Toby Petersen (Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars) |
#6: Toby Petersen
On the tail end of his career, Minnesota-born Toby Petersen joined the club full-time last season and put in just under 100 total games in the regular season. Injuries cut short his postseason this year but he retires a champion after a 14 year career. He served as a great mentor for Dallas' younger prospects and could be headed to the coaching ranks soon.
#5: Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell (Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars) |
When I was first looking to compile this list, I hadn't realized how many games Michigan native Jack Campbell has played in with Texas. At 68 regular season contests, he is just 16 behind fellow American Richard Bachman. Last year he was a steady contributor and this season was hampered by injuries but blew away expectations when he was healthy with a 1.49 GAA and .942 SV%.
He will have a chance to creep up this list with his #1 goalie role solidified next season.
#4: Chris Mueller
(Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars) |
#3: Richard Bachman
Richard Bachman (Credit: Darren Abate) |
Bachman would anchor the crease for Texas the coming season, posting a 2.20 GAA and taking Texas to playoffs against Milwaukee. He was key to victory many nights as the defensive style of those Texas Stars demanded a lot of goaltending. That success sent him to Dallas where he beat out Andrew Raycroft and backed up Kari Lehtonen during a forgettable 2011-12 campaign for Texas.
He was entrenched as the backup in Dallas in 2012-13 but fell out of favor and signed last year with the Oilers. He played many more games against Texas this season with the Barons, including all three in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
#2: Greg Rallo
Greg Rallo (Credit: Chris Jerina) |
That success made him a great pickup for the Florida Panthers organization. He earned an NHL contract at 30 years old and has now played 11 games for the Panthers. He has also become captain of the San Antonio Rampage.
#1: Travis Morin
Travis Morin (Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars) |
He would probably have topped this list this time last season as well. This past season puts him in untouchable territory. After winning the AHL regular season and playoff MVP awards and leading the league in scoring, it's easy to say he's the best Texas Star ever (and certainly the best American).
Others I might have left out to your chagrin: Dan Spang, Trevor Ludwig, Andrew Hutchinson.
Sorry you had to bring up Spang in that elite group. Happy 4th everyone. Bill
ReplyDeleteAnd no Luke?
ReplyDeleteOk, I'll be quiet now....
Scott
Luke Gazdic is Canadian....
DeleteOleksiak, not American born, but has duel citizenship.
ReplyDeleteTop 6? I'm guessing there haven't been 7 Americans on the team? :)
ReplyDelete