the two teams. At 3:06 into the third period Taylor Vause put on a one man forecheck against the Wolves and then netted a wrap around and gave the Stars a 6-3 lead. Darren Haydar would score again at 9:34 into the third period and made the game 6-4 with a little over half the third period left to play. Chicago made offensive pushes but Jack Campbell and the Stars shut the door to secure a 6-4 win.

Game Extras

• Jamie Oleksiak had three assists on the night, in his first game since being sent down from the Dallas Stars, pushing his season point total to 20 (3g, 17a)
• Mike Hedden scored the game winner tonight which means Chicago goalie Joe Cannata took the loss tonight
• Chicago Wolves’ captain Darren Haydar was involved in all four goals for his team tonight as he had two assists along with his two goals.
• Richard Bachman was the backup for the Texas Stars tonight as he was sent down to get some playing time and Christopher Nilstorp will serve as back up in the NHL with the Dallas Stars
• The Texas Stars suffered their first lost in 2013 Wednesday night. Friday’s victory pushes their record to 7-1-0-0 in 2013
• Three Stars of the Game: 1. Alex Chiasson 2. Darren Haydar 3. Jamie Oleksiak

Texas Stars ice (Photo: sweetsophonic/flickr)

A tough weekend beckoned for the Texas Stars as they played three games on successive nights. It turned out to be a relatively successful one as they managed to pick up three points.

On Friday night, the Stars welcomed the Toronto Marlies to Cedar Park. Despite playing the better hockey, the Stars trailed after the first period as Leo Komarov controversially gave Toronto the lead with a wrist shot. An entertaining and physical first frame came to an end with the Marlies leading 1-0.

The Stars applied a lot of pressure to Jussi Rynnas in the Marlies net to start the second but couldn’t manage to get on the scoreboard. Late in the second, a high-sticking penalty sent Nemeth to the bin for Texas and the Marlies capitalized. Komarov bagged his second of the night with a skilful one-timer on the power play to give Toronto a 2-0 lead.

Texas edged the third period shots but a goal from Ryan Hamilton with seven minutes to play sealed the points for the Marlies.

On Saturday, the Stars and the Lake Erie Monsters played out an epic encounter, which ended in a 5-4 loss for the Stars after penalty shots.

The first period was one of dominance for the Stars, as they out-shot their opponents by a massive 21 to 4 but somehow the period ended with the score at 1-1. A much closer second frame lead to score being tied at 2-2 and an exciting third period was nicely poised.

Two goals from each team in the final period, including a last second equaliser from Cody Eakin, sent the game into overtime with the score at 4-4. A goalless overtime meant penalty shots, which the Monsters comprehensively won 3-1.

The Stars carried the momentum from yesterday into today’s game against state rivals, the Houston Aeros. Cody Eakin maintained his impressive start to the 2012/13 campaign, as he bagged his sixth of the season with just over two minutes on the clock. Vincour doubled the visitor’s lead with a fierce wrist shot that flew into the top corner midway through the first. A Houston goal from Kris Foucault cut the Stars lead to one, but they soon got their two-goal lead back through Travis Morin. An entertaining first period ended with Texas leading 3-1.

Houston bagged the only goal in the second period through Jason Zucker to give the Aeros a chance going into the third frame.

An Antoine Roussel goal early in the third period sealed a very impressive road win for the Stars to finish a tough three game stretch.

The Stars currently sit bottom in their division but can hopefully take some momentum from the big win against the Aeros.

Some news was also released from the Texas camp last week and the Dallas Stars reassigned Austin Smith to Texas. He has been playing for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL so far this season, where he recorded five points in six games. He will add some power to the Texas offense.

The Stars are back in action on Thursday as they take on San Antonio at Cedar Park.

Until then….

Benn and Ryder Giggling (Photo: Melissa Grissom)

An NHL lockout has not only knocked out the Dallas Stars but also made them lose the month of game for October and November.  A total of 22 games have been lost so far and many fans are wondering if they are going to see their big brightest stars play in Big D. Many fans wanted to see Jamie Benn grow into the player he was last year and see if Michael Ryder can live up to the expectations of his career high season last year. Many fans wanted to see Jaromir Jagr do his salute for the fans after he scores a goal while others wanted to see that Ray Whitney do his famous “Where’s Whitney” interviews. They also wanted to see if this team, their Stars, try and make the playoffs for the first time since 2008 when they had their magical run to the Western Conference. Their  journey was then ended by the Detroit Red Wings as they lost their series 4 games 2. After that they saw their team not make the playoffs. I know that fans are mad that the NHL season is currently locking out their favorite teams but there are other opportunities to see your players.

