It’s been a busy few weeks for the Dallas Stars
Well, we all wish we were watching the Stars fight their way through the playoffs, but this year it was not meant to be. The Stars however, have been busy and are using their time in the extended off season wisely. If you have been elsewhere for the past few weeks here is what you have missed…
Ken Hitchcock announces retirement
Perhaps the biggest change the Stars will encounter from last season to next is a new head
coach, the astonishing career of Ken Hitchcock comes to end as he announces his retirement from the game. This puts leaves a big gap for the Stars who have a team ready to win and compete in need of a new head coach.
Hitchcock will remain within the Stars organization as a consultant, so hopefully his experience will be passed on to the next guy!
Tyler Seguin nominated for King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Stars forward Tyler Seguin had another fantastic season, not only did he pass the 40 goal mark yet again, but he has improved his game in all areas to become a much better all round player. Tyler’s defensive game improved largely and he saw time on the penalty kill this year, I look forward to seeing more of this as it adds much excitement when Benn & Seguin get chances shorthanded.
Tyler not only became a better all round player, but also stepped into a more senior leadership role within the team, he may not be a veteran yet, but he is showing he can do so much for this club while continuing to lead the club in scoring goals.
Dallas will pick 13th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft
The Dallas Stars has slim odds at obtaining a top 3 or even top 10 pick in this years draft. I guess this is what happens when you only just miss the playoffs. However, they picked up, just as expected, the 13th overall pick. The draft will be held at American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX June this year. Tickets can be found on the Dallas Stars Fan Site Tickets page.
The remaining picks for the Stars are yet to be confirmed, the Buffalo Sabres will take the first pick and are almost certain to select Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (SWE)
Marty Turco named President of the Dallas Stars Foundation
The former Dallas Stars goaltender and 3 time all-star has spent recent years putting much time and effort into non-profits in the north Texas area, he has been a fan favorite for years and the fans still love to see Turco around the rink. Dallas Stars President sees appointing Marty Turco as a no brainer as he was the perfect fit as President and Chairman of the board of the Dallas Stars Foundation.
Stars sign Jason Robertson
Earlier this week the Dallas Stars signed right wing Jason Robertson to a 3 year entry-level contract, the 18-year old topped the Kingston Frontenacs with 87 points in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) while playing in 68 games last year. He ranked first in the entire OHL with 308 shots on goal.
This is a good signing for the Stars as his game continues to develop he will bring more fresh firepower to the Stars team.
Welcome, Jim Montgomery
After the announcement of Hitchcock’s retirement Dallas Stars fans are anxious as to who will coach their team to the playoffs next year, Nill eventually released a statement that he would be patient in the search for a new head coach and that it will be a long process to make sure no mistakes are made and nobody is missed… well, just 2 weeks went by and on 4th May 2018 the Dallas Stars announce the hiring of new Head Coach Jim Montgomery aka ‘Monty’. Yes, that’s another Jim…
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This will be the first NHL coaching appointment for Monty, but he is no stranger to league as he played 122 NHL games in his career before stepping behind the bench. Monty even dressed in a Stars uniform back in the day and one of his reasons for wanting to take the Head Coach job was to be able to raise his family in Dallas as he already knows what a wonderful city it is to live in.
Jim comes to the Stars with a winning pedigree, he has turned the college teams that he has coached into champions and has a hard to beat winning record. He sees the Stars as ready and full of talent and is excited to take them all the way.
Exciting times again…
As we said, it has been a busy time for the Stars, and already we are starting to feel that this team is going to do well. Last season was not a true reflection of what this team is capable of. Ken Hitchcock fixed a lot of the broken parts of the Stars game and it take the last month of the season out and the Stars were looking unstoppable. Why they broke down and lost it all with just a few weeks left in the season we don’t know, but let’s put it behind us, see what else the off season brings and look forward to seeing the Stars play unstoppable next year.
Thank you for reading.
Luke Hames
Dallas Stars Fan Site
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