BRIGHT SPOTS
Roman Lyashenko-C
Has really been solid in his pro debut. Examples can be seen in his play away from the puck, his vision with the puck, and his ability to take a hit to make a play. Look for Roman to remain in Dallas the whole year, despite being 20 years old, and look for him to be no less than a third line center during his stay.
Brenden Morrow-LW
Has shown the ability to play a power game while maintaining a solid skill level. Brenden is an excellent body-checker, drives the net, and has good adeptness with the puck. Further more, he has shown a tendency to go to the backhand when passing to an open man, and he has been rather successful in doing so. Further more, Brenden has found what looks to be a permanent spot on the second line, with the result being a surprising chemistry on that line. In all, his play has pushed Jon Sim out of the picture for now, while virtually assuring himself a long- term future on the second line.
John Erskine-D
While John’s skating is still rather poor, his overall skill level has improved quite a bit. As a result, even though critics abound (including myself), all must take notice of this fact. This fact presents itself in the form of increased discipline, improved puck control, and large amounts of ice time. Given these facts, one must admit that this progress does lend itself to some feelings of optimism for a future in the NHL.
Tyler Bouck-F Read more»
This month’s article will look at the ongoing happenings surrounding the Dallas Stars training camp. The focus will be on the progress of the Dallas youngsters, with my observations being based on local newspaper reports, and on my own observances.
Jamie Wright-LW
Has really reestablished himself throughout this years camp. Jamie has added seven pounds of muscle, and has increased his determination and focus. Also, his speed has seemed to fit into the Stars new puck possession attack as well. In one recent pre-season game I observed, Jamie was all over the ice. He was robbed twice from the slot, was throwing checks along the boards, fought for loose pucks, and was double shifted for much of the game. All of this is very encouraging, but at this point a roster spot is not at all guaranteed. He still must show a little more offensive touch in order to have a long term future with the club.
Pavel Patera-C/W
After coming over from the Czech Republic, Pavel has really found favor amongst the Stars coaching staff. This is due to the fact that his skating, vision, and passing are assets that the Dallas club has needed for sometime. Further more, the staff has elected to play Patera on the left side of Joe Nieuwendyk, a position that should become a rather nice fit for the rest of the season. If for some reason this pairing doesn’t work then look for Pavel to be the 3rd line center-man.
Aaron Gavey-C/W
Read more»
Dallas Stars prospect Jeff McKercher played with the Peterbourgh Petes of the OHL last season. During that time he had one goal, seven assists, and 22 PIMs in 65 regular season games. He also sported an impressive plus/minus rating of +32 during this same time period.
Although known for these examples of steady play and solid defense, McKercher is little known.
Please briefly describe your style of play for the readers not already familiar with you.
“I am a defensive defenseman who reads the ice well. I like to make the quick, first pass out of the defensive zone. I take pride in my work in penalty-killing situations.”
What do you feel that you could add to the Dallas defensive ranks in the future?
“I will strive to be a defensive defenseman with the Stars and hope that I will be a regular on the penalty-kill. I try to pattern myself after the play of Craig Ludwig.”
Do you see yourself ever becoming more of an offensive-minded player in the future?
“I would like to think that I might become a little bit more offensive to complement my defensive style. My skating is strong so hopefully with experience this part of my game will develop. I usually have been paired with an offensive defenseman and my job has been to stay back and hold the fort.”
What do you see as being your current strengths and weaknesses? Read more»
After some speculation by various publications, the Dallas Stars chose not to move up in the draft, but rather chose to once again trade down for multiple picks instead. This gave Dallas more flexibility, while still allowing them to draft reasonably high in the second round.
Also, prior to the draft the Stars traded for ex-Michigan University product Warren Luhning. In return, the New York Islanders received the Dallas Stars third round pick in 1999, which could result in a relative steal for the Stars. This is due to the fact that the 6-2 185lbs right-winger has good size and speed, and possesses decent skills to go with a solid defensive game. In addition, Luhning is ready for the pros, as he has spent two years in the minors, has had two call-ups, and is already mature at the age of 23. Good pickup by Bob Gainey.
Other moves included the trading of Swedish prospect Per Svartvadet to the Atlanta Thrashers for the 184th pick (6th round) in the 1999 draft, and the flipping of the Blues 2nd rounder for a Stars 3rd rounder in this year’s draft (terms of deal not known). Here is a break down the Dallas Stars 1999 Entry Draft pick by pick.
{All stats are from the ’98-’99 season}
#33 Michael Ryan-C 6-1 170lbs 5/16/80
Boston College High School (USHS) gp-21 g-20 a-24 pts-44 pim-44
Central Scouting Report Read more»
After last season’s contract dispute with Juha Lind, the Stars have finally come to terms with the left-winger on a two year deal. This move provides much needed speed and skill to the Stars lineup, and at the same time injects youth into an aging group of forwards. The Stars openly admit that they made a mistake in letting Juha go back to Finland last year, and I agree. Further more, I still maintain that Benoit Houge would not have been needed if Lind were still around. Look for Juha to be penciled into the second line rotation, with a roster spot all but assured.
5-10 180lbs 1/2/74 92-DRAFT #178
’98-’99 team: Jokerit (Fin.)
’98-’99 statistics: gp-50 g-20 a-19 pts-39 pim-22 +16
BYE-BYE TUREK, WE’LL MISS YOU
In a move that was heavily scrutinized, the Dallas Stars quickly shipped Roman Turek to the St.Louis Blues for a third round pick in 1999. However, the Stars pointed out in the papers that they were trying to make a deal with Atlanta not to take Turek, but they didn’t receive a response in time. This left Dallas up against the deadline, and resulted in low-balling tactics by interested teams, thus fulfilling their worst nightmares. In turn, the Stars traded Roman for little in return rather than risk losing him for nothing on Friday. So now all Stars fans will get to see Roman work his magic with a conference rival, and at the same time will see the once great Grant Fuhr replaced as the #1 goalie. Hopefully this move won’t come back to haunt the Stars, but I’m afraid it will. Read more»
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