The first question this week comes from Craig Waldick, who likes to re-open old wounds apparently.

"What's your least favorite Stars moment and (because just that would be horrible for a Stars blog) how has it shaped and affected you as a Stars fan?"

Honestly, this sounds like a difficult question and one that would make me rack my brain trying to find the answer, but one moment stands out to me more than any other. It sounds silly, because the Stars have lost bigger games and bigger players, but the one that hurts the most is the 2003 Western Conference Semi-Final against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The series started with Petr Sykora's goal at American Airlines Center in the 5th overtime, to plant the seeds of upset in the minds of the Duck faithful. The Stars were the top seed in the Western Conference. We'd end up being eliminated in 6 games by the Ducks, who would go on to lose in the Stanley Cup Finals against New Jersey. To add insult to injury, the most melancholy I've ever felt as a Stars fan was during that post-series handshake. It was bad enough being eliminated by a low seeded division rival. It was also the final game that Derian Hatcher ever played in a Stars sweater. Growing up, he was my hockey idol. I was wearing a #2 jersey when it happened, and I read the writing on the wall that he wouldn't be sticking around. The Red Wings later poured salt into the wound by signing him to a huge contract. From then on, Hatcher's career nose-dived due to injuries and inconsistent play. The Stars struggled to replace him, and still haven't come close to this day. It was just a bad night for myself as a Stars fan, and one that I still haven't fully gotten over. The worst part of it all is that when I cheered for New Jersey in the finals that year, I told myself and all my friends, "The name 'Mighty Ducks' does not need to be printed on Lord Stanley's Cup. Drop the silly 'Mighty' and just be the Ducks, and I'll be able to live with them winning the Cup, but no sooner." A few years later, they made me regret those words, as the Anaheim Ducks finally won their first Cup. The first season after dropping the cartoony image and name.

I tried to find a photo of that dreaded handshake, and haven't been able to locate one. I did however find some YouTube clips that still sting like a dagger. First, the Sykora goal in the 5th overtime of Game 1... then the end of the series in the second clip. Thanks a lot for re-opening old wounds, jerkface. I appreciate it.

:(

The second question I received this week was emailed to me by Minnesota native Chris Nelson, who still cheers for our Stars. He recently bought a new jersey and wanted the details on where it came from.

I have a question for you. I grew up in MN and follow the Stars now from Rapid City, SD. I have a few jerseys including a vintage green Northstars that I always get compliments on no matter where I go. So, I just won another jersey on eBay for $12.75!! but can't identify what year it is from and if it was a practice or game jersey. Can you help me out? I have attached a pic for you. Thanks!

That's actually a fashion jersey that Starter came out with, but was never intended to be worn on the ice. They came out with a lot of them, including a yellow Panthers jersey and a blue Avs jersey. They took the Stars mid 90's white jersey and made a green, black, and gold version. I've actually only seen one in person once, and that was on the person in line in front of me in 1999 to get our picture taken with the Cup at the Stars practice rink in Valley Ranch.

Great pick up for the price, in my opinion. It may not be anything the Stars ever wore, but it's not terrible looking, and it's cheaper than most t-shirts. So rock on.

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