Dallas Stars: Mark Parrish Suits Up, Happy to Be in Dallas

Rarely can a hockey team acquire a quality player with decent playing experience for half a million dollars, but the Dallas Stars were able to do that when they signed Mark Parrish to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

Possibly the addition of the right-handed Parrish could help bring the Stars out of their current funk. Either way, he is a veteran who knows how to score goals and is very excited to be with the Stars.

“I was ecstatic when I found out I was going to have a chance to play with the Dallas Stars,” Parrish said in the Stars press release. “Ever since the buyout happened there had been a lot of talk about other teams wanting me to join them, Dallas being one of them. It was frustrating sitting around waiting for someone to say, ‘ok let’s do it.’ I was hoping all along it would be Dallas.”

Coach Tippett seemed impressed by Parrish’s first practice in a Stars jersey.

“Mark looked good out there,” said Tippet in the press release. “He is very excited for the opportunity and we need some help. He has the opportunity to help us. He is a veteran and that experience is invaluable. You can tell he has poise with the puck.”

In his first practice it has been reported Parrish was centered by Brad Richards. No lines have been set for Friday’s game yet, but this setup seems likely to stick.

“Any right wing in the league that looks at this team up the middle would just salivate to have the chance to play with these great center men,” Parrish said. “I am looking forward to getting to know all of them because there are times when you will be playing with everyone on the team. I am very excited.”

The Stars will practice again today in Frisco before departing for California to face Anaheim on Friday, and San Jose on Saturday.

“I am really looking forward to the game on Friday and it’s nice to get a few practices with the team before we have to play in a game,” Parrish said. “Hopefully I can find a comfort zone with the team quickly.”

Original Image and Quotes: Courtesy of Dallas Stars website