Hedden's OT Game-Winner Puts Texas Past OKC

Mike Hedden scores the GWG and takes a cross check. (Credit: Josh Rasmussen/Texas Stars)

Some of the Stars' core contributors from last season came through for Texas in their first preseason game as Justin Dowling, Taylor Vause, and Mike Hedden figured into the scoring in a 3-2 overtime win. Hedden's extra-time goal was the ultimate game winner in a come-from-behind victory for the Stars.

"It's always nice to come back in the third. It doesn't matter when you're playing," said Coach Desjardins. "We want to be able to play good third periods."

That come-from-behind effort shows resilience and perseverance early in the season. Taylor Peters and Taylor Vause scored the Stars other two goals. Jack Campbell played the entire evening and stopped 26 of 28.

Oklahoma City drew first blood off the stick of Joel Broda, scoring glove side on a wrister of the right post. Texas evened things up in the second period with Taylor Peters' first goal as a pro. The goal went in over the blocker of Olivier Roy and was assisted by Spencer Bennett and Anthony Nigro. The Barons regained their lead with the extra man on a delayed penalty as Martin Gernat rocketed a slapshot to the net, which went in off a deflection.

Texas rallied in the third with a beautiful play by Justin Dowling that was finished off by Taylor Vause. Mike Hedden boxed out the defender at the net and Dowling's backhand spin pass found Vause unguarded with six minutes left in the third period.

"I was at the end of a shift there," said Vause. "I had contemplated changing but I had a pretty good feeling I was wide open on the back door. With Justin Dowling and his passes and skill level, you are bound to expect one of those once and game and I was lucky to put it in."

Vause is on a tryout to Texas and looking to make the team again. "It was nice for Vause to get a few there at the end," added Desjardins. "It was good for him. Lots of guys are in the spot where they need good camps."

Texas went to the overtime period on the power play courtesy of C.J. Stretch.

Mike Hedden polished off the scoring less than a minute into OT, assisted by Vause and William Wrenn, scoring a rebound goal.

Notes

Hedden and Dowling wore "A"s; Francis Wathier wore the "C".

Tonight's attendance was 2,730.