| Michael Sonday. 5th January, 2008 - 7:05 pm
 Mike Ribeiro thought he was living a dream playing for his hometown team the Montreal Canadians. After playing six seasons in Quebec?s largest city, Mike Ribeiro?s production did not meet the expectations of management, and the spotlight of the media began to wear on the local boy. On September 30th, 2006 the Canadians decided to give up on Ribeiro by trading him and a 6th round draft choice in 2006 to the Dallas Stars for veteran defenseman Janne Niinimaa and a 5th round draft choice in 2007. At the time, Ribeiro was upset about being traded from the team he grew up idolizing. However, that trade turned out to be just what Ribeiro needed.
Ribeiro, who has played with more confidence since coming over in the trade, led the Dallas Stars in scoring last season with 59 points. This season has been just as good for the former 2nd round draft choice of the Canadians. He has scored 21 goals and has added 23 helpers for a total of 44 points through 39 games.
With the Stars Ribeiro has not had to deal day in and day out with the demanding Montreal hockey media. In Dallas the sports media tends to focus on the Mavericks and the Cowboys allowing Ribeiro to concentrate on hockey.
"I loved Montreal, it was great, but when you see the other side, it?s nice too. You still have the pressure to win, but you do not have that outside pressure," Ribeiro said about the Montreal hockey media.
Ribeiro feels that conditioning and learning to be a team player has helped rejuvenate his career in Dallas.
"Maturity comes into play," Ribeiro said. "When I was younger I was thinking less about training than I?m doing now. I?m in better shape than I was before. I also know the game better, and playing with confidence."
The Stars, who are currently tied with the San Jose Sharks for first place in Pacific Division, are hoping that Ribeiro can continue his success and lead them back to the playoffs. After last year?s first round playoff exit, Ribeiro still has a great deal to prove in Dallas. Ribeiro had no goals and just 3 assists in 7 playoff games last year. Ribeiro has a total of just 2 goals and 6 assists in 24 career playoff games. If the Stars hope to advance past the first round, their offensive star will have to translate his regular season success into the post season. |
