Texas Stars Report: Starting The Western Championship Defense

by scm83x on Oct 11, 2010 10:00 AM CDT in Texas Stars

Good morning once again, Dallas! While the Dallas Stars have been reveling the glory of a two game road winning streak, the Texas Stars got their season started on the road this weekend as well. There have been a lot of changes for the Stars after their run to the Calder Cup Finals last year. There are still some names you'll recognize though, and I'll be here every Monday morning to talk about the past week in Austin.

Free agency was not kind to your Texas Stars, as is typical of a team that takes their season into June. With the vast majority of AHL deals being one year in length, it is very easy for team's across the league to cherry pick high talent players from teams that go deep into the playoffs. Texas was no exception to this. Players with new addresses this season include Garrett Stafford, Mathieu Beaudoin, Matt Climie (Phoenix Coyotes, all playing in San Antonio), Dan Jancevski (Philadelphia Flyers, playing with Adirondack Phantoms), Andrew Hutchinson (Pittsburgh Penguins, playing with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), Warren Peters (Minnesota Wild, playing with Houston Aeros), and Perttu Lindgren (playing in Europe). Captain Landon Wilson has also not returned for this season; Brad Lukowich will be your captain this season.

However, Texas has some new faces, many of them familiar to the fans in Dallas thanks to extended preseason visits. Severin Blindenbacher, Philip Larsen and Jamie Benn's brother, Jordie Benn, will be added to the blue line for Texas. Others expected to add offensive firepower to the group include Ondrej Roman and Tomas Vincour. Despite this change in lineup, Texas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan plans to still play the same defensive minded game he did last year. It's been an easier time for Gulutzan this season, as he hasn't had to be the only coach on the ice. Other players who played the system last year and answering questions from the new kids and helping to prove that this system works, because it got them all the way to the Finals.

After the jump, we'll take a look at this past week's game, what's going on in the coming week, and who's hot.

Texas Scores 3 In Last Five Minutes To Beat Rampage 3-0
(HDH blog link)

The Texas Stars started their season on the road for the second year in a row. The San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix Coyotes) did not do well against the Texas Stars or the division last year, finishing 6th of 7 in the West. The Rampage, who beat up the Chicago Wolves on Friday, did not fair as well against Texas. Between the two teams, there were no power play goals in 14 chances and no goals period until the last 5 minutes of the game. Scott McCulloch got one in on former Star Matt Climie with 5:09 remaining. Travis Morin shoveled in two more including an empty netter with 12 seconds left.

The Week Ahead

The Texas Stars have a long layoff now before two games at home this coming weekend. Texas will open its home schedule on Saturday against the same San Antonio Rampage. The Western Conference Champion banner will be raised before the game, so if you're coming, be sure to get there early. The Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues) will come to town on Sunday.

Who's Hot

Brent Krahn pitched a shutout to start the season, stopping 27 of 27 shots in Sunday's game. Travis Morin also had two goals in Sunday's game.

Who's Not

In one game with a 3-0 result, there really isn't anyone with a bad record right now.

Injuries

None.

You can always follow the Texas Stars by reading my blog at HundredDegreeHockey.com, following me on Twitter @100degreehockey, or becoming a fan on Facebook.

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Comments

wait, what??

I thought Landon was under contract with the Texas Stars through this season. Luko as Captain?!?!

thunk

**Proof SOME rules are meant to be broken**

by PNLTBX on Oct 11, 2010 10:26 AM CDT reply actions

Landon failed to report to camp

And will likely not play for the Stars this season

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on Oct 11, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Damn

I’ve always thought so highly of Landon. I’m sure he has his reasons but I’m going to miss him.

Can’t wait to head down to catch some more games. Going to take some getting used to seeing a C on Luk’s sweater though.

Thanks for all the updates you do!!

