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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Nick Caamano Makes His Case

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars have a happy history of finding gold in the NHL Draft’s fifth round. And 2016 pick Nick Caamano is making his move to be the next big hit from the Jamie Benn – John Klingberg position.

The 6’2” dual winger wrapped up his season with the Hamilton Bulldogs as a 0.64 point-per-game player over two seasons who was a key contributor in the Bulldogs’ OHL championship and their run to the 2018 Memorial Cup tournament. Along the way, he became a guy who could be sent out to protect a lead as well as get a goal. Now he wants to bring his skills to Texas, writes Mark Stepneski:

“That’s definitely my goal, Caamano said. “I don’t want to go back to juniors. I want to make the next step, but I know it comes with a lot of hard work and I need to prove that I can stay there. It’s not going to be given to me by any means.”

Caamano got his first feel for that next step during six games with the Texas Stars in spring 2017. He also practiced with the team’s Black Aces during the T-Stars’ long 2018 Calder Cup run and got a good look at pro-level playoffs intensity:

“It was the Finals, and that’s the best hockey you are going to get at that time,” Caamano said. “For me, it was nice to see how the guys took care of themselves and even between games at the hotel they are doing the little things. The pace of play was something that jumped out to me; both teams played at a great pace. A team doesn’t get to the Finals every year, so it was nice for me to get that experience.”

It’s also nice that Caamano has gotten the personal seal of approval from another workhorse, head of player development Rich Peverley:

“When I was skating with the Black Aces with Texas, (Caamano) looked like he could step in,” Peverley said. “That transition to pro is going to be pretty good for him. He’s got a lot of good characteristics. He’s got a good future.”

Mark has more. [Stars Inside Edge]

All of us at Defending Big D would like to congratulate Sean and his wife on the birth of their daughter. We’re glad to see mom and baby are happy and healthy, and can’t wait to see Evangeline in a Stars onesie next season!

Stars Stuff

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Wyshynski said this, and it’s out there now, so THANKS FOR NOTHING, GREG.

Around the League(s)

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If you’re in Austin Metro, or if you can get there, you might want to check out the game-used gear at the T-Stars’ annual garage sale on Saturday, July 14 at H-E-B Center.

Finally

Speaking of Bobby Orr, share these wise words about liking, and playing, more than one sport – and enjoy.

Talking Points