» Continue reading “Stars And The NHL Lockout”

Steelheads bench (Steve Conner/Steve Conner Photography)

The Idaho Steelheads continued their winning ways this past week as they defeated the Ontario Reign twice (7-2 & 6-2) and lost in a shootout to the Utah Grizzlies (5-4) Here are my impressions from the past week of games.

Wednesday vs. Ontario Reign 7-2 Win
This was one of those games that at the end of it, you wonder why you were worried at the beginning of it. Kael Mouillerat got the Steelheads off on the right foot just 1:03 into the game and the crowd loved it. What they didn’t like was the fact that the Reign came right back and got the next two goals, so by the 6 minute mark of the period, the Steelheads were trailing 2-1. I for one was curious if this might be the night that Josh Robinson would come crashing down to reality as some rookie goaltenders have been known to do after having a few great starts. Boy was I wrong. The Steelheads proceeded to rattle off the next 6 goals including 3 on the power play to roll to a fairly easy 7-2 victory. Seven different Steelheads scored, including Austin Smith getting his 1st professional goal in the 2nd period on the power play. The big key in this game was that the Steelheads were 3 for 5 on the PP and they did not allow a Power Play against until the final 1:57 of the game. Plus there were a couple of fights to get the fans involved and leave the potential for a very exciting Friday.

» Continue reading “Idaho Steelheads Continue Winning Ways”

Tomas Vincour (Photo: Melissa Grissom)

With the NHL lockout still ongoing, it seemed inevitable that some players from the Texas Stars would eventually be moved down to the ECHL or CHL. Austin Smith and Mathieu Tousignant are on their way to Idaho to play for the Steelheads. While it would be entertaining at the very least to have Tousignant on the ice, agitating the other teams as best as he knows how, it came as no surprise that he was scratched game after game. There was simply not enough room for him on an already crowded bench.

Reilly Smith and Tomas Vincour would be playing in Dallas, if not for the NHL lockout. Sending them down to Texas is good for them, but bad for the other players battling for a spot in the AHL. We are now beginning to really see the trickle down effect from the lockout.

It is disappointing to see Dallas native Smith go, but in the long run this may be better for his career. Better to get more ice time than sit up in the press box as a healthy scratch.

It is nice to have hockey here while the NHL is still locked out, but we are not untouched by it, as seen by the recent transactions. Let’s hope these shenanigans end soon so we can all get back to watching the game we all love.

Jordie Benn, a winner of course (Photo credit to Melissa Grissom)

Game notes from our lead writer, Kristen Perez as the Texas Stars defeated the Charlotte Checkers, 4-3 in a shootout!

Your Starting lineup for the Texas Stars is Brenden Dillon, Jordie Benn, Tomas Vincour, Cody Eakin and Reilly Smith. In goal for your Texas Stars is Goalie Jack Campbell.

Scratches:  Colton Sceviour(injury),  Mathieu Tousignant, Austin Smith, Hubert Labrie, Tyler Sloan, Scott Glennie, and Jace Coyle.

1st period:

No goals, The Texas Stars lead shots 12-7. A few penalties on both sides and some good chances for the the Stars but they can’t seem to get a goal pass Dan Ellis, who is net for the Charlotte Checkers.

2nd period:

6:30 into the second charlotte gets on the board first with a rebound (top corner of the net) from Zach Boychuk.

Cody Eakin gets his first goal as a Texas Star! Assists go to Tomas Vincour and Reilly Smith.

End of two period tied 1-1

Jack Campbell keeps the stars in there with several great stops and excellent penalty killing!

3rd period:

Checkers make it 2-1 with a PP goal from Riley Nash as it slides underneath Campbell

Checkers get a second PP goal as Bobby Sanguinetti finds the back of the net.

Texas Stars score! Cam Barker makes it 3-2 with the assist going to Tomas Vincour!

Cody Eakin ties it with 3:09 left in the third period to get his SECOND goal of the night and tying it up 3-3!

Overtime:

No score after 5 minutes, but with several good chances for both teams!

Shootout:

1-0: Stars Matt Fraser gets the first shootout goal!

1-1 Jerome Samson gets one through for the Checkers

After NINE rounds in the shootout Jordie Benn breaks through Ellis (2-1)

And with Campbell’s stone cold block to Sanguinetti as The Texas Stars take home the two points!!!

