Brother of Allen American leading Texas Stars in first playoff run
ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans, the Dallas Stars’ CHL affiliate, ended their first season in the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals. The Texas Stars, Dallas’ American Hockey League affiliate, is also a first-year team in the midst of its first postseason. The clubs have one thing in common besides their Stars family ties—both have a Benn brother making an impact on the team.
The Americans signed defenseman Jordie Benn at the beginning of their inaugural season in October. The 22-year-old accumulated 18 points in 45 games during the regular season. One of his nine goals included the game-winning goal that clinched the Americans’ first playoff berth in franchise history Feb. 23.
Benn continued his strong play in Allen’s postseason, finishing second among all defensemen in scoring with 11 points, only second to teammate Ryan Fairbarn’s 12 points. Five of the blueliner’s points came in the six-game finals series against Rapid City, and he finished the 2010 playoffs with a +7 plus/minus rating.
215 miles south of Allen in Cedar Park, Benn’s little brother, Jamie, is fighting for the AHL’s championship with the Texas Stars. After the Dallas Stars’ were eliminated from the playoffs, Dallas decided to send the 20-year-old forward to assist its first-year AHL team.
Jamie leads the Texas Stars in scoring this postseason, amassing 17 points in 13 games, which ties him for third overall in the AHL. The right wing has been a crucial part of the Stars’ success. Jamie had a four-point night in a 6-1 routing of Rockford in Game 3 of the first round before scoring five points in a 5-3 win over Chicago in Game 5 of the West Division Finals. But his most timely contribution came last week when he popped in the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 against Chicago to put the Stars in the Western Conference Finals.
Jordie is happy that his brother is allowed the opportunity to continue playing even though Dallas’ season is over. “It’s just going to him more confidence. He is still young, so the more experience he gets, the better,” the older brother said today.
The Stars are down 2-0 to the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Western Conference Finals. Texas will host the Bulldogs in Cedar Park Wednesday, May 19, and Friday, May 21, for Games 3 and 4. Game 5 will be Saturday, May 22, at the Cedar Park Center if necessary.
Season tickets for Allen’s second season are on sale now. Ticket prices start as low as $9 per game. As always, there is free parking at every game. For more information, call 972-912-1000.
Picture courtesy of the Texas Stars.
