After an impressive 16-year NHL hockey career, in which he played for the Jets, Panthers, Penguins, Sabres, and finally Dallas Stars, Stu Barnes will be trading in his ice skates and hockey jersey for wingtips and a suit. The man who brought intensity, intelligence, and pure talent to the ice will now bring those same qualities to the Dallas Stars bench as their new assistant coach.

Though Barnes has never seen himself as the player-coach type before, the Stars’ coaching staff has full faith in him. Co-general manager Les Jackson states, “Stu was a consummate professional on and off the ice throughout his career, and was the type of player who always exhibited the qualities you would associate with a future coach. Stu will be an excellent addition to our staff…” Sentiments that everyone of his former teammates always shared.

Barnes has been looking forward this move for quite some time, realizing that his playing days were fast approaching their end. He knew, however, that he was not ready to leave the game altogether. He believes his experience, if nothing else will assist the younger players on the team. After a total 1,136 NHL, most critics believe it will too.