**Proof SOME rules are meant to be broken**

by PNLTBX on Oct 11, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Poor Climie ;)

I hope to read many positive updates about Vincour and Gagnon this year.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Oct 11, 2010 10:30 AM CDT reply actions

need to make it down to a game this year

and i thought the AHL club was going to start running the NHL-Stars’ style of offense and tempo, no?

by spatulacity on Oct 11, 2010 11:02 AM CDT reply actions

You should

It’s really fun down there. Go on a weekend.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Oct 11, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions

yea, i do go to austin rather frequently

for friends, concerts, fun, etc. it just never was on same weekends as a game.

this year i swear.

though ive been meaning to go to a frisco roughriders game for 2 summers now and still havent…

by spatulacity on Oct 11, 2010 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

The Round Rock Express

are the Rangers’ new AAA affiliate, so you could catch one of those games if the season ever lines up.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on Oct 11, 2010 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

eh, i know...

im kind of bummed about that. i went to school at OU and have a soft spot for the OKC Redhawks. went to a lot of games at their beautiful Bricktown Ballpark, saw Kinsler earn his chops there, among others.

a lot of okie friends i made were big rangers fans b/c of the old days of the Tulsa Drillers, the OKC Redhawks and obviously getting FSSW and regional Ranger coverage. many people i knew would make an annual trip to Dallas in the summer specifically for Ranger games. it’s unfortunate.

i feel OK is a nice market for baseball. it’s a popular sport, everyone plays it, many professionals are from there and even the Juco’s produce good players.

i just dont see how the Rangers stand to improve their fan base by going to a far suburb of Austin. that’s astros country. people not in North Texas want nothing to do with DFW, sans Cowboys. but thats a different story.

which also leads me to wonder why the Stars havent done a more state-wide marketing/appeal assault on the rest of the state. aside from an AHL team in Cedar Park (finally), i dont know if their marketing has ever reached SA, Austin, Houston, EP, Amarillo, etc. would be cool to play preseason games in SA, Houston, Austin.

argh, sorry. busy monday and too much espresso!

by spatulacity on Oct 11, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Uh...the RR Express are hugely popular in North Austin.

And have been for years. Nor is Round Rock a distant suburb.

by Sugaa on Oct 11, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

well 20 mi is pretty far

and for Austin (still not a major metropolis) i’d say it’s a pretty far suburb.

while they may be popular in North Austin, how does that equal the state of Oklahoma?

all im saying is that it’s a bummer for long time Ranger fans in OK. where the Rangers has a presence for over 30 yrs. i understand the Ryan ownership veil and wanting to have all teams in TX. no doubt.

do you see people in/around Austin becoming Ranger fans all of a sudden b/c of the AAA club? they never have nor likely will see Rangers on FSSW, that’s Astros programming.

by spatulacity on Oct 11, 2010 12:31 PM CDT reply actions

I lived there.

Trust me, it’s not a distant suburb, and it has a sizable population itself as most people live in the ‘burbs instead of Austin itself. And while I am admittedly not a baseball fan, based on the news and such the Astros and the Rangers more or less got equal coverage. Austin definitely isn’t an “Astros town.” If anything, it’s a UT town. The sun rises and sets around Longhorns sports, which is why it is the second largest meto area in the US without a major professional sports franchise (behind Las Vegas). Also, I believe the RR Express are (or were) partially owned by Nolan Ryan, so there’s the business connection there.

And if we’re going to go there on population, here’s the 2009 figures (courtesy Wikipedia):

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA: 1,705,075
Oklahoma City, OK MSA: 1,227,278

So…there you go. If you’re mad about the affiliate, fine, but don’t base your opinion on incorrect information.

by Sugaa on Oct 11, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

dude, seriously

where did i say Austin was an “Astros town”?
where did i say OKC was bigger than Austin?

what incorrect information did i say? that the state of okla is bigger than austin metro, it’s TV sets already tuned into every single Rangers gams and a long history with the Rangers is already in place?

the austin area is not bigger than the state of okla, it doesnt have the history of anything rangers and they never see the rangers on regional television. it’s a fact that you do NOT see rangers on FSSW there. it’s the astros.

i already mentioned the fact that Ryan’s group owned the Express and that it’s great to have all teams in TX.

