The Dallas Stars have confirmed the addition of Stu Barnes and Rick Wilson to the coaching staff, along with new head coach Ken Hitchcock. They have decided to retain Curt Fraser after he was allowed to interview to keep his position. They will also retain video coach Kelly Forbes and goaltending coach Jeff Reese.
Stu Barnes is a name that should be familiar to Stars fans. He was traded to the team in 2003, serving as an alternate captain when Mike Modano suffered an injury during the 2006-07 season. He retired in 2008 and served as assistant coach for three years. Since 2011 he has been operating as an independent consultant.
Rick Wilson also has a history with the Stars, dating even further back. He first served as an assistant coach to the Minnesota North Stars from 1992-93 and then after the move with the Dallas Stars from 1993-2002, when he was named associate coach, a position he held until 2009. He has been assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, and St. Louis Blues, where he worked with Ken Hitchcock previously.
Curt Fraser, who served last year as the coach for the forwards and the power play, was also retained and enters his sixth season with the club.