Stars Make First Cuts Of Training Camp, Including OHLers Gardiner And MacDonell

The Dallas Stars made their first cuts of training camp Sunday, returning three youngsters to their major junior teams, and releasing three others from their amateur tryouts.

The Dallas Stars made their first cuts of the 2024-25 season Sunday afternoon, returning three youngsters to their major junior teams while releasing three others from their amateur tryouts (ATO). 

Ontario Leaguers Brad Gardiner and Angus MacDonell were returned to their respective teams (Barrie Colts for Gardiner, and the Brampton Steelheads for MacDonell), while Western League defenseman Nilopekka Muhonen was returned to the Medicine Hat Tigers. 

Gardiner posted 33 assists and 49 points in 67 games with the Ottawa 67s last season, and he was traded to the Colts this summer. MacDonell generated 32 goals and 62 points in 61 games with Mississauga last year. And Muhonen put up seven assists and 11 points in 27 games with KalPa's Under-20 team in Finland. 

Meanwhile, released completely from their ATOs were forwards Gabriel Frasca, Joseph Henneberry, and Jake Karabela. Frasca played for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs last season, amassing 17 assists and 32 points in 44 games, but he was traded this summer to the Erie Otters. Henneberry had 34 goals and 69 points between the Quebec Major Junior League's Acadie-Bathurst Titan and Victoriaville Tigres, but he'll play for Victoriaville this season. And Karabela had 30 assists and 55 points in 65 games for Guelph in the OHL last year.

The Stars continue their pre-season training in Frisco, Texas. After playing their first pre-season game against St. Louis Saturday, their next game action takes place Monday night against the Colorado Avalanche. 

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