I’m a sports fan in general, but I have a passion for hockey that I cannot begin to describe. Born and raised in the DFW area, growing up with a team like the Dallas Stars has been a true privilege for me. Rooting for the Stars, whether it be from the stands at the AAC or from the couch at home, has been a Daddy-Daughter thing shared between me and my dad for as long as I can remember. Now, at age 23, I’ve never been more proud to say that it’s just our thing and this season has been an awesome one for us. Each of us has our own favorite players (Cody Eakin for my dad and the Frenchman himself, Antoine, for me!) and favorite moments since October, but we both can agree that it’s been one heck of a season.
Sure,
they’ve had to deal with their fair share of adversity, tough losses, and a
straining schedule. They even had to endure the pressure of a new head coach,
staff, and captain, on top of the expectations placed upon them when it was
revealed that “A New Star Was Rising” and they were the chosen group to introduce
that to the sports world and to the fan base here in DFW. With all that in
mind, I honestly think that what I am most impressed with is the character of
this team. As a fan, I take pride in the fact that, all talent aside (and
there’s a lot of it in this Dallas Stars locker room), each and every guy on
this team and staff is a great person at heart and cares about so much more
than just the wins they can rack up throughout a season. It’s easy to relate to
the guys and become attached even though most of us have never met them,
because every time they step out on the ice, you can feel how grateful they are
to be here, to be able to play the game they love alongside the family they’ve
found in each other and here in Dallas.
It’s possible that there are
fans of other teams in the league that would jump forward and claim their team
is the same way and they get that same feeling from their players each game.
While I would politely listen to their examples of why they believe this to be
true, I would have to completely disagree, because there’s no other team like
the one we’ve got. No other team has an
entire roster of talent plus determination, consideration for others, and true
character like what we have here in these Dallas Stars.
In a season where the team
honored the great Mike Modano, handled a horrific scene the night of Rich
Peverley’s episode, supported the players (and a coach!) when they played for
their home countries in the Olympics, and battling their way to the playoffs, choosing
one thing that stood out most to me was tough. The atmosphere inside the AAC
before games was phenomenal and it just got better whenever the guys skated out
on the ice. They played with such chemistry on each of the lines and Lindy, I
know it doesn’t count for much, but I think you’re a genius. Overall, there was
so much to be proud of this year, but I think what impacted me the most
happened just recently at the first home game of the playoffs. Seeing Stephane
Robidas hit the ice – you just knew what happened and it was a terrible
feeling. Hearing the “Robi, Robi, Robi” chant beginning as he was helped off
the ice and seeing all of our players watching him with concern was enough to
give you chills.
Character.....
It all comes down to character, and they’ve all got it. That’s what sets the
Dallas Stars and this season’s guys apart from all others in the league. Sure,
they are brilliant athletes and we’re proud of how great they were this season,
but when I look at our Stars, I see much more than sports.
Now
I speak directly to the guys who donned the Victory Green for 88 games this
season – Thank you for being more than just athletes for us to root for, but
for being incredible individuals all together.
While we love chanting your names and clapping like crazy whenever you
score a goal, make an amazing play, or Roussel throws a wicked hook (my
personal favorite, of course), what we really appreciate above all else is that
you are all wonderful people. In the words of Lindy Ruff – “Let’s go
boys!” We can’t wait to see you next
season!
Sara Townley is a special contributor for the Texas Sports Review.
Follow Stars Talk @TexSR_StarsTalk
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