Stars Training Camp: The No. 3 goalie

Saturday, September 19, 2009-10:20:pm
/Andrew's Dallas Stars Page                            

The Dallas Stars settled the question of a No. 2 goalie back in July when the acquired Alex Auld from the Ottawa Senators to backup Marty Turco, but there's still some jockeying for position in the netminding depth ranks.

Richard Bachman, who is making his pro debut this season after two years at Colorado College, is expected to play with Idaho of the ECHL this season, leaving Matt Climie and Brent Krahn, who both saw playing time with the Stars last season, as the leading candidates for the guy will be next in line on the team's AHL affiliate in Austin.

"We don't have a defined No. 3 guy right now, so Climie and Krahn are going to kind of battle it out," said goaltending coach Mike Valley. "It's a great situation. They're both big, talented goaltenders and both are passionate, hard working guys".

Krahn, who backed up Marty Turco in St. Louis Saturday night, played one period for the Stars last season. Coming off knee surgery, Krahn got a late start to the season and played in Las Vegas (ECHL) and Chicago (AHL) and only played a total of 19 games.

Krahn has been plagued by a knee problem throughout his career, but surgery he had in the spring of 2008 may have finally solved the issue.

"I've had no issues since then. The surgery was successful. It's the best I've felt since I was 19-years-old," said the 27-year-old Krahn.

Getting past that knee problem could be key for Krahn, a highly touted goalie in juniors who the Calgary Flames took ninth overall in the 2000 NHL draft.

"I think the big thing for him is he has battled a lot of injuries and now he is moving freely on the ice and that allows us to have him utilize that size," said Valley. "There were things he avoided doing on the ice because he couldn't move that way. It hurt too much because of the knee."

Said Krahn: "It's taken the hesitancy away. I feel stronger and more confident in my movements. In certain positions on the ice I feel I can normally do what I can do and it's helped me learn a few new things too. It helps me be in better position and be more focused."

Like all Dallas players who were in the minors last season, Krahn ended up playing with another NHL team's AHL affiliate. He spent time with the Chicago Wolves, Atlanta's AHL club, and saw limited playing time. This season will be different with the Stars' new affiliate in Austin.

"I am looking forward to doing everything I can to sticking around up here, but it's good knowing that you are not going too far," said Krahn.

Climie is in his second year as a pro and his first one was an interesting ride. He started with Idaho of the ECHL, where he had a 27-12-1 record, a 2.30 goals-against-average, a .915 save percentage and four shutouts. He ranked third in the ECHL in wins, fourth in goals against average, tied for fourth in shutouts and eighth in save percentage.

He also played well in three games with the Stars at the end of the season, posting a 2-1-0 record, 2.92 goals against average and a .894 save percentage. 

He returned to Idaho for the ECHL playoffs, and after the team was knocked out in the first round, moved on to the Houston Aeros of the AHL, where he posted a 1-1 record with a 1.88 goals against average and a .945 save percentage in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

"He's had success everywhere he's played in pro hockey and he's played well," said Valley. "This is a big opportunity for him."

Climie made the most of his opportunities last season and came into camp this season feeling good about his game.

"I think I've made some real big strides as a goaltender," Climie said of his progress over the past year. "I am not giving up as many bad goals. I feel stronger and solid as a goaltender. I want to build on that and continue to improve and develop my game so I am ready to make that jump to the next level."

And that next level for Climie would be the jump to being a full-time goaltender in the AHL this season and first in line for a call up to the NHL if needed.

'I just want to out and prove I can play at the American League level and win that third spot, that first call up," said Climie. "I want to continue to make strides and continue to improve and if I am given that opportunity to play at the NHL level I am ready to step in and be solid."

Practice notes

• Mike Ribeiro, who missed Friday's practice with hand and groin issues, was back on the ice for Saturday's non-game squad practice.
   

• Stars head coach Marc Crawford said forward Scott Glennie, who has missed all of camp with a groin injury, has started skating on his own.

Non-game squad lineup

Here were was the lineup used in Saturday's practice involving players who did not travel with the team for the game in St. Louis.