CEDAR PARK, Texas — When the 2009-2010 AHL season began a few short weeks ago, it was anybody’s guess as to what the newest AHL team, the Texas Stars, would bring to the table.
Surely this team of future Dallas Stars players, who spent last season spread all over the minor league map, couldn’t pull together quickly enough to be an early factor in the league. Whether or not they are a long term factor remains to be seen. After all, the season is only a month old.
But just in case you haven’t been paying attention, the Texas Stars have five wins, two losses and two shoot out losses, earning points in all but two games to date. They find themselves in second place in the Western Conference’s West Division, just two points behind one of their two state rivals, the San Antonio Rampage. And they have two games in hand. The Stars are tied with the Houston Aeros who also have twelve points, but have played one more game than Texas.
Of course, the Stars’ goal is to win the division and ultimately the Calder Cup. But they also want to win what has been dubbed the “Lone Star Faceoff.”
This competition between the three Texas teams originated from a collective desire to celebrate and promote hockey in the Lone Star State. The teams play twelve games against each other and the team with the most points between the three participants at the end of the season will be deemed champion and receive a trophy. The winning team will also receive a cash donation from the second and third place teams to benefit the winning team’s charity of choice.
“The Texas Stars are thrilled to be a part of the Lone Star Faceoff,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brian Spieles said. “We know this will only intensify what should already be a great rivalry between the three Texas teams and at the same time, bring great exposure to hockey in the state.”
So far, the Stars have only been out of one game, a 4-0 drubbing by the Lake Erie Monsters who gave the Stars their first home loss.
“We’re not a team that can allow three or four goals and come back to score four or five,” Head Coach Glen Gulutzan told the Austin American Statesman’s Correspondent, Avery Holton.
This team is certainly not an offensive juggernaut. In fact, they are near the bottom of the league in goals scored with just 22 through the first nine games. Forwards Sergei Korostin and Greg Rallo lead the team in goals with four and three respectively. Six of the 22 goals have been scored by defensemen. This does not come as a surprise to anyone.
In an early season interview with Gulutzan, he correctly indicated his team would have to depend on a strong defense to survive in the league.
“Certainly we’re going to have a group of young forwards here,” Gulutzan said. “But we have a real seasoned defense corps and that’s going to be the backbone for us. We’re certainly going to be more competitive with a good defense and good goaltending, with a bunch of young guys up front. The key for us is to have a good, hard-working group of forwards with a seasoned group of D and make sure we’re in games every night.”
His prediction has been right on point. In nine games, opponents have scored just 19 goals. Only the Hamilton Bulldogs (18) and the Manchester Monarchs (12) have allowed fewer goals.
Goaltenders Matt Clime (1.35 – .954) and Brent Krahn (2.26 – .930) are among the top ten active goaltenders in the league with a combined goals against average of 1.75 and save percentage of .943.
The Stars are third best (.921) out of 30 teams when skating short-handed, allowing just three power play goals in 38 attempts.
Star’s Assistant Coach Paul Jerrard is responsible for the defense and explains why it has been so reliable.
Paul Jerrard(Photo courtesy of the Stars)
Jerrard doesn’t just focus on the defensemen. He emphasizes the importance of defensive support from the forwards.
“We make sure that we have good awareness in the D-zone,” Jerrard said. “We defend as five in the zone and have to be sure we are all in sync. You (want to) have a good (defensive) structure without the puck so that you can get the puck and go back on offense.”
One of the key cogs in the team’s defense is Cranbrook, BC native, Brad Lukowich, who is back in the Dallas Stars’ organization for the third time. Lukowich has played over 600 games in the NHL with Dallas, Tampa Bay, the New York Islanders, the New Jersey Devils and the San Jose Sharks. His presence on the back line is like having another coach.
“In a lot of ways (that’s true),” Jerrard said. “But he’s still a player. He’s not afraid to speak his mind or share his experiences. I’ve learned a lot from him, too. He’s also been a great leader, not only verbally but physically. He comes in every day and shows up to work and has been a great example to these young kids to model themselves off of. He loves to play and loves to be here and he’s been very helpful with the young kids.”
Lukowich understands what it takes to win and hopes to bring that attitude to the younger players on the team.
Brad Lukowich(Photo courtesy of the Stars)
Lukowich doesn’t mind playing in the AHL and has defined what he wants his role to be with the team.
“I love the game and it doesn’t matter where I play it,” Lukowich said. “As an older guy coming into a development team like this, it is a different role, but it’s been a lot of fun. It’s something I’ve always wanted to get into and was hoping I’d get an opportunity to be here and now I am. These kids are the Stars of the future. It’s an honor to come here and get a first glance at them and play with and against them.”
Lukowich hopes this experience might lead to a coaching position when his playing days are over.
“I’d love to coach some day,” Lukowich said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I’d like to play a lot longer.”
He credits the success of the team so far to Gulutzan and Jerrard.
“I really don’t know if these guys realize how lucky they are to have these two coaches,” Lukowich said. “They don’t scream and yell at you, but they work with you and help you become better. And having other experienced players on the team like me, Andrew Hutchinson, Landon Wilson and Dan Jancevski to help get the coaches’ message across is a good role for us and may lead to future coaching roles for all of us.”
This has already paid off for Star’s forwards Aaron Gagnon, Perrtiu Lindgren and Francis Walthier, all of whom have experienced call ups to the parent team in Dallas.
Gagnon became the first player in Star’s history to receive a call up to the NHL.
“This is a big day for the Texas Stars and a big day for Aaron Gagnon,” General Manager Scott White said. “Aaron is a responsible player who is deserving of this opportunity. Our main goal here is to develop Dallas Stars and we will continue to do that.”
Gagnon was an 8th round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004 and was excited about getting the opportunity to play in the NHL.
Aaron Gagnon(Photo courtesy of the Stars)
Despite being there for just a single game, Gagnon is optimistic about what it means for the future.
“Obviously, you’d like to stay up there,” Gagnon said. “But it was a great experience and I’ll just keep working and get another shot at it.”
Gagnon agrees with just about everyone’s assessment that the Texas Stars will succeed because of defense.
“I don’t think we’re ever going to outscore teams 6-5,” Gagnon said. “We’re going to play a tight defensive game and get goals from all the guys. We have four lines that are pretty even. We’re fine-tuning our game and improving our forecheck and I think we’re gong to start scoring some hard-working goals out there.”
Gagnon loves playing in the AHL and especially in the Austin area.
“I think it’s fantastic here,” said. “It’s a brand new barn and it’s a great place to play as is the AHL itself. Not having a real affiliate made for a tough couple of years with everyone spread out all over the place. This is the first year where I feel I’m part of the team and part of the organization.”
Only nine games have been played and there’s still a long way to go. But those who follow the Texas Stars from Dallas to Cedar Park, and from management to the fan base, should be pretty pleased with the team’s progress.
Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
PHN thanks Texas Stars’ Head of Media Relations, Josh Fisher, for providing background information and scheduling interviews.
You must be logged in to post a comment.