Mike Modano to leave the game as a Star

Every Dallas Stars fan was gutted when Mike Modano left Texas and headed North and back home to Michigan to join the Red Wings. Not only were the fans sad that he had departed but he could of chose any team other than Detroit, as many Stars fans dislike the Red Wings with a passion. The huge amount of respect fans had for Mo didn’t change at all after he left and now he has signed a one day contract to come back to the Stars, fans are happier than ever.

Remarkably, the NHL, GM Joe Niewendyk and Mike Modano managed to sort a deal out that would make the American legend a Dallas Stars player for just one day. Well, many of you will be thinking what is the point of this? This means Mike can retire as a Dallas Star and at the franchise where he played 1459 games, scored 557 goals and a total 1359 points. The 41 year old represented Dallas in 12 seasons straight and the only other team he played for in the NHL was Detroit last year. Mo showed great loyalty, passion and skill at his time in Dallas, which resulted in him lifting the Stanley cup in 1999 and recording eight all-star appearances.

Modano holds a huge record as he is the top points scorer ever for an American born player with 1374. Along with his remarkable scoring record, Modano was a finalist for the Calder memorial trophy, Frank J. Selke trophy and the Lady Byng trophy but unfortunately didn’t win any, with the Calder memorial trophy being lost in a very controversial scenario.

For what Mo has giving to the Stars they will retire his famous number 9 jersey on the day he retires from the great game. He has played a total of 1499 games in the NHL and it is thought that he wont play one more game for the Stars as he wants to keep the two number ‘nines’ in his games played tally as it is his magic number used throughout his remarkable career.

I personally am a Dallas Stars fan and Modano caught my eye when I started supporting the franchise around 11 years ago. He plays at center and is left-handed which is exactly how I played when I played hockey a few years back. I wanted to be just like Mo when I played and he had a huge impact on me getting into hockey and the Dallas Stars, making him my favourite player. I have seen five NHL games over in the States, three of which were the Stars but unfortunately I never got to see Mike play which is something I will definitely regret not doing.

It just seems right that Mike will leave the game as a Star where he played the majority of his career. I am sure it will be a very emotional time for both Mike, the players and the fans as Mike hangs his skates up. I would like to say a huge thank you to Mo for what he has given to this franchise over the 12 years. He has achieved massive things in this league and is easily the best player to wear the Stars jersey in my opinion. A legend of the game and will surely go into the hall of fame.