Across the pond: Diehard Stars fan from UK sees her team up close

Kara Noblett has always liked hockey.
She's said it appealed to her growing up in London, England.

"I like the physicality of it," said Noblett, who resides in Cardiff, Wales these days. "I like the flow of the game, it's interesting to watch and there's never a game that's boring. I love the excitement of it all. It's a great game."
In fact, the game appeals to her so much, she was in Boston and Pittsburgh last week to watch the Stars. It marked the first time she's ever seen NHL games in person.
A fan of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom, Noblett's love of hockey sparked an interest in the NHL. Once she started watching that level of play, the Stars seemed like a great fit.
"I have a fondness for scrappy teams that try really, really hard," Noblett said Sunday before she settled in to watch the Stars and Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. "There's talent there, but I think what I like is that they really put the effort in every game. They aren't afraid to hit and play heavy, and that's one of the things that drew me to them. They're fun to watch."
Like any hockey fan, Noblett has had her good moments and bad with the Stars. One of her favorite players - Jason Dickinson - was traded last year, so she didn't get to see him in person this week.
She wore a Tyler Seguin jersey in Boston and a Jamie Benn T-shirt in Pittsburgh, and said she likes to represent her colors whenever she can. But it sure would've been nice to have a Dickinson sweater.
"I miss Dicky, I miss him a lot," she said. "I love watching him, and I'll watch the Canucks now for Dicky. Honestly, he plays exactly the way I like - the scrappy underdog. When he's on the ground and someone's hitting him and he's laughing, that to me is what hockey is. That's a fun player. He's enjoying it."
Like many fans, Noblett has high hopes for this season. She said she likes learning about the new players and is hoping they fit in and blend well. Mostly, she wants to see her team winning and having fun.

"I'm excited about the new players we have, and I want to see how chemistry develops," she said. "That's the fun part of watching a team, seeing it get better as the season goes on."
And she said she understands those who are a little bit less optimistic. Noblett reads the message boards and knows how fans in Texas are feeling. She was worried about the negative energy around the top line of Benn, Seguin and Alexander Radulov, but believes they just need a little time.
"I definitely read everything, and I know fans get upset, but I just like to think positively," she said. "Segs and Rads and Benn, they haven't played together healthy in a really long time. They all have to get back and they have to play games, and that's hard. It just takes time, and you have to be patient."
Noblett also understands those who are frustrated.
"I get it, but I'm willing to give it some time," she said. "It's better than last season, for sure."
Noblett has friends in Boston, and that's one of the reasons she was able to make her impromptu hockey vacation. But she went to Pittsburgh on her own and said she's comfortable just being out on a road as a hockey fan.
"I'm fine being by myself," she said. "I just love the experience."
She's returning to Wales now and will follow as best she can on the NHL's UK deal or simply by reading up on the games. She said she'd love to plan a return trip to the United States or Canada soon and said seeing the Stars would be a big part of that journey.
"This whole trip has been so much fun," she said. "To see the game live is so exciting, and I really want to come back and see more."
After all, she won't be alone. She has the Stars family with her.
Be there when Texas Hockey comes home this Friday as the Stars face the Los Angeles Kings at American Airlines Center! The festivities begin with Party on PNC Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and all fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7 p.m. Don't miss out, get your tickets now!
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.