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…..

Although both Dallas and the Texas Stars did not make the post-season this year, there is still a lot of news and announcements coming out of both camps. As previously reported, the Texas Stars let go of their coaches Jeff Pyle and Jeff Truitt after a disappointing performance this year. The word around the Stars organization was that the replacement would be someone who was familiar with Glen Gulutzan‘s system. These rumors turned about to be correct when it was announced today that the new head coach of the Texas Stars would be Willie Desjardins (Duh-ZHAR-dihns).

With 27 years of coaching experience, Desjardins was my first choice for head coach. He has many years under his belt coaching young players, as his most successful years were with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. Although we have not been apprised of the other official coaching candidates, my guess was that Paul Jerrard would not have wanted to leave the cush position he has with the Dallas Stars.

Desjardins will be introduced to the media at the Cedar Park Center Thursday June 14th at 11am. Texas GM Scott White and Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan will be in attendance as well. Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk had this to say about Coach Willie, “We believe that Willie’s track record as a teacher of the game and his ability to develop young players is a perfect fit for the Texas Stars. His knowledge of Glen Gulutzan’s system and his familiarity with our prospects will continue to improve player development between Dallas and the Texas Stars.” (Source: www.texasstarshockey.com)

From a Texas Stars fan perspective, I cannot wait for the season to start and believe that Desjardins is the perfect candidate to usher in a new era of young, talented players.