game Day Guide: Stars at Canadiens – Hryckowian Returns Home
MONTREAL - Dallas Stars rookie Justin Hryckowian will make his Bell Center debut Thursday night when the Stars face the Montreal Canadiens, a notably meaningful moment for the Quebec native. Hryckowian, who grew up playing hockey in the Montréal area, signed with Dallas as a free agent in 2023 after developing his game in the USHL adn at Northeastern University.
The 24-year-old forward has quickly become a valuable contributor for the Stars, earning praise for his competitiveness and ability to win puck battles. Thru 16 games this season, Hryckowian has tallied two goals and is currently playing on a line with mavrik bourque and Oskar Beck, a trio that Stars coach glen Gulutzan believes is generating notable energy. “He’s been playing well and that line has been playing well,” Gulutzan said. “They seem to have some chemistry together and they’re helping us create energy.”
Hryckowian’s impact extends beyond offensive contributions. Listed at 5-11, 195 pounds, he plays a physical game, proving tough along the boards and helping the Stars maintain possession. “He’s obviously a very competitive guy and he wins puck battles,” gulutzan explained. “Those kinds of guys are hard to play against. They can keep you in the offensive zone.”
The Stars are entering Thursday’s game following a 3-2 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, a game where they overcame an early 2-0 deficit by controlling puck possession.Dallas will be without several key players due to injury, including Adam erne (lower-body), Jamie Benn, and Ryan Duchene.Nathan Bastian may return to the lineup, but the Stars will rely heavily on their depth forwards, like Hryckowian, to fill the void.
“You try to make them proud and represent,” Hryckowian said, anticipating a large contingent of friends and family in the stands.Bourque, also a Quebec native, will share in that experience.
Gulutzan emphasized the importance of the occasion for hryckowian. “I was actually thinking about him the last couple of days, growing up here. It will be a real treasure for him.”
prior to joining the Stars, Hryckowian excelled in the AHL with the Texas Stars, earning AHL Rookie of the Year honors after recording 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) last season.
