It's hard not to like Mike McKenna.
The Stars' backup goalie typically wears a smile throughout the day and genuinely seems happy to be where he is. That's because even sitting in an NHL locker room is quite an accomplishment for McKenna.
Born in St. Louis in 1983, McKenna will turn 35 on April 11. On Friday, he is scheduled to make his 24th NHL appearance. That's playing the long game. McKenna has earned that start not only because of a great performance in a victory over San Jose Tuesday (he stopped all 17 shots in relief while posting a 4-2 win), but also because of how hard he has worked throughout his career.