Texas forward has dream week

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – It was quite a week for Texas Stars forward Matt Fraser. Within the course of 6 days, the 21-year old forward from Red Deer, Alberta was called up to the NHL for a game, played two additional AHL games and represented Texas in the AHL skills competition and AHL All Star game.
While he only played a few minutes in his first NHL game with the Dallas Stars, he nearly scored on his first NHL shot, firing a rolling puck just over the crossbar on a partial break-away attempt.
“I’ve been replaying that shot in my mind a few times,” Fraser said. “It’s such a different game up there; so fast-paced. I was just happy that I got myself into that position to have that opportunity.”
Fraser earned both opportunities by scoring 35 points (21, 14) in his first 42 games and by being among the AHL’s top ten goal scorers, power play goal scorers and rookie scoring.
“It was incredible and a great experience all around,” Fraser said. “Anytime you get an opportunity like that, it’s a dream come true.”
Fraser followed that dream into the AHL All Star game just a few days later where he helped the Western conference defeat the eastern conference in both the skills competition and the game.
“It’s a huge honor to get selected for the all star team,” Fraser said. “We have a lot of guys on our team who are just as capable of being in this event as I am. I’m happy to represent the Texas Stars and Dallas Stars organizations.”
Fraser had several good scoring opportunities, putting three shots on goal, but was unable to bury the puck until the shootout. His goal helped put the game out of reach.
“It would have been nice to score a goal (in regulation),” Fraser said. “But you just go out there and have some fun with it and do some stuff you would never do in a game.”
In addition to meeting and playing with a number of other AHL all stars, Fraser also had the opportunity to meet honorary captains and former Philadelphia Flyers’ Stanley Cup winners Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber.
“It’s exciting to see and meet those players,” Fraser said. “You always hear so much about them. Meeting them in person was a huge honor.”
After a whirlwind six days, Fraser is ready to get back to Texas to get a brief rest and then help the Texas Stars move up in the standings towards a playoff spot.
“I’m pretty exhausted right now,” Fraser said. “Not only physically, but mentally as well. It’s been a demanding week. Getting called up to Dallas and representing the Texas Stars in the all star game was a huge thrill. It was nice to get a taste of what it’s like (to play in these games).”
Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com