Blackout Dallas
Fansided

Dallas Stars’ John Klingberg, Julius Honka Gain Experience at Worlds

By Allison Scott

Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

There were four Dallas Stars that participated in the 2017 IIHF World Championships. But two Stars’ defensemen made quite the impression on their team and pulled valuable experience out of the tournament.

Although the Dallas Stars’ offseason is well underway, a few select players had the privilege of representing their respective home countries in Worlds over the past few weeks. That competition yielded a victory for one Stars player and will help the team moving forward.

John Klingberg

The young Stars defenseman won gold while representing Sweden in their 2-1 victory over Canada in the championship game. Klingberg was an integral part of the team, totaling six points throughout ten games.

Dallas’ No. 3 was a leader on the gold medal winning team, which is certainly a high stress situation to play in. Given the Stars’ recent struggles in big games over the past few years, his experience playing in such a game and earning such success is huge for his confidence.

Live Feed

Toronto Maple Leafs: 6 Remaining Questions Entering 2023-24
Toronto Maple Leafs: 6 Remaining Questions Entering 2023-24 /

Editor In Leaf

  • We Have to Hold Off Judging the Toronto Maple Leafs OffseasonEditor In Leaf
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Dumba Signs for Less than John KlingbergEditor In Leaf
  • Toronto Maple Leafs upgrades and season outlookPuck Prose
  • Are the Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Favorites After Additions?Puck Prose
  • Toronto Maple Leafs Still Looking to Upgrade Their DefenseEditor In Leaf

    • More than that, Klingberg reminded himself of what it is like to win. Last season was tough for everyone in and around the Stars, but coming home having defeated Canada to win gold for his home country has reestablished the taste of victory.

    It is that mindset that will allow Klingberg to be better motivated to work hard for Dallas’ upcoming season this fall. A focused John Klingberg is one of the best assets the Stars could wish for.

    Julius Honka

    Although the story did not go as planned for Julius Honka and his fellow Finnish teammates, Worlds will still prove beneficial for him. Finland came up short in the bronze medal game and ended up leaving the tournament empty handed.

    While the experience of losing is something Honka has grown too accustomed to recently, the opportunity to play alongside some incredible talent from Finland is beneficial to say the least. Honka was able to work on his game this offseason in an intense, competitive environment.

    He was skating in structured practices and playing in real, high-paced games. That is the best kind of offseason practice a young defender can get. Honka is hoping to make the Dallas Stars’ roster this upcoming fall. While he has a good chance given his relative success throughout his NHL career thus far, anything that can improve his game makes that chance improve.

    Although he would have wanted a different outcome from the championship for his home country, the experience alone will make Honka a better candidate for the Stars’ roster when it counts.

    Next: Dallas Stars' Offseason in Full Throttle

    Moving Forward

    A lot is going to happen in the upcoming weeks and months for the Stars. That much we do know and while little can be done to prepare for the immense amount of change that will occur in the NHL, experience and growth are necessary for success moving forward.

    Thanks to Dallas’ successful youth’s participation in Worlds, that has been made a bit easier.

    Home/Analysis