Dallas Stars Should Look To Dave Strader For Inspiration

Feb 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of a hockey puck and stick and face off circle during the game between the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers defeat the Stars 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of a hockey puck and stick and face off circle during the game between the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers defeat the Stars 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

As the Dallas Stars are at their most down and out, Dave Strader will return for a short broadcasting stretch to lend the Stars some fighting spirit.

It’s more obvious than it’s ever been: this season has cut the Dallas Stars down in ways we didn’t even know they could be cut down. Our expectations were high- maybe too high- and have gone grossly unmet. With frustrated players, fans, coaches- the whole lot, the Stars keep finding a new rock bottom and hitting it.

Which is why this would be the perfect time for some inspiration.

Dave Strader, who joined the Stars last season, was unable to return at the start of this season following his diagnosis of bile duct cancer. Strader has been in the broadcasting business for quite a while, for around 37 years, so stepping away from hockey in order to tend to his health was obviously a challenge.

He’s received masses of supportive cards from Stars fans, who came to love his entertaining interactions with Daryl Reaugh even after just one season. He’s been working through different treatments with the goal of resuming the play-by-play coverage, and now he is finally able to return to Dallas for the Stars’ five game homestand and reassume his role with the team.

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This situation will allow Strader to pace himself and evaluate his pace, as the Stars will take their five day break after the first game of this homestand. It’s a great scenario for Strader, and could prove to be a good one for the Stars, too.

The organization has rallied behind the play-by-play man with support, and now it seems like a perfect time for the Stars to start taking their notes from Dave Strader.

Despite enduring multiple different kinds of treatments and facing ups and downs, Strader is excited to return and is approaching the upcoming stretch methodically and with careful planning. The Dallas Stars are in a different kind of down and out situation, but should do the same.

Staring down a disappointing string of losses that have almost certainly condemned them to sit out this post season, the Stars should nonetheless pull themselves together and approach this homestand with all their frustrations and prior disappointments left on the ice.

Next: Dallas Stars' Problems This Season Continue To Grow

Strader’s return couldn’t have happened at a better point in the season. As the Stars have rallied behind Strader in the past, now it’s time to rally for him.