Julius Honka trying battle through and get his mojo back in AHL

CEDAR PARK, Texas — Julius Honka has been living in various hotels since Oct. 23.

In late October the defender embarked on a Western Canada road trip with the Dallas Stars. He was with the team on trips through Denver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver before getting sent down to the AHL’s Texas Stars on Halloween.

He joined the Texas Stars on a California road trip spanning from Bakersfield, Stockton, San Jose, and San Diego before the AHL team flew back to Austin on Nov. 9. Since then Honka has been living in an Austin hotel and playing for the Texas Stars.

It’s not an easy situation, and one that comes after Honka started the season with Dallas a practice player, was put into the lineup and then later buried on the NHL depth chart behind Greg Pateryn.

Normally a reliable offensive player, Honka has seen his game struggle during this stretch. In a dozen games between the NHL and AHL this season, Honka still doesn’t have a single point.

Honka discussed how things have been going on Wednesday morning.

“I think ok. It’s been hard, but I try to focus,” Honka said. “Since start of the season haven’t gotten lots of points, and games (played) being what it is, it’s tough. I’m trying to battle through and try to get my mojo back.”

Texas Stars coach Derek Laxdal said the lengthy stretch away from normalcy doesn’t help the matter. But he’s starting to see positive signs in Honka’s game, even if the points aren’t there.

“He seems to be getting better and better every day, and finding his way a bit,” Laxdal said. “We expect him to play more game and the more ice time he gets, he’s getting 20-plus minutes a game, the more confidence he’s going to generate and his game’s going to improve.”

Honka said he’s trying to take a simple approach, but a lack of results can be frustrating.

“I’m trying not to stress too much if I’m not getting any points. Because it’s coming for sure when you work hard,” Honka said. “I like to play a lot, and I think that helps me to play my best game. But it’s tough, you’d like to see a bit more (results).”

Honka is also hoping to return to the NHL sooner than later. When he was sent down the coaching staff and Stars management gave him a simple message.

“Try to cut your mistakes and be better in the defense, that’s the biggest thing for me,” Honka said. “Overall play a good defense game and when it’s time to go to the offensive zone, but make sure you do the defensive zone first.”

At this moment, Honka hasn’t been given any indication when a potential NHL call-up would happen and he said it’s something he can’t worry about.

“I need to play my game,” Honka said. “And just be ready.”