Golfing has always been a popular hobby for NHL players across the league, with many spending their summer breaks on the green. But as Dallas Stars prospects are quickly finding out this training camp, golf is more than just a hobby for many of the Stars’ players — it’s a lifestyle:
Young players like [Thomas] Harley are learning rather quickly that being a pro hockey player in Texas means spending considerable time on the links.
…
When he was asked about how life was different as a pro compared to junior hockey, [Jason] Robertson said, “One, you’ve got to be a golfer if you want to be a pro player.”
One of the benefits to playing hockey in Texas is that the weather permits golfing year round, hence why it becomes a regular excursion rather than just a summer activity. It’s also a good way for older players to bond with the younger ones:
Veterans like Stars captain Jamie Benn have used golf as a way to welcome teammates and get to know some of their younger peers. This happens in both Dallas and Cedar Park, where the Texas Stars have partnerships with golf courses that set up free rounds for minor leaguers.
You can read more from Sean Shapiro here.
Stars Stories
Speaking of prospects, could players like Robertson have a big impact on the Stars this postseason?
“If something happens, you have to be able to hop right in.”
This postseason could provide our youngest prospects a rare time to shine 👇 https://t.co/m5aEO3NNXu
— x-Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 21, 2020
Another way the Stars could boost their production is by having defensemen join the offensive rush:
I re-watched all the Stars’ goals this season to find out how often defensemen joined rushes that became goals. It was more than I thought it would be. How it affects the Stars in Edmonton: https://t.co/NAMp5NZsCN
This one guy kept showing up. pic.twitter.com/qXjxCf0N1I
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) July 21, 2020
Around the League
I wonder how long this tweet has been in the queue?
NY Rangers’ Brendan Lemieux has been suspended for two Stanley Cup Qualifying games for interference on Colorado’s Joonas Donskoi. https://t.co/H3C0ZFD4f1
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) July 20, 2020
With Alexis Lafreniere on the line, are there any play-in teams that would be better off losing in the qualifying round?
Win and go for the Cup.
Lose and go for the first overall pick.
A look at which path makes more sense for which teams, with @coreypronman https://t.co/Ebxv1q4Kyf pic.twitter.com/Zru0BqItr2— dom luszczyszyn (@domluszczyszyn) July 21, 2020
Time for more awards debates, as the finalists for the Selke and Norris trophies have been announced:
The 2020 Selke Trophy finalists are Patrice Bergeron, Sean Couturier and Ryan O’Reilly. 🙌 #NHLAwards@NHLdotcom has more ➡️ https://t.co/fR8gqQTIrS pic.twitter.com/sgebSouwPW
— NHL (@NHL) July 20, 2020
Three worthy finalists for the Norris Trophy. Who are you taking between @JohnCarlson74, Victor Hedman and Roman Josi (@rjosi90)? #NHLAwards @NHLdotcom has more ➡️ https://t.co/nRtAG3ZLGZ pic.twitter.com/LSesJkrqXA
— NHL (@NHL) July 20, 2020
I’m just gonna leave this here:
As always, voters turned over every rock, digging deep to find the best defensemen in the league. https://t.co/SUyCkukR7Y pic.twitter.com/v9rtT3NfBY
— Arvi (@arvi) July 20, 2020
In all seriousness though, how much did John Carlson’s offensive numbers impact his voting?
John Carlson led all NHL defensemen in scoring. Does that make the Norris Trophy automatic for him this year? https://t.co/KKWOAGS42i
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) July 20, 2020
Finally, just when you think Down Goes Brown might be finally out of roster-building ideas…
ICYMI: Which NHL team can build the best six-man starting lineup of players from six different hockey nations? | @DownGoesBrown https://t.co/21sctmSfLz
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) July 21, 2020