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The Texas Stars 2012 training camp will begin this weekend in Austin, Texas, with practices to be held at the Cedar Park Center. The players report to camp today, with the first practice scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29.
The Stars will play three exhibition games this preseason, as in previous years. Some teams were not scheduled to have any preseason games while others have as many as four. Two of the Stars games will be at home while the third and final game will be in San Antonio.
As in previous years, the Idaho Steelheads and Allen Americans coaching staffs are expected to join the Stars' Willie Desjardins and Doug Lidster in Austin for some portion of the camp. Many of those in camp will be sent down to Idaho or Allen throughout the course of the week and a half. Unlike previous years, however, the likelihood of seeing Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk, Coach Glen Gulutzan or others from the Dallas staff is far higher due to the lockout. Nieuwendyk expects to be present for many Texas Stars games for the duration of the lockout.
Practice on Monday, Oct. 1 at 3:30 p.m. CT is open to the public.
We've always loved covering the Texas Stars the past three years but this season is going to be much, much different. This is the season when most of the top prospects in the system, players we've been discussing for the entire life of this website, truly begin their journey to the NHL.
The big payoff is just how great it makes this upcoming season for fans in Austin. Only a few players will make it to the NHL this season, and likely only briefly, giving hockey Texas fans the opportunity to follow what could likely be a very, very exciting hockey team this year and beyond.
New coach, an exciting young goaltender and a wealth of talent on offense and defense.
Be sure to follow Stephen Meserve for all of your updates on the Texas Stars this weekend.