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Dallas Stars Find Young Leaders to Revive Team’s Reputation

By Katelin Brekken

Dec 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a disappointing season, the Dallas Stars watch as the Stanley Cup Playoffs ensue but should find comfort in the absence from the competition. There are many factors to look forward to for next season, namely one, Julius Honka.

It was announced officially that Ken Hitchcock would return to the Dallas Stars as Lindy Ruff’s replacement; however, Hitch’s introduction to the team has been much 

Nill hosted a press conference, where he expressed his optimism with bringing Hitchcock back to the team. Whether or not Hitchcock’s style of coaching will click with the current Stars is yet to be determined but at their state, there’s nowhere for the team to go but up. 

Despite the many questions up in the air, one thing is for sure: the Dallas Stars’ future will be decided by their young roster.

"“I think he’s getting a little bit more confident to get involved on the offensive side. He’s done a nice job moving the puck. The overtime is a time when he should excel with that much ice and the way he can skate.  I think he feels a little bit more comfortable.”"

In one of the final games of the season, Honka won the game for the Stars in OT, which more so reiterates his progression as an NHL athlete.

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"“I feel way more comfortable with the puck and that helps my game. Obviously I like to play with the puck a lot and if you have confidence it helps you to play your game. Overall I feel I’m playing my game a lot better.”"

End of the Season is Just Beginning for Honka

Saturday was big for the NHL-rookie, as he led many of his teammates on the ice, including Denis Guryanov, who made his NHL debut. Honka would consider himself a leader to his less-experienced teammates but recognizes that he still has much to learn.

"“Yeah, well I’m still a young guy,” Honka said. “This is my third year back [in Texas] and for a lot of guys, it’s their first year, so I would say so. I’m still pretty young so I still feel like I’m a rookie.”"

It was important for Honka to remember his roots, including the long road that it took to make it to the big leagues. For many NHL hopefuls, the road to the main ice is long and often difficult to adjust to.

"“Well, my first year when I moved here it was very different from Europe,” Honka said. “Hockey is still the same here [at the rink] which is the biggest area to get along. Outside the rink, the culture is quite different. I didn’t feel completely out of place, though. It’s kind of just what you do with your time off the ice that makes the difference, I’ve learned.”"

Honka Has Impending Military Responsibilities

Because Finland is not a member of any military alliance, it relies on general conscription to arm itself in the case of a crisis. All Finnish men of age are liable for either military service or non-military service. Dallas Stars’ goaltender Kari Lehtonen served as a mailman, rather than joining armed forces.

"“I haven’t done my [military] services yet,” Honka said. “I think I have to go do that next summer, it’s a little different with athletes. I’ll probably have to go there for a few weeks over the summer, we’ll have to see what happens. It’s funny, but it’s always been like that so people don’t want to get rid of it. They kind of love it, it’s kind of a rite of passage. We’ll see what happens.”"

Next: Dallas Stars Sending Multiple Players To World Championships

Looking forward, leadership is going to change quite a bit in Dallas. Honka’s drive to lead his team will benefit himself and the young team’s success in the near future. He is currently representing Finland at the Hockey World Championships, which will take place May 5-21, 2017.

"“I like Texas overall, I love Dallas. I can’t pinpoint one big thing that would be my favorite. If there’s one thing that I wanted to do, it would be to give my best. It’s the last gameday, so that’s pretty huge.”"

Add Julius Honka to the list of things for Stars fans to look forward to next season.

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