Three stars: 1(Cody Eakin) 2(Jordie Benn) 3(Zach Boychuk/CHA)

Official Attendence: 5,072

Beskorowany (Photo credit to Melissa Grissom)

For some people, a preseason game does not mean anything. For the players on the ice, even though the final result does not count in the standings, it means everything. Players like Taylor Vause, Austin Smith, and Tyler Beskorowany have something to prove every time they get a chance to play. Some will stay. Some will go.

Unfortunately for Besko, I think the lackluster performance last season set the tone for his time with the Stars. He was a scratch in the first preseason win over the Houston Aeros on Wednesday. He was backup to Nilstorp in last night’s 4-1 win over the San Antonio Rampage but did not get any time in net. Nilstorp looked very solid, stopping 18 of 19 shots against. There were some dicey moments in the third period where there could have easily been a goal but thanks to Nilstorp and some solid defense, none went through. My prediction is that Jack Campbell and Nilstorp will stay in Cedar Park, whereas Beskorowany will head to Idaho. From Josh Robinson’s tweet this morning, it seems that he is already headed to Boise.

Had a great time in Austin, looking forward to getting the regular season started in Boise. #roadie #rackingupthemiles #steelheads

— Josh Robinson (@robotendy30) October 6, 2012

There were plenty of power play opportunities last night but the Stars first efforts were nothing to write home about. They kept turning the puck back over to the Rampage, and spent just as much time in their zone as they did in the offensive zone. Fortunately, the Rampage players kept on taking penalties and the Stars were able to convert two of those efforts into goals from Tomas Vincour and Brenden Dillion

The Stars looked pretty solid in their second effort. Two preseason games is too early to make a prediction for the rest of the season but with Desjardins at the helm, I am confident in this team.

Jordie Benn, one of the 26 assigned to the Texas Stars (Photo taken by Melissa Grissom)

Today, the Dallas Stars have sent 26 players to the Texas Stars and the rest to their junior teams as as the NHL looks like it will be heading into a lockout. I was hoping for no lockout but looks like we are heading into one. Here is more info about the Stars assiging players to the minors from the Dallas Morning News:

Again, these moves would have normally been made during training camp, but they need to be done before the current CBA expires on Sept. 15.

Here is the press release.

DALLAS STARS MAKE ROSTER MOVES

Frisco, TX – The Dallas Stars announced today that 26 players have been assigned to the Texas Stars, Dallas’ affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL). The club also announced that five players have been assigned to their respective Junior club teams.

The following players have been assigned to Texas (AHL):

Jordie Benn

Tyler Beskorowany

Jack Campbell

Alex Chiasson

Jace Coyle

Brenden Dillon

Cody Eakin

Maxime Fortunus

Matt Fraser

Luke Gazdic

Scott Glennie

Tristan King

Hubert Labrie

Travis Morin

Cristopher Nilstorp

Patrik Nemeth

Jamie Oleksiak

Toby Petersen

Antoine Roussell

Colton Sceviour

Tyler Sloan

Austin Smith

Reilly Smith

Mathieu Tousignant

Tomas Vincour

Francis Wathier

The following players have been assigned to their respective Junior teams:

Radek Faksa (Kitchener – OHL)

Maxime Lagace (PEI – QMJHL))

Brett Ritchie (Niagara – OHL)

Matej Stransky (Saskatoon – WHL)

Troy Vance (Victoriaville – QMJHL)

Hopefully the NHL can come up with a deal and save the season for us the fans but for right now looks like Stars fans can see their favorite prospects in the juniors and the Texas Stars.

Stars Logo (Photo Taken by Melissa Grissom)

With Dallas native Austin Smith making his professional hockey debut during the 2011-2012 Texas Stars season, it was suddenly feasible for players to make the big time in a non traditional hockey venue. Dallas has developed many ice rinks over the years and their efforts have shown. In comparison, Austin only has one sheet of ice. However there have been developments that are helping to alleviate the lack of ice problem. It was recently announced that a 2/3 ice rink called The Pond Hockey Club would open in fall 2012. In addition, the Texas Stars announced that they have entered into a partnership with Chaparral Ice to share the space at the Cedar Park Center. You can read the release here:

Cedar Park, TX – The Texas Stars and Chaparral Ice announced on Thursday that they have entered into a partnership to maximize the availability of full-sheet ice at Cedar Park Center and Chaparral Ice’s location at Northcross at West Anderson lane. The partnership also covers the continued development of the Texas Junior Stars program through Chaparral Ice’s youth travel teams.

