If you’ve spent any time at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park lately, you know the vibe is different this year. It’s not just the smell of overpriced popcorn or the way the air gets that specific kind of crisp when the Zamboni finishes its laps. It's the roster. The Texas Stars hockey roster for the 2025-26 season is this weird, beautiful mix of "I've seen it all" veterans and "I'm about to be famous" kids.
Honestly, tracking an AHL roster is like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. One day a guy is scoring a hat trick in Austin; the next morning, he’s on a 6:00 AM flight to meet the big club in Dallas because someone caught a stray puck in practice.
But right now, in mid-January 2026, things are starting to solidify. We’re seeing who actually has the legs for a deep playoff run and who might just be trade bait.
The Core Forwards: Who’s Carrying the Weight?
You can't talk about this team without starting with Cameron Hughes. The guy is basically the engine room. He was just named to the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic, and it wasn't exactly a surprise. Leading the team with 31 points through 37 games? Yeah, that'll do it. He’s got this uncanny ability to find space where there shouldn't be any.
Then you have Curtis McKenzie. He’s the captain, the heart, the guy who probably has more bruises than actual skin at this point in his career. At 34, he’s not the fastest guy on the ice anymore, but he doesn't need to be. He’s there to make sure the 20-year-olds don't lose their heads when a game against Chicago gets chippy.
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Youth Movement in the Top Six
- Arttu Hyry: The Finnish import. He’s a big body, 6'2", and he plays a heavy game that translates well to the smaller North American ice.
- Antonio Stranges: The "human highlight reel." His skating style—that 10-to-2, open-hip Mohawk look—is still one of the most polarizing things in the league. When it works, he looks like a genius.
- Samu Tuomaala: He came over in that trade for Christian Kyrou earlier this season. It took him a minute to find his rhythm, but he’s been slotting in nicely on the wing.
- Kole Lind: A veteran presence who still brings a massive offensive upside. He's one of those guys who just knows where the back of the net is.
The Blue Line: Defense and Transition
The defense has seen a lot of "up and down" lately. Literally. Luke Krys was just loaned back from Dallas on January 11th, which is a huge boost for the Texas Stars hockey roster. He’s mobile, smart with his first pass, and doesn't panic under pressure.
Michael Karow and Kyle Looft provide that steady, stay-at-home presence that allows the younger, flashier defensemen to take risks. Speaking of risks, keep an eye on Tristan Bertucci. He’s only 20, and while he makes the occasional "young defenseman" mistake, his ceiling is incredibly high. He’s got that modern NHL defenseman build—lean, fast, and constantly looking to join the rush.
The Defensive Depth Chart (Current)
- Trey Taylor: Showing some offensive flair lately with a few key goals in January.
- Connor Punnett: Brought back up from Idaho (ECHL) in November and hasn't looked back.
- Aidan Hreschuk: He’s been the "shuttle player" this year, moving between Cedar Park and Boise. He’s currently with the AHL squad and providing some much-needed grit.
- Tommy Bergsland: A Minnesota kid who’s finally finding his "pro legs." He’s been praised by the coaching staff recently for his positive mindset and willingness to play whatever role is asked.
The Goalie Carousel
The crease has been a bit of a revolving door this month. Rémi Poirier is the undisputed 1A when he’s in town. Dallas called him up briefly in early January to cover for Casey DeSmith, but he’s back in Texas now. Poirier is one of those goalies who looks like he's doing nothing because his positioning is so good.
Behind him, Arno Tiefensee has been a solid find. The German netminder has a massive 6'4" frame and covers a lot of the net just by existing. Ben Kraws is also in the mix, though he’s spent a decent chunk of the season getting starts in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads to keep his game sharp.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Roster
People tend to look at an AHL roster and think it’s just a "waiting room" for the NHL. That’s a mistake. The Texas Stars hockey roster is built to win the Calder Cup, not just to develop prospects. General Manager Jim Nill and the Texas staff have a specific philosophy: you develop better in a winning environment.
That’s why you see guys like Kole Lind or Justin Ertel playing heavy minutes. It’s not just about getting them ice time; it’s about teaching them how to win tight games in February when the legs feel like lead.
Also, can we talk about Emil Hemming for a second? A lot of fans were bummed when he got sent back to the OHL (Barrie Colts) after a five-game stint earlier this year. But honestly? It was the right move. He’s 19. He was playing against grown men with mortgage payments and kids. Letting him go back to junior to dominate and regain his confidence—which he has, scoring at a nearly two-point-per-game clip—is much better for his long-term future with the Stars.
Key Transactions to Remember (Jan 2026)
- Jan 11: Luke Krys (D) reassigned to Texas from Dallas.
- Jan 5: Nathan Bastian (F) recalled to Dallas after a conditioning stint where he actually looked pretty dominant.
- Jan 5: Rémi Poirier (G) returned to Texas.
- Jan 2: Ben Kraws (G) recalled from Idaho to provide depth during the NHL call-up window.
Looking Ahead: The Push for the Playoffs
The Central Division is a meat grinder. Milwaukee and Grand Rapids aren't going away, and the Stars' roster needs to stay healthy to keep pace. The biggest factor for the second half of the season will be the power play. With Cameron Hughes facilitating and Arttu Hyry causing chaos in front of the net, they have the pieces.
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If you're heading to the H-E-B Center, watch the "small" things. Watch how Artem Shlaine wins faceoffs in the defensive zone. Note how Ayrton Martino uses his speed to negate icing calls. These are the details that don't always show up on the box score but make this specific iteration of the roster so dangerous.
The next time you're checking the lines, don't just look for the top draft picks. Look at the guys like Jack Becker or Harrison Scott. They are the glue. Without them, the high-end talent doesn't have the space to shine.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're tracking player progress for a potential NHL call-up, watch the "Plus/Minus" and "Penalty Minutes" for the defensemen. Dallas isn't looking for a fourth-line puck-mover; they’re looking for someone who can play 12 minutes of mistake-free hockey. Currently, Michael Karow is the most likely "safety valve" if Dallas runs into injury trouble on the blue line.