It was the season opener for the Stars’ affiliate.
DALLAS - Kyle McDonald and Logan Stankoven scored for the AHL’s Texas Stars in a 3-2 season-opening loss to the Tucson Roadrunners on Friday night at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.
McDonald and Stankoven are both first-year pros after wrapping up their Junior careers in the OHL and WHL, respectively.
McDonald, 21, went undrafted. He was signed to a three-year entry-level contract in March.
“I like to be around the net,” said McDonald, who re-directed a shot from defenseman Lian Bichsel for his tally. “That’s where I’m going to make a living… He made a great shot, and I was lucky enough to get a stick on it.”
Stankoven was a second-round selection (47th overall) in 2021.
The 20-year-old enjoyed an outstanding training camp with Dallas, before the decision was ultimately made to send him to Cedar Park to further his development.
Bichsel also enjoyed a solid AHL debut, according to head coach Neil Graham.
The 19-year-old blueliner was the 18th-overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft.
“He adds a lot of size and physicality. He’s engaged. You can even see him on the penalty-kill, he wants to take a body,” said Graham. “That’s the reason he was a high pick, he’s playing to his strengths.”
Stars goaltender Remi Poirier made 27 saves on 30 shots in the loss.
Texas and Tucson battle again on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. CT at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.
RELATED LINKS
