ESPN

All the Dallas Stars playing at the 2012 World Championship are now finished as the USA, Canada and Sweden were all eliminated in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Stars forward Loui Eriksson had one goal and one assist, but Sweden lost 4-3 to Czech Republic. Czech forward Milan Michalek scored the game-winner with 29 seconds remaining. Eriksson finished with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in eight games, leading Sweden in goals and finishing second on the team in points.

Defenseman Alex Goligoski had no points in Team USA’s 3-2 loss to Finland. Finland’s Jesse Joensuu scored two goals, including the game-winner with just nine seconds remaining. Goligoski ended the tournament with five points (one goal, four assists) and a plus-seven rating in eight games.

Stars goalie Richard Bachman, who played in one tournament game, was the backup to Jimmy Howard for Team USA on Thursday.

Forward Jamie Benn had no points in Canada’s 4-3 loss to Slovakia. Slovakia’s Michael Handzus scored a power play goal with 2:28 left, snapping a 3-3 tie. Benn ended up with five points (three goals, two assists) in eight games.

Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen is out for the rest of the tournament for the Finns due to a minor knee injury.

Forward Tomas Vincour, who was on the Czech's travel roster for the tournament, was not among the 25 players his country registered to play in the tournament, so he is not eligible to play any games.

Thursday’s results (quarterfinals)

Slovakia 4, Canada 3
Russia 5, Norway 2
Finland 3, USA 2
Czech Republic 4, Sweden 3

Saturday’s games (semifinals)

Russia vs. Finland, 6:30 a.m.
Czech Republic vs. Slovakia, 10:30 a.m.

Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen left Sunday’s World Championship game between Finland and the United States with a lower body injury after a collision with Team USA’s Bobby Ryan.

It happened with just over seven minutes left in the game when Ryan fell on Lehtonen in the Finnish crease. Lehtonen left the game and was replaced by Petri Vehanen.

There was no immediate word on the specifics of Lehtonen’s injury or the extent.

“Lehtonen is injured. That is all I know,” Finland coach Jukka Jalonen told media after the game.

Lehtonen stopped 25 of 30 shots in the game, which the USA won 5-0. It was a rough outing for Lehtonen, who was knocked around a few times in the crease by a U.S. team that dominated play from the drop of the puck.

Earlier in the third period, Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski was shaken up when he was hit from behind and slammed hard into the endboards by Finland’s Anssi Salmela, who received a boarding major and game misconduct. Goligoski returned to the game. Salmela is expected to face disciplinary action from the IIHF.

Goligoski had one assist and three shots on goal in 18:50 of playing time for the USA, which clinched a berth in the quarterfinals with its victory.

Stars goalie Richard Bachman backed up Jimmy Howard, who stopped all 18 shots he faced to earn the shutout for Team USA.

Sunday’s games

USA 5, Finland 0
Russia 2, Czech Republic 0
Slovakia 1, Switzerland 0
Norway 12, Germany 4

Monday’s games

Belarus vs. France, 8:15 a.m.
Latvia vs. Denmark, 9:15 a.m.
Kazakhstan vs. Finland, 12:15 p.m.
Italy vs. Russia, 1:15 p.m.

Stars goaltender Richard Bachman made his first appearance at the World Championship on Friday, stopping 17 of 19 shots as Team USA defeated Kazakhstan in overtime, 3-2.

“I had a lot of things going through my head -- I was excited to throw on the USA jersey and be a starter for a game,” Bachman told USAHockey.com. “I hadn’t played in 10 days -- since I had a little game action in the exhibition against Sweden. For me, I was just trying to get comfortable with my surroundings and just settle in.”

Kazakhstan, which came into the game with an 0-4 record, gave the U.S. all it could handle and forced Bachman to make some quality saves throughout the game.

Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski had an assist, a game-high eight shots on goal and was a plus-three for the USA, which outshot Kazakhstan 50-19.

Carolina’s Justin Faulk scored two goals for the USA, including the game-winner with 22 seconds left in overtime.

Canada defeated Finland 5-3 on Friday. Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen had 21 saves on 25 shots for the Finns, who lost for the first time in the tournament. Stars forward Jamie Benn had no points, one shot and two penalty minutes for the Canadians.

Stars forward Loui Eriksson had two assists, a game-high 10 shots on goal, but Sweden fell to Russia 6-3 in a battle of unbeaten teams. Russia is now the only unbeaten in the preliminary round at 5-0-0.

