Texas Stars Open Training Camp with Opportunities Everywhere

Amid injuries to some key players, opportunities exist for new faces to emerge.

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

The Texas Stars open training camp today in Cedar Park missing some key players they expected to join the roster. As previously reported, Cameron Hughes, Luke Krys, Chase Wheatcroft and Kyle McDonald are all expected to miss the start of the season at least. In Dallas, Jamie Benn's injury means that one more forward will be staying in the NHL for the time being.

This all breeds opportunity for the squad. Players who might have been looking at real estate in Boise are now looking at a chance to enjoy October, and maybe longer, in Central Texas.

Here is your full training camp roster.

Forwards (19): Francesco Arcuri (NHL), Jack Becker (AHL), Sean Chisholm (AHL), Daniyal Dzhanhiyev (TO), Justin Ertel (NHL), Cross Hanas (TO), Emil Hemming (NHL), Robbie Holmes (TO), Kole Lind (NHL), Angus MacDonell (NHL), Liam Malmquist (TO), Ayrton Martino (NHL), Curtis McKenzie (AHL), Mason Nevers (TO), Kaleb Pearson (AHL), Harrison Scott (NHL), Matthew Seminoff (NHL), Artem Shlaine (AHL), Antonio Stranges (NHL)

Defensemen (13): Jeff Baum (TO), Tommy Bergsland (AHL), Tristan Bertucci (NHL), Jake Boltmann (TO), Kyle Capobianco (NHL), Aidan Hreschuk (AHL), Michael Karow (AHL), Christian Kyrou (NHL), Kyle Looft (AHL), Eric Parker (TO), Connor Punnett (NHL), Trey Taylor (NHL), Gavin White (NHL)

Goaltenders (3): Ben Kraws (NHL), Arno Tiefensee (NHL), Nolan Maier (TO)

(NHL) – National Hockey League contract

(AHL) – American Hockey League contract

(TO) – Training Camp tryout

Of note to me are...

• Cross Hanas -- After getting a good look in NHL camp, the Dallas-area native is getting a tryout here in Cedar Park with a chance to earn a PTO or SPC.
• Emil Hemming -- Of course, Dallas' first rounder will bring eyeballs. He was not drafted from the major junior system though he did play there last year, so he can play in the AHL at 19. If the Finn stays in Texas, it will be an interesting question of how he can adapt to playing against other professionals. In 60 games last year in Barrie, he had 48 points but then poured on 15 points in 16 playoffs games. Texas has (AFAIK) never received a player like Hemming only to send him back to juniors, so I would assume that they intend to keep him here.
• Remi Poirier -- Poirier is not on this roster, and that's a good sign for his career development. Last year, Dallas signed Magnus Hellberg to be the organizational 3rd goalie. Now, Poirier has firmly grabbed that spot after his performances down the stretch and in the playoffs last spring and summer.

We can expect more assignments from Dallas in the coming week as the teams march toward the season start. Texas will begin its season on October 10th against Grand Rapids. Training camp activities are closed to the public.