No-Austin isnt out parading for the Astros, i know that. But if you polled residents an overwhelming majority (who follow baseball) would go towards the ’Stros. it IS astros country. South and Central Texas is pro-Astros (again of people who follow baseball). no shit UT is big in Austin.

I never said OKC metro is bigger than Austin. so please dont base your facts (and they are indeed facts) on my a totally different argument.

I have many friends who live there (some of whom are Ranger fans). it is a FACT that they do not get Ranger coverage. they do not get Ranger games on FSSW. you can look at a coverage map for 182 games and see this. South of Waco and it’s 95% Astros programming.

not sure what i said to upset you, but im sorry.

by spatulacity on Oct 11, 2010 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

The only person upset here is you.

I was simply pointing out that the Express is hardly playing out in the boonies, cold, lonely and surrounded by Astros fans. Since this is apparently a touchy subject, consider the matter dropped.

by Sugaa on Oct 11, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I lived in Austin too,

SW side, went up to a couple of Express games. They run a VERY nice operation, very family friendly and a great ball park. It was +/- a half hour in normal (NOT rush hr) traffic. I would say a lot of Austin baseball fans are Astros rooters, but I also thought a big part of that was the Express was the AAA club for the Astros. The Express is very popular and people continue cheering for their players when they move up to the big club. I’m sure the same will now start happening for the Rangers.

See your point about the OK Ranger fans though. Assuming Ryan still is an owner of the Express it is kind of a no brainer though.

by 1paniolo on Oct 11, 2010 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions

uhmhmmm......Back to the Texas Stars

Anyway, as we were saying, Texas Stars definitely lost some core players from last year, but still having Krahn, Fortunas, Wathier, Larson, and adding the new additions should have another very strong year. Although it seems the Hershey Bears are gearing up for a follow up Calder Cup season. Just like the Dallas Stars, the Texas Stars have to take it one game at a time. I think that Wathier shows the most leadership from what I’ve seen on the ice. Always, sticks up for the team, very vocal, always the last to leave the ice on warmups, and drops the gloves when needed. I was also hoping we’d get to see Beskorowawny as a backup to Krahn. With the defensive style the Texas Stars play, and a healthy Krahn(crossing fingers) we should be in great shape. Although I have a feeling a couple defensemen will be heading back up to Big D sometime soon. Can’t wait for Saturday, and the raising of the banner.

by darksidecowboy on Oct 11, 2010 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

I dont follow farm teams closely

However it seems to me that it is probably better for the Dallas Stars to have their younger prospects play a more prominent role on the team over and 82 game schedule, than it is to say be apart of a winning team that makes deep playoff runs. However like I said I am not overly educated on the matter. But I would rather see the team use future Dallas Stars in important situations and try and win that way. I will say I loved following the farm club led by Jamie during the calder cup run. And don’t get me wrong experienced veterans should be an important part of the club to help young prospects along. It just shouldn’t be the be all and end all which is probably why you saw several important veterans find new homes.

by brendan1 on Oct 11, 2010 9:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Did Vincour play?

I didn’t see him on the game sheet. Is he hurt?

by KStars on Oct 11, 2010 8:28 PM CDT reply actions

He must be hurt, right Stephen?

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Oct 11, 2010 9:48 PM CDT reply actions

No word on Vincour

He was fine in preseason but was held out of this game. I’ll get back to you on this.

Blogging about the Texas Stars at HundredDegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on Oct 12, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Updates

Andrew Hutchinson actually already got called back up to Pittsburgh (NHL) due to injuries to Brooks Orpik and Zbynek Michalek for the Pens. Also, regarding the more uptempo offense style of play…I went to game one and it definitely looked like (particularly in the first two periods) that the Stars were shooting the puck a lot more often. Rather than defending the entire game, Stars outshot the Rampage pretty much 2-1 (don’t remember the exact statistics) through the first two periods. I think with some of these younger guys you will see a faster game this season..

by txstarsgirl on Oct 13, 2010 4:30 PM CDT reply actions