Eriksson now has nine points (three goals, six assists) in five games and ranks second in scoring at the tournament to Russia’s Evgeni Malkin, who had five points (three goals, two assists) in Friday’s game and now has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in five games.

Vincour won’t play at tournament

The Czech Republic made it official Friday that Stars forward Tomas Vincour won’t play at the World Championship. The Czechs registered their final three players for the tournament to bring their active roster to the 25-man limit and Vincour wasn’t among them.

Friday’s games

USA 3, Kazakhstan 2 (OT)
Czech Republic 6, Italy 0
Canada 5, Finland 3
Russia 7, Sweden 7-3

Saturday’s games

Slovakia vs. Belarus, 4:15 a.m.
Norway vs. Latvia, 5:15 a.m.
Switzerland vs. France, 8:15 a.m.
Germany vs. Denmark, 9:15 a.m.
Kazakhstan vs. Canada, 12:15 p.m.
Italy vs. Sweden, 1:15 p.m.

Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski had no points and two shots on goal in Team USA’s 5-3 win over Belarus. Goaltender Richard Bachman backed up Jimmy Howard again, but could get the start in Friday’s game when the USA takes on Kazakhstan.

Defenseman Philip Larsen had no points and a game-high six shots on goal in Denmark’s 3-1 loss to Russia on Thursday.

Kari Lehtonen did not dress for Finland, which defeated France 7-1 and improved to 4-0-0 in preliminary round play. Finland plays Canada on Friday.

Tomas Vincour did not play for Czech Republic, which defeated Latvia 3-1.

Thursday’s games

USA 5, Belarus 3
Russia 3, Denmark 1
Finland 7, France 1
Czech Republic 3, Latvia 1

Friday’s games

Kazakhstan vs. USA, 8:15 a.m.
Italy vs. Czech Republic, 9:15 a.m.
Finland vs. Canada, 12:15 p.m.
Russia vs. Sweden, 1:15 p.m.

Dallas Stars forward Loui Eriksson had two goals and one assist in Sweden’s 6-4 victory over Denmark at the World Championship on Monday.

Eriksson leads the tournament with six points (three goals and three assists) in three games and is tied for first in goal scoring with three other players, including Canada's Jamie Benn.

Benn had two goals, one assist and a plus-4 rating in Canada’s 7-2 win over France on Monday.

Benn had new linemates Monday, playing with Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The trio combined for 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the game.

Benn has three goals in three games. His four points are tied for fifth in the tournament.

Defenseman Alex Goligoski had no points, no shots and an even rating in Team USA’s 4-2 loss to Slovakia. Richard Bachman did not play for the Americans. He was the backup to Jimmy Howard for the third straight game.

Defenseman Philip Larsen had one assist for Denmark in Monday's loss to Sweden.

Tomas Vincour did not play for the Czechs, who defeated Norway 4-3 on Monday.

Monday’s results

Canada 7, France 2
Czech Republic 4, Norway 3
Slovakia 4, USA 2
Sweden 6, Denmark 4

Tuesday’s games

Belarus vs. Kazakhstan, 8:15 a.m.
Latvia vs. Italy, 9:15 a.m.
Finland vs. Switzerland, 12:15 p.m.
Russia vs. Germany, 1:15 p.m.

Dallas Stars forward Loui Eriksson had two assists as Sweden defeated Czech Republic 4-1 Saturday at the World Championship.

Eriksson, who again played on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen, has three points (one goal, two assists) in two tournament games.

Forward Tomas Vincour did not play for the Czechs.

Team USA beat Canada 5-4 in overtime. Alex Goligoski had no points, five shots on goal and a plus-one rating for Team USA.

Goaltender Richard Bachman served as the backup to Jimmy Howard for the Americans.

Jamie Benn had no points and was even for Canada.

Saturday’s results

Switzerland 5, Kazakhstan 1
Russia 5, Latvia 2
USA 5, Canada 4 (OT)
Sweden 4, Czech Republic 1

Sunday’s games

France vs. Kazakhstan, 4:15 a.m.
Denmark vs. Italy, 5:15 a.m.
Finland vs. Slovakia, 8:15 a.m.
Russia vs. Norway, 9:15 a.m.
Switzerland vs. Belarus, 12:15 p.m.
Germany vs. Latvia, 1:15 p.m.

Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen opened the 2012 World Championship with a shutout, stopping all 21 shots he faced as Finland defeated Belarus 1-0 in the first day of games at the tournament.

Lehtonen faced just two shots in the opening period but stopped 12 in the second and then seven in the third in posting the shutout.

Here’s a look at how the other Dallas Stars players fared on day one of the World Championship:

*Forward Jamie Benn scored the first goal of the game in Canada’s 3-2 win over Slovakia. Benn began the game on a line with Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

*Forward Loui Eriksson had a power play goal in Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Norway. Eriksson played on a line with Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. Joining that line on the power play unit when Eriksson scored his goal were Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson and Erik Karlsson.

*Defenseman Alex Goligoski had two assists and a plus-two rating in the USA’s 7-2 victory over France. Goligoski, who was second on the USA in ice time with 22:06, was paired with Carolina’s Justin Faulk.

*Richard Bachman served as the backup to Detroit’s Jimmy Howard, who stopped 21 of 23 shots for the Americans.

*Defenseman Philip Larsen had no points, three shots and a minus-two rating as Denmark lost 2-0 to Czech Republic. Forward Tomas Vincour did not play for the Czechs.

Friday’s results

USA 7, France 2
Germany 3, Italy 0
Canada 3, Slovakia 2
Czech Republic 2, Denmark 0
Finland 1, Belarus 0
Sweden 3, Norway 1

Saturday’s games

Switzerland vs. Kazakhstan, 7 a.m.
Latvia vs. Russia, 9:15 a.m.
Canada vs. USA, 11 a.m.
Sweden vs. Czech Republic, 1:15 p.m.

The 2012 World Championship gets underway Friday in Sweden and Finland, and seven Dallas Stars players are at the tournament.

Defenseman Alex Goligoski and goaltender Richard Bachman are playing for the United States. Forward Jamie Benn is playing for Canada. Loui Eriksson is among the several NHL players on Sweden’s roster. Kari Lehtonen is the Finland’s No.1 goaltender. And Philip Larsen is suiting up for Denmark.

Stars forward Tomas Vincour is with the Czech team, but it’s still not clear if he’ll be playing in the tournament. He apparently won’t be playing Friday since he was not among the players registered by the Czechs on Thursday. The Czechs registered only the 20 players who would dress for Friday’s game against Denmark.

The Teams

Group H (Helsinki, Finland): Belarus, Canada, Finland, France, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Slovakia, United States

Group S (Stockholm, Sweden: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Russia, Sweden

The Format

The preliminary round features round-robin play within each group. The top four teams in each group after the preliminary round will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be played within each group with the first place team playing the fourth place team and the second place team playing the third place team.

In the semifinals the winners will crossover groups. Group H 1st vs. 4th winner will play Group S 2nd vs. 3rd winner. Group S 1st vs. 4th winner will play Group H 2nd vs. 3rd winner.

The two semifinal winners will play for the gold and the two semifinal losers will play for the bronze.

Links

International Ice Hockey Federation (Official tournament site)
IIHF YouTube Channel
USA Hockey
Hockey Canada

Friday’s Schedule (Times are Central)

USA vs. France, 4:15 a.m. (NBC Sports Network)
Italy vs. Germany, 5:15 a.m.
Slovakia vs. Canada, 8:15 a.m.
Denmark vs. Czech Republic, 9:15 a.m.
Finland vs. Belarus, 12:15 p.m.
Norway vs. Sweden, 1:15 p.m.

Today was the final day of exhibition play before the 2012 World Championship and some Dallas Stars players were in action. Here are a few notes.

Richard Bachman stopped 16 of 18 shots, including all 12 shots he faced in the third period, in Team USA’s 3-2 win over Sweden today. Detroit’s Jimmy Howard got the start for the U.S. and stopped all 25 shots he faced. Bachman took over midway through the second period, allowed two goals on six shots in the second and then shut the door in the third as the U.S. protected its 3-2 lead.

Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski had no points, no shots and a plus-two rating for Team USA. Stars froward Loui Eriksson had no points, three shots and an even rating for the Swedes.

Stars center Jamie Benn had no points, three shots on goal and an even rating in Canada’s 4-2 win over Switzerland in exhibition play today. Benn centered a line with Vancouver’s Alex Burrows and Anaheim’s Corey Perry on the wings.

