In June, the Dallas Stars let go defensive assistant coach Charlie Huddy. Yes, Charlie Huddy, my favorite defensemen of the Wichita Wind and Edmonton Oiler years. See where he's come from, where he's gone and where he is going next. (pictured behind Wayne Gretzky with the Stanley Cup & on the Dallas bench)
During this summer, the Dallas Stars hired our coach Glen Gulutzan and assistant coach Paul Jerrard. Our Texas Stars hired a new coach, Jeff Pyle from the ECHL. During his first press conference Coach Pyle talked about the additional managerial duties he had at the ECHL level - arranging travel, apartments for players, etc.
This reminded me of Topeka - the Scarecrows and now the Roadrunners and:
- How much closer the fans/community are with the players at lower levels.
- How the sport is played at different levels and how people move through it.
During the summer while watching the 2011 NHL Draft, I see that another generation is ready to play in the NHL.
Three sons of former Edmonton Oilers were taken in a span of 60 picks on Saturday during the NHL Entry Draft. Two of the three -- defenseman David Musil and forward Dillon Simpson -- will have a chance to follow in their fathers' footsteps with the blue and orange. Lowe will not. Carolina took the son of Oilers' president Kevin Lowe, Keegan in the third round with the 72nd overall pick.
And soon the 2011-12 hockey season will begin. As I begin my 31st year as a hockey fan, I’m headed off to Traverse City Michigan to experience the NHL Prospects Tournament featuring up and coming players for 8 NHL organizations.
Our season tickets for the Texas Stars 3rd season have been purchased and I’m ready for HOCKEY!
Thank you Don for attending that first hockey game 30 years ago, and thank you for enjoying all these hockey experiences with me.
I am happy that Ann has become a hockey fan and is enjoying following the sport as much or more than I have during this time and will in the future.
This Hockey History is written for Ann.
“Life is nothing more than the pursuit of stories worth telling to children”
During the 2010 - 2011 Season, I attended games for these teams and leagues.
Topeka Roadrunners (NAHL) in Topeka KS
Missouri Mavericks (CHL) in Independence MO
Wichita Thunder (CHL) in Wichita KS
Allen Americans (CHL) in Allen TX
Texas Stars (AHL) in Cedar Park TX
Dallas Stars (NHL) in Dallas TX
Nashville Predators (NHL) in Nashville TN
Vancouver Canucks (NHL) in Vancouver BC Canada
Most photographs are mine, but some were "borrowed" from the internet.
Thank you internet!
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