Texas Doubles Up North Division Leading Marlies 4-2

Mar 25, 2012

Texas Rookie goalie Jack Campbell Garners First Pro Win With 32 Saves

Toronto, ON - The Texas Stars (28-34-2-2, 60 points) defeated the Toronto Marlies (38-23-4-3, 83 points) 4-2 at Ricoh Coliseum on Sunday. In just his second pro start, Texas rookie goalie Jack Campbell (1-1-0) carried a shutout into the third period and finished with 32 saves for his first pro win. Rookies Matt Fraser, Mike Hedden and Taylor Vause also tallied markers, as Texas improved to 4-2-0-0 all-time against Toronto. Center Travis Morin added two assists, moving within one point of tying the team record for most points in a season. Left wing Francis Wathier sealed the win with an empty-net goal, ending the team’s six-game losing skid. Toronto goalie Jussi Rynnas (9-8-1) stopped 18 of 21 shots in the loss. Marlies forwards Greg Scott and Marcel Mueller each scored in only the team’s tenth loss of the year at home. Texas heads to Lake Erie for a game on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (CT).

The Stars claimed a 1-0 lead with the lone goal of the opening period. Rookie center Taylor Vause picked off the puck in the Marlies zone. The 20-year old snapped a wrist shot from the high slot, over the shoulder of Jussi Rynnas, and into the Toronto net. Vause’s first goal as a pro gave Texas a one-goal lead.

Texas made it 2-0 at 3:01 of the second period after Mike Hedden put in a rebound for his 13th goal of the year. Left wing Shawn Wellar and defenseman Maxime Fortunus added assist on the play, making it 2-0 Stars.

Toronto got on the board at 3:40 of the third and final period. Forward Marcel Mueller scored his 13th goal of the season from Nazim Kadri, trimming the Stars lead to 2-1. Texas countered to regain the two-goal lead at 14:52. Rookie Matt Fraser extended his team record for most goals in a season, potting his 31st tally of the year. Forwards Scott Glennie and Travis Morin each had an assist on the play to give Texas a 3-1 lead. Toronto pulled within a goal with 2:16 remaining in regulation. Greg Scott finished off a centering pass from Ryan Hamilton, netting his 18th goal of the year and cutting the Stars lead to 3-2. Texas left wing Francis Wathier scored his 17th goal of the season with 16-seconds left in the third period. Morin had the lone assist on the play, giving the Stars a 4-2 win.

Texas concludes a three-game road trip on Tuesday, March 27th at Lake Erie at 6:00 p.m. (CT). Texas returns home to face the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. Thursday’s game is a 3-2-1 night, featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 sodas, and $1 hot dogs. On Saturday, Texas will host Lake Erie at 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Park Center. The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Texas Stars hockey puck, compliments of BossyHD. Saturday is also State Farm Family four-pack night with four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48. On Sunday, Texas hosts Puck N Paws day at Cedar Park Center. The team will host Lake Erie at 5:00 p.m. and fans will be permitted to bring their dog to the game, while sitting in a designated pet-friendly section - equipped with water and relief stations. Fans wishing to bring their dog to the game will need to book their tickets in advance and show proof of recent shots / spay-neuter. Those planning on attending need to contact Peter Norovsky at pnorovsky@texasstarshockey.com or call 512-GO-STARS for more information.

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available online at www.TexasStarsHockey.com or by calling 512.GO.STARS (467.8277). 2012-13 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

--Texas Stars--