And Stars defenseman Philip Larsen had a power play assist in Denmark’s 4-2 win over Italy.

The World Championship begins Friday in Sweden and Finland.

FRISCO -- Since Kari Lehtonen made the full time jump to the NHL back in 2005 he hasn’t seen much playoff action. Just two Stanley Cup playoff games to be specific. That’s why he’s looking forward to the chance to play for Finland at the 2012 World Championship.

“I want to get used to playing in May and extend the season. That’s what you need to do when you are ultimately in the playoffs and going deep there,” Lehtonen said. “I think that will be great for me to make the summer a little shorter and keep playing.”

Lehtonen’s two NHL playoff games came in 2007, when the Atlanta Thrashers were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers. That year was also the last time he played in May, helping lead Finland to a silver medal at the World Championship, posting a 4-2-0 record with a 1.93 goals against average, and earning best goaltender of the tournament honors.

The Stars netminder sees the tournament experience as similar to the playoffs, where goaltending can be key to a team’s success.

“I’ve done it a few times and you have to try to find your best mode. It’s so short, you have to be on your game totally, because there’s going to be a couple of other goalies that will be for sure,” Lehtonen said. “It’s the same thing probably as a playoff situation. It’s always goalie battles and you try to be the better one. I think that’ll be good for me to get that experience again.”

Lehtonen does have postseason experience besides those two NHL playoff games back in 2007. He led Jokerit to the Finnish Elite League championship in 2002 and was named the playoff MVP. He led the Chicago Wolves to the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals in 2005.

But he hasn’t played beyond the NHL regular season for several years, and the Stars see this chance for Lehtonen to play at the Worlds as a good building block for the Dallas netminder.

“Whenever you get a chance to see what it feels like to playing in May, it’s a good experience,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan.

Lehtonen won’t be the only Stars player playing in May. So will Jamie Benn (Canada), Loui Eriksson (Sweden), Alex Goligoski (USA), Richard Bachman (USA), Philip Larsen (Denmark) and Tomas Vincour (Czech Republic).

“I do think it’s important, and I think they’re good experiences,” said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. “In the case of some of these guys, they want to make a good impression and get some international experience with the Olympics right around the corner again, and I think that’s all part of it. In the case of Kari, I think it’s important that he plays under that microscope and backstops his country. I think it will be good for him.”

Lehtonen and the Finns will be under a microscope. The tournament is being played in Finland and Sweden. Finland, currently ranked No. 1 in the world and a tournament favorite, will play all of its games in Helsinki.

But it will also be a trip down memory lane for Lehtonen, who played his junior hockey and in Finnish Elite League for Jokerit Helsinki.

“I don’t think that hurts to go back after 10 years since I left, and to go back to the same building,” Lehtonen said. “I think that will be pretty cool.”

And it will be a chance to get some valuable experience as well.

2012 World Championship

When: May 4 – May 20

Where: Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden

Who: 16 teams including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Italy and France

Television: NBC Sports Network will carry all the Team USA preliminary round games, all four quarterfinal games, a semifinal game and the gold medal game

Dallas Stars forward Tomas Vincour had to earn a spot on the Czech roster for the World Championship, and he’s apparently done that.

The Czechs announced the roster of players heading to the World Championship after defeating Russia 2-1 in the final game of the Kajobet Hockey Games on Sunday, and Vincour is one of the 15 forwards on the list.

The Czechs said Sunday they are leaving the option to make changes to the current roster if they are able to add NHL players eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Vincour had no points in Sunday’s game, but picked up one goal in four games while playing for Czech national team at the Kajobet tournament and the Euro Hockey Challenge.

Vincour joins fellow Stars Jamie Benn (Canada), Loui Eriksson (Sweden), Kari Lehtonen (Finland), Alex Goligoski (USA), Richard Bachman (USA) and Philip Larsen (Denmark) at the World Championship.

Lehtonen made 26 saves as Finland defeated Sweden 4-1 at the Kajotbet Hockey Games Sunday. Lehtonen, who stopped 57 of 58 shots in two starts, was named the tournament’s best goaltender.

Benn had no points and no shots on goal in Canada’s 2-1 shootout victory over Switzerland in a World Championship exhibition game on Sunday. Canada and Switzerland have another exhibition game on Tuesday.

The World Championship gets underway Friday in Sweden and Finland.

