Dallas Stars’ Top Three Gordie Howe Hat Tricks

Although the late Mr. Hockey never played for Dallas, several Dallas Stars have achieved the hat trick that pays tribute to one of the greatest players of all time.

Gordie Howe, who passed away on Friday at the age of 88, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of hockey. With a total of 1,685 penalty minutes throughout the duration of his career, he certainly was not afraid to drop the mitts and get aggressive.

It’s only appropriate, then, that when a player tallies a goal, an assist, and a fight all in the same game, they earn a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Several players in Dallas have risen to the ranks of those with such a hat trick under their belt. Here are three of the Dallas Stars’ most recent and most memorable Gordie Howe hat tricks which Mr. Hockey himself would have been proud of.

3. Antoine Roussel: February 20, 2016 vs. Boston Bruins

When it comes to all things fighting, you just can’t keep Antoine Roussel down. Simply because of his tenacity and reputation for heavy fists in the NHL, Roussel couldn’t be kept off this list, either. But just to remind ourselves that things don’t always go our way (like we needed another reminder, right?) we’re starting off the list with a loss.

Although Roussel lost this fight and the Stars lost this ugly 3-7 game at home with their tails tucked between their legs, Roussel’s grit in this fight against

is a good metaphor for how we like the Stars to hang in when they’re down.

2. Jamie Benn: October 14, 2014 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Dallas Stars took this game 4-2, and Jamie Benn took Nick Foligno by about that much too, if not more. Fights like this are what’s given Benn the nickname “Beast Mode,” and are what fans and players alike look to for morale boosting when the chips are low.

Here, you can see Benn circling, like the calm before the storm, and then unleashing that storm on the Blue Jackets’ captain. Moments like this are why Jamie Benn wears the C and prove that, much like Mr. Hockey himself, he is a well-rounded player with offensive finesse who won’t shy away from a necessary tussle.

1. Jamie Benn: February 23, 2013 vs. San Jose Sharks

There couldn’t be a more appropriate one to wrap up the list with. This is classic Jamie Benn, back before he had the C stitched on his jersey, but not before everyone was starting to catch onto the fact that he was something special.

In this Stars 3-1 win, the calm, intimidating confidence with which Benn circles

before he gives him what for and pulls him down onto the ice is a huge asset to the Stars and still is. Now go back and watch the previous video again if you want to catch some feelings about the progression of the war machine that is Jamie Benn.

And without a doubt, the Dallas Stars will see many more Gordie Howe hat tricks to come. With their place in the NHL rising, competition getting steeper, and their resolve only strengthening, the Stars will continue to fight for their place. In doing so, they will continue to pay tribute to one man who undeniably left his fingerprint on a sport that will persist in honoring him and his legacy.

Next: Dallas Stars Top Three Games of 2015-2016 Season

Which classic Dallas Stars’ Gordie Howe hat tricks would you add to the list? And who would you like to see joining the ranks this season?