By Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-649577.mp3
Dallas, TX – Bill Zeeble, KERA Radio reporter: Dallas Stars Hockey team owner Tom Hicks introduced his 2 new co-General Managers to the media Wednesday after Tuesday's dismissal of 17-year Dallas Stars employee Doug Armstrong. Armstrong had been the Stars' General Manager for the last 5 years. His replacements include future hockey hall of famer and retired Stars player Brett Hull, and veteran franchise employee Les Jackson, who's been the Stars assistant GM since 2000. Owner Tom Hicks.
Tom Hicks, Dallas Stars owner: Today's all about returning the Dallas Stars to their days of glory. I've had some concerns for some time. They're subtle. It wasn't an easy decision but felt I needed to make it and I did. For the Stars, we need to take it back to where we know, as one of the most successful teams in hockey.
Zeeble: The current 7-7&3 record in this young hockey season puts the Stars second to last in its Western Conference Division. Hicks says the team should've won at least 4 additional games. The other night's 6 to 5 loss, after the Stars HAD BEEN shutting out its opponent 4 - zip, grabbed the owners attention, even though Hicks said he'd already been considering some sort of change.
HICKS: People were playing not to lose, not to make mistakes. People were looking over their shoulder, instead of playing like Stars, taking it to them, and playing to win.
Zeeble: New co-General Manager Les Jackson says he, with colleague Brett Hull, will work to shape the current roster so the skaters work for victory every second they're on the ice.
Les Jackson, Stars co-GM: If you don't' play 60 minutes and you let down for 2 minutes or let a good player perform for 2 minutes against, they'll beat you. You've got to stay focused on the task.
Zeeble: Brett Hull, known for his strong opinions as a TV sports commentator, is looking forward to his new co-manager role with Jackson.
Brett Hull, Star co-GM: Hull: I usually fly by the seat of my pants. His ability to be calculated and a little more thoughtful, before he acts, those 2 pieces we're different in will make us better.
Zeeble: The new Stars managers suggest this change at the top may be just the beginning in a rebuilding process that will ultimately trickle down to a change of players.
Jackson: It's a skating game, it's a young man's game. We must transition into that. I say that we're committed to some guys contractually, so it'll take some time to work that out. To say it'll happen overnight, that's a challenge.
Zeeble: At this same conference, Hicks said he's moved long time Stars President Jim Lites to other parts of his sports Marketing Group. Hicks also owns the Texas Rangers baseball team in Arlington, and the Liverpool Football club, an English soccer team. Lites will spend more time marketing and developing business deals with both. The new Stars President is Jeff Cogen, who moves over from Arlington, where he was the Rangers President . Hicks calls him a front office expert in ticket sales and customer development. Bill Zeeble KERA news. Bzeeble@Kera.Org