The Dallas Stars never stand still. The NHL may be on break, but some of the team’s biggest stars are preparing to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, beginning tonight. And meanwhile, the front office is putting the final touches on another of the biggest international events of the year.
With another Stars-hosted IIHF tournament fast approaching, Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika devoted his latest post to reminding us all why this is a Big Effing Deal:
The 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship will be held in Frisco and Allen on April 23-May 3, and that’s great for a lot of reasons. First of all, it allows the Stars organization and the support staff throughout the area to show just how important hockey is to the Lone Star State. And second, it gives fans the chance to possibly catch a glimpse of players who might help carry on the tradition of Victory Green that seems to be growing every day.
“It’s a great opportunity for us, and I think something that we have earned,” said Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts. “We had a great challenge the last time, and I really feel we made a lot of people happy, and now we get a chance to do it again.”
Heika also reflected on the 2021 event that first introduced three of the team’s incipient superstars — Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, and Lian Bichsel — to the North Texas area:
Bichsel was just 16 and still a year away from his draft when he played for Switzerland in 2021. However, the tournament made a big impression on him. Asked about his memories of Frisco, the rookie defenseman got his “kit” bag and pulled out a souvenir – a small white towel with the Stars logo on it that he received during the U18.
“I keep it with me every day,” he said with a smile. “I just think it shows that things happen the way they are supposed to happen.”
There’s always more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]
Stars Stuff
They know their audience, don’t they? Now you can plan your week around your favorite 4 Nations Stars.
Around The Leagues
Maybe it’s because I’m old, but the combo of flat animation and international play-by-play in multiple languages really hits in a yay way.
Long live King Loui. What a career. (Show of hands: Who wants to see the Stars find some specific way to honor him?) [NHL]
After 1,050 games, Loui Eriksson is hanging up the skates. Best of luck in retirement! 👏
— NHL (Bot) (@notnhl.bsky.social) February 11, 2025 at 9:16 AM
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Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park — And Beautiful Boise!
Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for the Texas Stars — and tonight, you can watch them take on the Manitoba Moose.
It's Game Day in Winnipeg! 🍁🫎💫 🎧 : bit.ly/3xe18oX 📺 : Watch AHLTV on @flohockey.bsky.social at flosports.link/3XhJcIw
— Texas Stars (@texasstars.bsky.social) February 12, 2025 at 9:21 AM
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Finally
And so the Stars embrace their players’ true superpowers. “Without you, my life would Stank” indeed. Happy Valentine’s Day, in advance!