Stars Face Capitals in Exciting Game Day Matchup
Mavrik Bourque, a promising 23-year-old winger, recently encountered his former teammate, Logan Stankoven, in an exciting game day matchup. Bourque and Stankoven had a remarkable season together in the AHL during 2023-24, nurturing a deep bond on and off the ice.
Game Day Highlights
On game day, Bourque and Stankoven faced each other for the first time since Stankoven’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen. Bourque described the experience as enjoyable and nostalgic, stating, “It’s good. It’s always fun facing an old teammate.”
Player Performance
- Logan Stankoven: 16:24 ice time, 0 points, 10-of-19 on faceoffs.
- Mavrik Bourque: 14:33 ice time, 0 points, 0-for-2 on faceoffs.
Despite the individual statistics, Bourque’s team, the Dallas Stars, achieved a 3-2 victory. This win marked a significant moment, illustrating both players’ progression in their careers.
Season Development
Bourque has recently seen increased playing time with top-line forwards Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston, primarily due to several forwards being sidelined. He has also begun contributing prominently during power plays. Reflecting on his adjustments, he noted, “It’s new, and I’m trying to adjust. We all want these experiences, so I’m happy for them.”
AHL Journey
During their time in the AHL, both players excelled. In 47 games, Stankoven recorded 57 points, including 24 goals and 33 assists. He was called up to the NHL in February and participated in 24 games with the Stars. Meanwhile, Bourque showcased remarkable talent, accumulating 77 points (36 goals and 51 assists) and earning the league MVP title.
Lessons of Professional Sports
As they now play for different teams, Bourque reflects on the challenges of maintaining chemistry in professional hockey. “We both just wanted to make the NHL, so we had to help each other out,” he shared. He emphasized that every player’s journey is unique. “It’s not about when you come in or how you come in; it’s what you do when you get here,” he added. This perspective highlights the individuality of each athlete’s path within the sport.
