Tuesday evening was the Stars’ Meet n’ Greet between the new 2010-11 lineup and the fans (namely season-ticket holders). I was overjoyed to attend. I think I missed last year’s due to a prior commitment, they didn’t have one or I totally spaced. As a fan of the Austin area’s first AHL franchise, I have been doing my homework for the last year on these players. I’m not quite a scout yet I prefer to have an intelligent, fairly informed conversation with them by knowing the great accomplishments of their careers.
The gentlemen in the photo was a player I had been wanting to meet for a while. Unfortunately, Brad was signed to the Vancouver Canucks last year. He got to play for the Stars during the first half of the season because the Canucks and their AHL team (the Manitoba/Winnipeg Moose) didn’t have a spot. Through some odd rules, the Stars were allowed to have him on their roster until Vancouver needed him. Brad got the call around December or January so I missed my chance. However, we true fans were happy for him to get his NHL opportunity.
With his contract over this Summer, he has rejoined the Stars organization. I was elated, especially when the other veteran blueliner Andrew Hutchinson left for the Pittsburgh/WBS Penguins.
By now you’re probably wondering, “how is Brad Lukowich famous?” He has some history with the Dallas Stars, namely being a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup team. He also has a second title courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2004 success. Therefore, Brad has twice as many Cup rings as those crybabies Crosby, Kane and Toews. Beyond his championships, he also has 650+ NHL games under his belt so you can bet that many younger players on the Stars listen to his advice.
Knowing about his Stanley Cups, I had to ask him how he spent his turns with the prize. He replied that he partied. Even again in 2004? Oh yeah, one guy drove 40 hours to rock out with him. I thanked Brad and told him about Andrew Hutchinson’s answer. This got him laughing as he replied that everybody drinks beer out of it to celebrate.
It was a pleasure to meet him in person finally and I’m hoping it will be a fantastic season for everyone.