The World Championship begins next week, but teams have been playing exhibition games in preparation for the tournament.

Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen stopped all 31 shots he faced Thursday as Finland defeated Russia 2-0 at the Kajotbet Hockey Games, a tune-up for the World Championship.

Stars forward Tomas Vincour had no points and one shot on goal in the Czech’s 5-3 win over Sweden in the other tournament game.

Fellow Stars forward Loui Eriksson isn’t playing for Sweden at the tournament. He is expected to join the team early next week.

The tournament, which is being played primarily in the Czech Republic, runs through Sunday.

Stars forward Jamie Benn and Team Canada play Switzerland in an exhibition game Tuesday.

Defenseman Alex Goligoski, goaltender Richard Bachman and Team USA have an exhibition game against Sweden on Tuesday.

Defenseman Philip Larsen and Denmark host Italy in an exhibition match Tuesday.

The World Championship begins May 4 in Finland and Sweden.

FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Stars goaltender Richard Bachman had a season even he didn’t envision when he showed up at training camp last September. He started in the AHL, won the NHL backup job midseason, and next month he’ll represent the United States in international play for the first time when he suits up at the World Championship.

“It all happened very quick when you really look at everything, from the end of November to now, everything that has happened, but it’s been a fun ride and I’m just trying to enjoy every chance I can,” Bachman said.

It has been quite a ride for the 24-year-old Bachman, who came into Dallas Stars training camp expected to battle with Tyler Beskorowany for the No. 3 goaltender spot in the organization. But an injury to Stars No.1 goalie Kari Lehtonen and the struggles of backup Andrew Raycroft opened the door for Bachman, who was recalled from the Texas Stars of the AHL in late November and never looked back.

He won his first three starts and five of his first seven. He finished the season 8-5-1 with a 2.77 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. He gave the Stars some stability in the backup position.

“I learned a lot this year,” Bachman said. “I came in and tried to learn the NHL game, the speed, the shots, the preparation and then I kind of switched my role into a backup role, which I was pretty unfamiliar with. Just preparing and being ready to go at the drop of a hat was also one of the really big things I took from this year. Learning how to do that, I think, is good. Other than that, I just enjoyed every second.”

There were some big wins along the way. He won his first start, stopping 26 of 27 shots in a 2-1 win over Los Angeles at Staples Center. In his second start, at Madison Square Garden, he shut out the New York Rangers, making 34 saves. He also posted wins in Chicago and Vancouver.

“I played in some pretty fun arenas and pretty fun environments,” Bachman said. “It’s what you want to play in; you want to play in those games. Actually, you want to play in all of them, but if you’ve got to pick some arenas, I got to play in some pretty cool ones. I look back and it’s almost a little shocking where I played in the last couple months. As I said before, it’s been a heck of a ride and a lot of fun.”

Bachman will now get to represent the United States in international competition for the first time when he plays at the World Championship, which gets underway May 4 in Finland and Sweden.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” Bachman said. “It gives me a chance to play more hockey and it will be a lot of fun. Getting to go over to Europe, I’ve never been over there, so I am looking forward to the experience.”

Bachman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but grew up in the Denver area and played at Colorado College. He’s spent a lot of time around USA Hockey, which is based in Colorado Springs, but he’s never had a chance to play for the U.S. on the international stage.

“You’re near the program or you see it and I’ve just never been able to be a part of it,” he said. “Now I get that opportunity, so I am really excited.”

2012 World Championship

When: May 4 – May 20
Where: Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden
Television: NBC Sports Network will carry all the Team USA preliminary round games, all four quarterfinal games, a semifinal game and the gold medal game

CEDAR PARK, Texas -- Dallas Stars goaltending prospect Jack Campbell played his final game of the season with the Texas Stars of the AHL on Sunday, and turned in another solid performance. He stopped 31 shots in a 2-1 loss at Houston.

Campbell ended his first foray into the pro ranks with a 4-7-0 record, 3.02 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. The numbers don’t jump out at you, but sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Those who have been around Campbell in the AHL are impressed.

“He’s phenomenal,” said Texas coach Jeff Pyle. “The kid has a work ethic second to none. He’s a professional, great kid, character guy. All he cares about is the game, which is refreshing.”

