California Kid Harrison Scott Finding His Way as a Stars Rookie

by Catherine Morrison

Oct 29, 2025

Rookie Harrison Scott made his debut late last season for the Texas Stars after taking the University of Maine to their first Hockey East championship in 12 years, and then their first NCAA tournament since 2004.

He transferred to Maine from Bentley University midway through his college career and blossomed, catching the eye of the Dallas Stars, despite his undrafted status. Scott went to Orono during a cultural shift and was a big part of the Black Bears’ success.

“It was awesome to get the experience to go play at Maine. At the time they were rebuilding their culture, rebuilding the program, and I’m happy I got to be a part of that,” said Scott. “We had [head coach] Ben Barr come over, and he had been on some winning teams and knew what it took to get to those conference championships and get back to the NCAA tournament.”

After transferring, Scott nearly doubled his goal and point production, from eight goals and 15 points his sophomore season at Bentley, to 15 goals and 27 points in his junior season at Maine.

“We grinded really hard. It was one of those things where you just have to stack good days on good days and keep building, and we were fortunate enough to go to the Hockey East Championship both years I was there and then the tournament,” said Scott. “Obviously, the tournament didn’t turn out the way we wanted to, but we were happy we were able to win the Hockey East.”

After the Black Bears season ended in a NCAA tournament loss to Penn State, Scott traveled all the way down to Cedar Park to make his pro debut with the Texas Stars as they were gearing up for the Calder Cup playoffs.

“Just being on a winning team and knowing what it takes to win, the pieces on your team you need and the guys playing certain roles, I think learning that part of the game at Maine and then coming into the playoffs last year, I realized I had a role to play here,” said Scott. “I was fortunate enough to come in when we were doing really well and we were in a great position going into playoffs. We got close there but that’s something we’re going to keep pushing for throughout this year.”

The rookie skated in all 14 games during the Stars' deep playoff run, after playing six games at the end of the regular season. He notched his first pro goal at a perfect time, in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals against the Abbotsford Canucks.

After having to push for his first goal, Scott's second came quickly. He scored his first regular season goal on Opening Weekend.

“I think the one in playoffs was a little more memorable, because I was really grinding for that one, and getting that one out of the way felt great,” said Scott. “Having played my best hockey that last game and then coming into this season just feeling confident about my game, it did feel good to get the first one out of the way.”

Scott is no stranger to playing hockey in warmer climates. The Stars forward played for the San Jose Sharks youth program for three years before going to boarding school in Illinois. He got his first taste of the Lone Star State in junior hockey a year before he started college. The Northern California native spent one season 500 miles northwest of Austin playing for the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League.

“Austin is a little more mild than how it was in Amarillo. I had never been here in Austin previously, so I had a little more of an Amarillo thought, in terms of the environment, and it was polar opposite of what I was thinking,” said Scott. “[I’m] grateful to be here and it’s been a great city, especially the Cedar Park area. I love it.”

Despite its differences from West Texas, Scott has quickly adapted to his new home in the Austin area. In true California style, he prefers to be by the water on rare off days, while also taking advantage of Austin’s cuisine.  

“I’ve had some pretty good barbecue so far and I visit the springs in town. I kind of plan on finding myself at the water on off days and just getting outside.”

Fans might be surprised to know that one of Scott’s favorite activities away from the rink is another high-energy activity.

“I like all board sports. I grew up skateboarding and in recent years I’ve become a huge surfer, so off the ice, I like surfing. I try to stay away from the skateboard or anything that’s going to get me hurt, but I love to surf.”

Scott will look to build on his game here in Cedar Park and do his best to help the team make another deep run in the Calder Cup Playoffs this season.