Most of Dallas fans' eyes this preseason have been on the team's big-name new additions such as Patrick Sharp, Johnny Oduya and Antti Niemi, but one newcomer quietly making a mark is young Devin Shore, a 2012 Draft pick of the Stars who is making his first appearance in camp this year after spending the last three seasons with the University of Maine.
Shore, a 21-year-old Ontario native, has been acting like a sponge, soaking up the experience of taking the ice with superstars such as Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
"I watch all the forwards, how they play the game and the way they play heads up," Shore told the Stars' website. "[Patrick] Sharp is an amazing guy. The guys you watch on SportsCenter, you are seeing now firsthand. If you have questions you can ask them, they are very approachable. And you try to implement anything you can into your game."
Shore could spend the year in the AHL, but he is attempting to impress the coaches enough so that even if he is sent down, he would be one of the team's first choices in case the NHL squad needs reinforcements. The talent is there for the young center, who totaled 104 points in 112 games while at Maine. He also served as a captain for the Black Bears and was a steady presence, never missing a game during three seasons of play.
Shore looked capable in his preseason debut with the Stars Tuesday night. He recorded 14:12 of ice time and won 12 of 16 faceoffs. Dallas coach Lindy Ruff told the team website he is happy with Shore's performance so far.
"I’ve liked [Shore]," Ruff told the team website. “We’ve used him a little bit at the wing and a little bit in the middle, and I like him better in the middle. He’s a solid player, and he knows the game. I think he has really good potential. He’s about where I thought he would be, and it will be interesting to see where he gets to."
(h/t Dallas Stars)
