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 (Offical Twitter Account

Hope Scott White has not run out of pen ink yet. After hiring a new head coach and signing veteran forward Francis Wathier to a two year contract this week, it was announced today that Mike Hedden was signed for another year with the Texas Stars. You can read the press release here:

Cedar Park, TX – The Texas Stars announced on Thursday that the team has signed left wing Mike Hedden to a Standard Player Contract (SPC) for the 2012-13 American Hockey League season.

Hedden, 27, made his Texas debut in the 2011-12 season opener against Oklahoma City. He recorded his first three-point night in the AHL on February 10th at Rochester, notching a goal and two assists. He also had a goal, an assist and eight shots in a 6-2 win at home against Peoria on January 20th. In all, Hedden tallied 19 goals and 15 assists in 69 games last season.

The Dunnville, Ontario, native will enter his fourth professional season in 2012-13. Prior to Texas, Hedden played for the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL, leading the team with 32 goals in 2010-11. He played in 57 games, putting up 52 points and leading the team in power-play goals with nine.

He spent four years with Neumann College, winning a national championship in 2006. He set the school’s all-time record for goals (96) and ranked second in points (167) and fourth in assists (67).

2012-13 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.  (Source: Texas Stars Official Website)

When Hedden came onto the scene last year, no one could anticipate the depth he added to the Texas Stars. He quickly became one of the fan favorites as he always gave 100% every shift. Hedden was never afraid to stand up for his teammates. He added a little spark to the game every time he was on the ice. He’s not the biggest guy out there but nonetheless played like he was 6’5, delivering hard checks at the right moments. I believe that he rounds out the team very well. In a developmental league like the AHL you have young prospects, and you have veteran guys like Watts and Hedden who can help mold other players. There was a lot of buzz surrounding the Ontario native at the end of the season, with many fans hoping that he would be around for the 2012-2013 season.

I’d venture to say that with the signings this week and new head coach Desjardins, things are already starting to look up for the Texas Stars. Here’s to hoping for a winning season! Only 121 more days left…..