Texas Stars ice (Photo: sweetsophonic/flickr)

It seemed almost too good to be true. The Texas Stars started the preseason and first two games of the regular season with a fire that was not seen last year. This past weekend, the Stars lost their 3 in 3. Twice to Houston and last night to Lake Erie with a shutout. It was not just the losses that were disappointing, but the way in which they lost those games. Too much flash and nothing to show for it. Bad passes and too many turnovers. They were not able to convert any power play opportunities into goals, though given plenty of chances. The performance last night was completely uninspiring.

Willie Desjardins ran with 11 forwards and 7 defense men this past weekend. Jordie Benn played more of a forward position, but looked lost out there. There were too many mistakes made by defense that left Cristopher Nihlstorp high and dry. Once down three goals, he was replaced by Jack Campbell. Saturday night’s game against Houston the roles were reversed, Nilhstorp coming into to relieve a floundering Campbell.

Now before we fall into a downward spiral of negativity about this team, the season is still young. We are just five games into the regular season. Three losses does not a season make. I still have hope for this young team and the direction Desjardins is leading them.

It seemed as though Mathieu Tousignant would be in the lineup last night as he was dressed for warm-ups but was announced as a scratch. There is still an air of mystery surrounding Scott Glennie, as he has been a healthy scratch for five games now and Desjardins has been elusive as to the reason why. Desjardins did indicate that Glennie might be in the lineup in the next couple games or so.

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.

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