Fans Flock to Galleria for Ice Breaker

The Dallas Stars are officially back. The players and team got the 2008-09 season off to an early start with an event for the fans on Saturday at Galleria Dallas -- the 2008 Dallas Stars Ice Breaker. The event ran from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. as the players signed autographs at 10 different locations near the ice rink from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. As the only local pro team to hold a public autograph event of its kind that includes the entire squad, it was a great way for the players to let the fans know that they're back and they can't wait to get started on the season.

2008 Stars Ice Breaker Photo Gallery

"This is a fun event for the fans and we enjoy seeing them,” said Captain Brenden Morrow. “Training camp is less than a week away and it’s great to see the excitement on the fans’ faces. They’re ready to go and so is our team. We can’t wait to get going.”

Fans in attendance, which was estimated at around 5,500-plus, had a chance to sign up to win prizes, including autographed jerseys worn by the players at Ice Breaker. Jeff K served as emcee and interviewed several players. Stars broadcaster Ralph Strangis was also on-hand, chatting with fans in line and posing for pictures with Ice Girls.
"We’re all excited about hockey season returning," said Strangis "Everybody is ready to start the season and it is great to see all of these fans out here today. What a great turnout."

The players were impressed with another great turnout at the event, as fans flocked the autograph lines at Galleria Dallas. When the players went up at 11 a.m. to begin signing autographs a big cheer came from crowd that you could hear throughout the four levels of the mall.

Over 4,500 autographs were given out to fans at the Ice Breaker.

"It’s great to see all of the fans and you never get tired of it,” said Stars goalie Marty Turco. “We have some of the best fans in the league and they have always been very supportive. Ice Breaker is a fun event, not just for the fans, but for the players too."
 
The Dallas Stars would like to thank Galleria Dallas, Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket, 93.3 The Bone, and 99.5 The Wolf for helping make this year's Ice Breaker possible.

“This is the third year in a row we’ve done this at the Galleria and they do a great job of setting it up,” said Morrow. “We’d also like to thank the fans for coming out in some nasty weather.”

Stars Training Camp begins next weekend in Frisco.