“I wish we had had Jack in January,” said Texas GM Scott White. “The youthful energy and the passion he has for the game, we’ve always known it. Living it now for a good three weeks, it’s been fun. He works harder than anyone in practice. I think that work ethic holds your teammates accountable.”

His play has been solid as well. He’s given his team a chance to win on most nights. And, at times, he’s been spectacular.

“He doesn’t quit on any puck,” said White. “(Friday) night in San Antonio he made just a couple of ridiculous saves that a lot of guys wouldn’t have tried. He doesn’t quit. These games are invaluable to him for his progression.”

The 20-year-old Michigan native didn’t wade into his AHL career. Once he got to Cedar Park he started every game, the final 12 of the season for the Texas Stars. His first two starts came on the road against two of the top teams in the Western Conference. He had a solid 32-save effort in a 3-1 loss to Oklahoma City in his pro debut. Two nights later he got his first pro win, stopping 32 shots in a 4-2 victory at Toronto. In his fifth start, he posted a 30-save shutout win over Lake Erie at Cedar Park Center.

“It was awesome and to do it in front of the fans, who are unbelievable, was pretty cool,” Campbell said of the shutout. “It was one of the most memorable games of my career. Hopefully there are a lot more of those to come.”

There have been some ups and downs since joining Texas. He won three of his first five decisions, but lost five of his last six. He’s played well, backstopping a team that has been plagued by turnovers and defensive lapses all season. It’s a reason Texas ended up last in the Western Conference this season.

But this was about Campbell getting experience at the pro level and helping set him up for next season, which will be his first full year of professional hockey.

“It’s huge for my development, the experience for next season, to get me down here early and play some games,” Campbell said. “I’m learning what it takes to have success at this level. I feel like I am learning a lot and trying to do that every single day.”

As is the case with any young player, it’s been an adjustment. The players are better, plays happen faster and shots get to the net quicker. But the game is also more structured than in junior hockey, and Campbell sees that as a plus.

“That’s why I think I struggled in juniors. I tend to play pretty quick in the crease and I got beat too much because I was ahead of the play,” Campbell said. “Here it is so fast and structured and in control. It’s more structured and the guys know what they have to do. Everybody is so good that you just have to take care of your job.”

Campbell joined Texas last month after two seasons of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. Campbell played for both Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie, posting a 45-29-11 record, 3.62 goals against average and .890 save percentage. He helped Windsor to get into the playoffs last year, but Sault Ste. Marie missed the postseason this year.

Overall, the junior years didn’t go the way Campbell had hoped and he kept his assessment of his OHL career short and to the point.

“I’ll leave it at this: I learned a lot and I’ve taken a lot from it, more from the mental side of it. I am ready to move on,” he said. “I am feeling great out here and feeling great for next season.”

Next season will be Campbell’s first full season as a pro and he’s expected to spend it with the Texas Stars, developing and getting better. He realizes Dallas is solid in goaltending at the NHL level and he’ll have to be patient waiting for his shot at the NHL to come. But he wants to make the most of that time, working to improve his game so that when his time does come he’ll be ready.

“My goal since I have been drafted is to make the Dallas Stars and I am going to work as hard as I can to show them that I am ready whenever they want me,” said Campbell. “They have two great goalies up there. Kari Lehtonen is one of the best in the NHL and Bachs (Richard Bachman) is playing great up there as well, and took that job up there. They have two great goalies, but if I am needed I want to show them that I am ready to go.”

Hockey Canada announced its first 17 players for the 2012 World Championship, and Stars forward Jamie Benn is among that group.

Benn, who has represented Canada at the World Junior Championship, is one of 11 forwards on the roster. Other forwards include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle and Jeff Skinner.

"Whenever you get a chance to play in May, it is a good experience. Plus, they are playing with some elite players over there," Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. "For Benny, it's maybe a chance to play with Getzlaf, Perry, Tavares and those type of players, guys of his caliber. They make each other better, so it will be a good experience."

The announcement on Canada's roster and the list of players is here.

Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski and goaltender Richard Bachman were on Team USA's initial list of players, which was released yesterday. Texas Stars goaltender Jack Campbell is expected to be added to the roster as well.

Goaltender Kari Lehtonen is expected to play for Finland, forward Loui Eriksson is playing for Sweden, defenseman Philip Larsen will play for Denmark and Tomas Vincour is under consideration for the Czech squad.

The tournament, which gets underway May 4, will be played in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.