Wathier shines for West All Stars

HERSHEY, Pa. – The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for Texas Stars’ forward Francis Wathier, but he’s not complaining.   In the span of about ten days, Wathier was called up to the Dallas Stars, scored a critical goal for the Texas Stars and scored a game-high two goals in the AHL All Star Game.
“The last ten days have been pretty awesome for me and my family,” Wathier said.   “I got called up to Dallas and played in Calgary. Then I got sent (back) down and got the news the next morning that I was coming to the All Star Game.   Obviously, it was quite an honor and privilege to be among the best in the league and we appreciate it.”
Just hours before leaving for Hershey, Wathier scored a critical game-tying goal in the final minute of the Stars’ game with Abbotsford.
“Last night was a big comeback for our team after trailing by two goals,” Wathier said. “We came back to tie it up in the third period. We lost in the shootout, but it was a big point.   I caught an early flight this morning with my family and I’m really glad to be here.”
Last year, the Texas Stars pulled off two incredible upsets in Hershey bydumping the Bears twice at home in the final round of the Calder Cup finals.   Playing in the All Star game in Hershey brought back memories for Wathier.
“As soon as I entered Hershey and saw the Giant Center, the locker room and the fans, it was good and bad news,” Wathier said.   “Good because we had a great run (last year). Bad because we lost; but we lost to a great team and that’s something to be proud of.”
The Eastern Conference All Stars dominated the skills competition 19-7, and then came back from an early three-goal deficit to win the All Star Game 11-8 in front of a two-night total of over 20,000 fans.   Wathier netted a team-best two goals for the Western Conference team.
“You come here and it’s a packed game,” Wathier said. “We just wanted to have some fun and I was lucky enough to score two goals. (Goaltender John) Curry saved me a lot last night and tonight, so I owed him one.”
It really didn’t matter much to any of the players whether they won or not.   Just playing in an All Star Game and experiencing the entire All Star Game weekend environment was thanks enough. “This is my first All Star Game,” Wathier said.   “It’s a tremendous feeling playing with all the pros. You’re playing with and meeting all the best. You meet a lot of nice people on and off the ice; especially the honorary captains (Nick Kypreos and Olaf Kolzig) as well as (AHL Hall of Fame inductee) Mitch Lamoureau. You gain a lot of experience and you learn alot from listening to them.”
Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at: Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com