Even the most casual observer of the Texas Stars lineup will have noticed a gap in the blue line as Julius Honka has not dressed for the club since April 3rd. 100 Degree Hockey can now report that Honka is back home in Finland, on leave from the team due to a personal family matter, and will not return this season. There were no further details given regarding the nature of the leave.
Among other notable lineup absences, Jordan Kawaguchi is done for the season after sustaining an injury in just his third pro game. He underwent successful surgery and is not with the team, instead focusing on his finals at the University of North Dakota.