Today I thought I was only going to be writing about the finale to what became the WORST. SEASON. EVER. Sadly, the front office in Dallas felt even stronger since the coaching staff, aka the Jeffs (Pyle and Truitt) were canned this morning. Too soon in my opinion but that’s why I’m a fan, not the GM. I agree with the rest out on the Interwebs, these two gentlemen have a wealth of experience and they will have new gigs in the ECHL, AHL or even NHL soon.
As for the team, we attended the last home game on Saturday. It was awful. The Stars couldn’t keep up against the Barons and the officiating was horrendous. The referee got in the way of several key plays. Why he ejected our captain Brad Lukowich was beyond me. My team had been out of the running for well over a month so I was already in “let’s get this over with” mode. I enjoy going to the CPC, hanging with friends, seeing familiar faces and I know we can’t win every game. This evening it was painful to watch. Next season will be filled with promise, namely our up-and-coming goalie Jack Campbell! He played for Team USA before joining the Stars on what I think was a PTO contract. Jack is no Richard Bachmann…yet. With the right blueliners, he will pretty awesome.
I’m not going to list which people I think will be splitting. It makes me sad. Yes, hockey is a business but these players are like pseudo family members. More than those on my preferred NHL team because we’ve attended numerous home games (I wish I counted them, I know it’s over 100) and met them in person at social functions. I want to wish those leaving the best of luck, may they continue to keep living their dream playing hockey for a living.