Adam Cracknell truly is a grinder.
Not only does the physical forward have to muscle his way through every shift, he also has to fight to find a niche in the NHL. Cracknell, 31, signed a two-way contract with the Stars last summer, and most expected he would spend this season in the minors. Instead, Cracknell took advantage when several Stars forwards were injured. Now, he has signed a one-year contract extension.
"You have to take advantage of opportunity when you get it, and that's what I've tried to do," Cracknell said. "You do whatever you can to get in the lineup every day, and then you hope to find a way to stay there.