Sign in Subscribe
Front Page

Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Hockey Season Begins At Prospect Development Camp

New prospects and young pros alike are marking milestones as the preseason officially kicks off. Plus, the NHL is Olympics-bound, the Texas Stars release their promo schedule, and more.

If hockey season doesn’t seem close enough for you yet, here’s some perspective: The Traverse City NHL Prospect Tournament is six days away. Six. Days. Away.

And the perfect precursor is the Dallas Stars’ Prospect Development Camp. The Stars moved this year’s event from July to this weekend, just before the big showcase in Michigan. Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham is running the show, and it marks a welcome return to a kind of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled last year’s gathering.

It’s also a milestone for players on the cusp as well as for the Stars’ newest picks, writes The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks:

For [Thomas] Harley, [Ty] Dellandrea and [Riley] Damiani, it will be the start of their attempt to crack the NHL lineup this season. All three should be some of the best players at Traverse City, and will try to use development camp as a springboard towards Dallas.

“They’re going to be our veterans, they’re going to be our leaders,” Graham said. “It’s easy to have those guys lead by example. They’re going to understand the systems. They’re going to understand a lot of the things that I look for and demand as a coach.”

The whole experience is designed around one principle – showing the kids what Stars hockey will demand from them:

“I think it’s a great opportunity to implement some of the structure and systems, so when these players return and then go to Dallas main camp, they’re not seeing it for the first time,” Graham said. “They have a chance to see it in development camp, they have a chance to see it in Traverse. Now, when they go and do it in the main camp, it’s not new to them.”...

“We want these players to be given a chance to succeed and perform,” Graham said. “As you’re planning a development camp, Traverse City, you’re thinking of lines, special teams. You want to make sure these kids have a chance to show themselves.”

Matt has more. [SportsDayDFW]

Hockey is here, and life is beautiful. Keep an eye on @DefendingBigD for news from Frisco.

Stars Stuff

Line combos, goaltending, and the penalty kill are just a few of the burning issues surrounding the Stars, writes David Satriano.

The Stars’ newest honcho has big plans for players and fans from underrepresented groups. Meet Álvaro Montoya.

Around The Leagues

The NHL is going back to the Winter Olympics, y’all.

Sidney Crosby will probably miss the start of the season due to his latest surgery.

David Backes, who spent most of his 15-year NHL career with the St. Louis Blues, has returned to the Gateway City to retire with the organization.

Speaking of the Blues, they’re ready for another big occasion today.

Congratulations to the Hockey Canada team for their #WomensWorlds gold-medal win. That said, isn’t this what the kids call a self-own?

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park (And Beautiful Boise)

Because Texas Stars single-game tickets are on sale, and you have to plan the next several months around Star Wars Night and Ringo’s birthday.

The Idaho Steelheads are celebrating their silver anniversary with a party for their fans.

Finally

So close. Enjoy your weekend.

Read next