“With only one full-time, full-sheet of ice available in the Greater Austin area, we felt it was imperative to coordinate our efforts with Chaparral Ice to maximize the amount of ice available for not just youth and adult hockey, but also all ice sports,” stated Texas Stars President Rick McLaughlin. “Additionally, through our agreement with Chaparral Ice, we anticipate the Texas Junior Stars program will continue to grow and thrive.”

The agreement covers the managed scheduling of ice time at Cedar Park Center by Chaparral Ice to enable full hockey league activities in the Austin area. In addition, Chaparral Ice is the home of the Texas Junior Stars program.

Chaparral Ice is a family-owned business that is home to approximately 20 youth teams, from recreation through high school to competition/travel hockey teams, with over 250 boys and girls ranging from ages four to 18. The facility is also home to over 400 adult league participants across 8 leagues.  In addition to year-round hockey, Chaparral Ice is home to the Austin Figure Skating Club, Stars of Austin Synchro Team, Capital of Texas Figure Skating Club and the Lonestar Curling Club. The facility is also available for public skating, corporate events, broomball, and hosts year-round skating and hockey classes.

“Chaparral Ice is excited about our new relationship with the Texas Stars and Cedar Park Center,” said Angie Vaught, General Manager of Chaparral Ice Center. “This relationship will allow us to offer additional programs and ice time not only to our current players and skaters, but to the growing skating community in Central Texas as well. We will be able to meet the needs of all our programs for the 2012-13 season, and we look forward to the opportunity to expand the presence of ice sports in the Cedar Park/Leander area. We feel our partnership with the Texas Stars and Cedar Park Center will be vital to the growth of hockey and figure skating in the greater Austin area.”

For more information about Chaparral Ice visit the official website at www.ChaparralIce.com.

With 2 full sheets of ice available and another one under development, perhaps Austin can become a competitive hockey market like Dallas. One day, hopefully soon, we might be able to see a native Austinite make their own debut with a professional hockey club, just like Austin Smith. This was a good move for the Texas Stars, as it shows their willingness and encouragement in the arena of developing younger players to chase their hockey dreams.

So this week the Dallas Stars wrapped up their Development for their young prospects and newly acquired draft picks, this young group of prospects were very impressive and big, and when I say big I mean everywhere from forwards to goalies, Dallas certainly has made drafting players with size a big part of their future. To wrap up after all the videos and articles I have read about camp, I am going to list the ten prospects I believe had the best camps.

10. Radek Faksa – Center – Kitchner Rangers

I certainly saw what a bunch of other scouts from Dallas saw in him when they took him 13th overall with this seasons first round draft pick, but he was definitely a bit raw and it would suit him better if he spent this season in the OHL with the Kitchner Rangers instead of burning a year of his Entry-Level Contract trying to fill a spot left by Derek Roy while he recovers from shoulder surgery.

9. Scott Glennie – Center/Left Wing – Texas Stars

The first round draft choice of the Dallas Stars in the 2009 draft has certainly had big knocks against him with labels of being a bust or a waste of a draft pick, but certainly has worked hard to improve, this development camp he certainly looked a lot more confident with the puck and could was a lot better at decision making. When training camp arrives expect Glennie to be competing with Cody Eakin and Tom Wandell for the shot to fill in Derek Roy’s spot on the second line regular ice time in the NHL.

8. Austin Smith – Right Wing – Texas Stars

Recently graduated from Colgate University the Dallas, Texas native drew much attention last season in the running to become the winner of the Hobey Baker award given to the overall best player collegiate hockey player in the nation, taking his talents to Austin this season with the Texas Stars Austin can show his great play that sets up many teammates and a shot that goalies respect.

7. Reilly Smith – Left Wing – Texas Stars

Also drew attention as a finalist for the Hobey Baker award Reilly Smith got a taste of the NHL last season and will be looking to make it back this season, in camp it certainly looked like he knew how to find the net and get in scoring position, certainly with Austin they can put on a show this season with the Texas Stars.

6. Alex Chiasson – Right Wing – Texas Stars

The big Boston University product saw his college career close and his professional career begin with the Texas Stars last season, he will be a big problem for defenseman to handle in front of the net, and literally big at 6’4 200+ pounds. Coming from the college level he will certainly have to work on his physical play and continue to work at becoming a complete player.

» Continue reading “Dallas Stars Prospects: Wrapping up Development Camp”