3View: Mid-Cities Jr. Stars | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
Menu
North American 3 Hockey League logo North American 3 Hockey League
A Step Above the Rest NAHL Combines NAHL USA Hockey T1ER NAPHL

3View: Mid-Cities Jr. Stars

August 29, 2018
The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2018-19 season, with two teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 3View goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all the head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2018-19 season, including taking a look at their potential roster and their strengths as a team for the upcoming season. It will also take a look back on the 2017-18 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished.  Best of all, 3View will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect.
 
Mid-Cities Jr. Stars
2017-18 Record: 30-16-1, 61 pts. (3rd in the West Division)
2018 Playoffs: Lost to the Texas Brahmas in the South Division Finals, 2 games to 0
Head Coach: Tommy Train
2018-19 Division: South
 
The Mid-Cities Junior Stars, located in Euless, Texas played their first season in the NA3HL back in 2013-2014. Coached by Tommy Train, the Stars have been previously known as the Dallas Jr. Stars in 2013-2015 and the Euless Jr. Stars in 2015-2017. They recently became an affiliate with the NAHL team Corpus Christi Ice Rays. 
 
The Stars are coming off a very successful season, as they lost to the Texas Brahmas in the Division Finals. They were able to defeat the Atlanta Capitals in the Division Semifinals after losing to them in the previous season. 
 
Even after coming up short, Coach Train was proud of the way his team fought over the course of the season. 
 
“I think we had a really good season,” Train said. “We battled some major injuries to key players throughout the year. With that we had some guys step up into bigger roles and succeeded.”
 
As the 2018-2019 season approaches, Train says the biggest key going into the year will be his players will to develop and expand their game. 
 
“The biggest thing we are looking at are for players that want to learn and grow as players,” Train said. “At the end of the day if you give me 20 players that want to do that, we will be very successful.”
 
Head Coach Tommy Train is a former NAHL coach and NAPHL player. His experience and connections can be extremely crucial for helping his players make it to the next level. 
 
One of the great ways for players to make that happen is by showcasing their talent at some of the big league-wide events. Train is very fond of the leagues ability to put together successful events every year. 
 
“I think all of the league wide events are great. The showcase in Blaine puts the whole league in one place for NAHL scouts to watch. It is a great experience for the players,” Train said. “Top Prospect is another great event for players to showcase their talents with some of the top players in the league.”
 
In order to have another successful season, Train says his players will need to work on their individual skills to help them grow as players.  
 
“Obviously systems are a big part of winning and having a successful team,” Train said. “But about 2 times a week we work on individual skills to develop. Stick handling, quick release, one timers, quickness, speed. These are the skills that might be holding a player back from playing Tier 2.”
 
When it comes to expectations for the upcoming season, Train expects nothing less than a Division title. However, he knows that will start with him and the staff.
 
“I would be selling our self-short if I didn’t say we expect to win the South Division,” Train said. “But that starts with my staff and I developing our players throughout the season.”
 
The Mid Cities Jr. Stars will start the season on the road against the Louisiana Drillers on Saturday, September 15th.
 
Next up in the 3View series: Milwaukee Power
 
Bauer True Temper Hockey USA Hockey
USPA Hockeyak Warroad Howies Hockey Tape Lettermen Sports DASH Digital Auction Showdown K1 Sportswear Official Game Puck
HockeyWolf Bethel University Avis Car Rental Budget Car Rental Ace Rent A Car
Neutral Zone CaptainU NSC Super Rink Source One Digital
Let's Play Hockey Let's Play Hockey USA Hockey Magazine MYHockey Rankings