Between Barns

After a nearly lost season following a Cup win, the Texas Stars appear to be getting back on track. With a new coach comes new structure on the ice, one that Toby Petersen has plastered firm. Perhaps a barrier breaker that pulled the team back together is beloved Stars captain, Curtis McKenzie who is returning to the team for the 6th straight season. McKenzie brings veteran presence and professional habits needed to prep players for the NHL. He’s been making waves since 2013 when he won Rookie of the Year and with his given contract we can continue appreciating an average 50 point season and formidable presence on the ice. Another left wing focus on the team is Cameron Hughes- top scorer of the season with 68 points. His stats on the assists sheet demonstrates full puck control and true team player, earning him another year extension in his 2 way contract and hope of some ice time in Dallas.

Speaking of 2 way contracts, a name we saw often on the NHL side in Dallas last season is Arttu Hyry. This strong center/right wing is best known for his success in face offs- a staggering 58% places him elite in the category and his numbers keep improving. Hyry was called up for Dallas Stars and proved himself on the ice through 25 games that his skill set transitions seamlessly between leagues. With the attention of the franchise GM it’s clear that we will continue to see him called up into Dallas and further contract extensions in the coming seasons.

A couple other players certain to have interest the GM, Matthew Seminoff and Dylan Hryckowian. Playing all 72 games last season, Seminoff never misses a chances to show off on the ice. Developing as the versatile player Dallas scouts for, he’s packing a defensive skill set with 24 minutes in the penalty box balanced out beautifully with the most power play goals on the team last season and second top scorer overall. Hryckowian came in late last season and immediately fit in on the ice. With a noticeable faceoff percentage and fast skating skills it’s clear to see he is developing into a player much like his brother, Justin, who’s been very impressionable within the franchise. With attention to detail he finds vulnerable spots in the ice to gain back puck control and get it across the blue line.

A name I hope to see transitioning more into Dallas is defenseman, Kyle Capobianco. Playing 33 games with Dallas last season, his size and mobility allow him to lock in on defensive instincts and catch attention of coaches on both sides of the franchise. His flexibility and dedication to the Dallas roster caused him to be a healthy scratch for Austin most of last season but that didn’t stop him from earning a 2 year extension during off season, showing confidence in his 24-25 season stats. Another defenseman showing flexibility on the ice is Jack Becker who balanced out his career high 40 point season with 36 minutes in the box.

The highest focus on defense being the goalie, we are lucky to have Remi Poirier joining the Stars for yet another season. A name sure to be in the rafters, he holds the most goalie wins in Austin franchise history. No doubt the key player that kept the team afloat last season, Poirier is a player destined for the NHL. With such a short AHL career, he is already preparing Arno, his backup, to be taking the reins within a couple of seasons. Although Dallas is not seeking a backup goalie, it’s selfish for us to say don’t touch our goalie when so many NHL teams could give him opportunity to show out in the big leagues.

So when Dallas needs to call up players who do we think they’re choosing first? Will we continue to see more of Hyry and Capobianco with their aggression towards keeping puck control and assisting goals or will Seminoff get a chance to show his top scoring skills? With a franchise focused on development into the NHL level and producing sought after players despite not having draft picks, it’s clear the Stars are capable of bringing out player’s strengths and uncovering new ways to highlight them on the ice. Some of our favorite rookies have made big trades happen in the NHL level, I’m ready to see these young guys continue to get their chance at the professional level to not just play against the greats but keep paving the way for this new generation of hockey on the ice and in the stands.