Who said there was no hitting in All-Star games? Or that they’re all about offense?
With the American Airlines Center’s ice being vacant since last April, local hockey fans trekked to Frisco’s Dr. Pepper StarCenter Tuesday night for a hard-hitting game.
The NAHL All-Stars won the game 3-1, which pitted the reigning NAHL champion Texas Tornado against the All-Stars in a format reminiscent of the NHL All-Star games from the 50s and 60s.
The NAHL is what’s known in the hockey world as a Tier 2 junior league. Players who are 20 or younger can play in the league and maintain their college eligibility, although they receive much less notoriety than the players who go through the Canadian major junior system. Some notable NAHL graduates include Eric Lindros, Doug Weight, David Legwand and Brian Rolston.
Although the Canadian junior system may offer a little more notoriety, former Dallas Star Brett Hull, who played in a tier 2 Canadian league in his late teens, said the NAHL gives American players the same opportunities.
“You know what, [my junior experience] was so long ago I don’t remember,” Hull said as he signed autographs for the fans. “But I would think it’s similar, you know. We’re looking for the same things. Scholarship and the chance to play senior Junior A games.”
Hull laughed when asked about the format of the game and said it would be great if there were just a few more goals.
But through most of the game, the players seemed more intent on putting each other on the ice than putting good shots on the goalie. The game flowed well, but neither offence ever really found a rhythm.
Early in the third period, it appeared the game might open up a little bit after two quick goals by Tornado forward Billy Skwarczewski and All-Star forward Dain Prewitt. And the Tornado did finally force the issue late into the period, putting all kinds of pressure on the All-Stars and third period goalie Riley Gill.
But since those late goals never came, the highlight goal of the evening was scored in the second period by All-Star Brandon Marino of the Helena Bighorns. Marino stole the puck just moments into a Tornado power play, faked Tornado goalie Ben Bishop to the ice and slid the puck in behind him.
The Tornado wasted a terrific opportunity in the first when they were awarded a 5-on-3 powerplay for more than a minute. Even though they got off two shots and had several other near misses, they still couldn’t find the net.
And although the first period moved rather quickly, only one goal was scored, and that one was on a late powerplay with just 46 seconds left in the period. All-Star forward Kyle Laughlin of the Youngstwon Phantoms tipped home a slick pass from Springfield Jr. Blues forward Pat Lee. Defenseman Clayton Rehm of the Bismark Bobcats had the second assist.
“The game was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be,” said All-Star goalie Jason Kearney of the Soo Indians. “I thought with them playing together the whole year and us being together on the ice for basically the first time, we’d have some problems defensively. But we did all right and didn’t give up much except for a few powerplays they had.”
Honorary coaches Ken Morrow and Neal Broten, both members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team, brought the crowd to their feet when they were introduced. Broten was a member of the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars from 1981-1995, and is one of only three Stars to have his number retired.
Also in attendance at the festivities were NHL players Hull and Rob Blake, both NAHL owners. Dave Tippett, Craig Ludwig, Glen Murray, Nelson Emerson, Brenden Morrow and Guy Carbonneau were introduced during the first intermission as well.
