The Texas Tornado is entering a transition season, but hopes to continue the tradition of success that led to three Robertson Cups as champions of the North American Hockey League.

The Tornado did not renew the contract of coach Tony Curtale after an eight-year run. In his place will be head coach Dwight Mullins and assistant coach Craig Ludwig. That duo has led the Stars' AAA program in recent years.

Mullins said the Tornado will look to run an up-tempo style and has stocked the roster with speedy skaters.

"It's a lot like what we were running with the [AAA] Stars, so there is some transition," Mullins said. "To be honest, the players are having to adjust more to us than we are to them."

A rundown of key areas:

What's new: Both goalies, and that's a little scary. Tommy Callaghan and Scott Zacharias take over in net. Callaghan, 19 from Pennsylvania, played last year for the AAA Stars. Zacharias, 17, from Winnipeg, played in New York last season.

What's old: Last year's leading scorer, Ryan Fuller, returns to the team Wednesday after participating in training camp with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. Fuller had 28 goals and 30 assists in 59 games last season. He is 26 games shy of setting the record for most games played with the Tornado.

Other key returning players: Ben Miller, Sean Roadhouse, Robbie Blanchette, Julian Mikola, John Bulis, Troy Puente and Mike Cifelli.

What's kind of old and new: Ben Van Lare, a regular player in the Dallas area and a Dallas native, has joined the Tornado. Van Lare was invited to the Stars' prospect camp and played well. He has played in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers and also played parts of two seasons in the Western Hockey League.

"We're looking forward to having Ben here," Mullins said. "To have him as a 20-year-old player here, we think he can make an immediate impact."

Opening weekend: Wichita Falls at Tornado, 7:30 p.m. Friday; Tornado at Wichita Falls, 7:05 p.m. Saturday

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