Stars Face Checkers and Barons

Photo courtesy of Ron Byrd

The chill outside makes the hockey inside the Cedar Park Center that much more fun to watch. As the temperature drops, so will the pucks as the Texas Stars face off against the Charlotte Checkers Friday and American Hockey League West Division rivals the Oklahoma City Barons Saturday. The Checkers and Barons both have winning records, while the Stars are currently mired in last place (albeit with fewer total games played). Led by points leaders Travis Morin, Raymond Sawada (pictured), and Matt Fraser, Texas has a great opportunity to gain some ground in the standings on home ice. Fans will enjoy local schoolchildren singing Christmas carols on Friday night, with the first 2,500 through the turnstiles gifted with a free Stars insulated lunch bag; all will have the opportunity to enjoy $3 drafts, $2 sodas, and $1 hot dogs. On Saturday, the first 2,500 paid attendees will receive a free Stars knit cap and more beautiful caroling from the Sing for Santa kids.

Vs. Charlotte: Fri., Dec. 9, 7:30pm. Vs. Oklahoma City: Sat., Dec. 10, 7pm. Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park, 512/600-5000. $10-70. www.texasstarshockey.com.