KTEX Sports Desk:

You'd be forgiven for expecting Texas Renegades forward Eric Hudson to take a step back in his 8th season with the team.  In reality, quite the opposite occurred. In the season that included the 500th game of his career, Eric Hudson surpassed the 60 point mark for the first time in his career.  There was no Championship hangover for Hudson, who started the season with 5 points in the first 3 games.  While that blistering past was never meant to last, Hudson finished the season just barely missing a point per game, amassing 65 points in 66 games played. Hudson's previous high was 57 points in his third season, and 53 points during last seasons title run.  This bump in scoring could be attributed to, or in spite of, a shift from winger to center ice.  Quarterbacking the line of Lemo Pihl and Andreas Kvalheim certainly didn't hurt, as nearly two thirds of Eric Hudson's points were assists. 

Aside from the career points mark, Hudson also set several other career highs this season. Switching to, what was expected to be, a more physical, defensive role, Hudson eclipsed 100 hits for the first time in his career, as well as setting a new career high of +43.  Unfortunately, that new physicality also meant a career high of 75 PIMS, compared to a previous high of 23.  Although, in this case it would seem that the good outweighed the bad. 

Season Highlights:
Game 3 - 3 assists vs Hamilton
Game 5 - 2 goals on 3 shots vs Chicago
Game 10 - Goal, Assists, 4 hits vs Chicago
Game 14 - +2, 4 blocked shots, 4 hits, perfect defensive rating vs Baltimore 
Game 20 - 3 assists, 7 hits vs Minnesota
Game 27 - 3 assists vs Manhattan (11-0 Texas win)
Game 39 - Goal, Assist, 5 hits vs New Orleans
Game 43 - Goal, 2 assists, 5 hits vs Minnesota
Game 45 - 2 goals, Assist, 6 hits vs Atlanta
Game 50 - 2 goals, Assist, 4 hits vs Winnipeg
Game 64 - 3 assists, 3 hits vs Winnipeg

Season Totals:
GP: 66    G: 23   A: 42   Rating: +43   PIM: 75    SHG: 2  BS: 67   Hits: 127    TOI: 20:06 

This season brings Hudson's career totals to 112 goals and 259 assists, for 381 points in 512 games played. 

Eric Hudson's point production continued on into the playoffs, exceeding a point per game in the post season tournament.  Hudson notched 10 points in 9 games. The majority of the points were helpers, with 2 goals and 8 assists. 
Texas swept Edmonton in the first round, before being eliminated in 5 games by Chicago. While the early exit was disappointing, the action wasn't quite over yet for Hudson, who packed his bags to join Team USA for the IIHF Tournament. This would be Hudson's 9th tournament with the Majors for the Red White and Blue.  Playing more of a depth role for the US team, Hudson put up 7 points in 12 games in the Round Robin while averaging 15 minutes a game.  While the US team had a rocky go of it during the round robin, they suddenly came alive in the medal rounds, knocking off first seed Sweden and second seed Canada in route to securing the gold medal in a close battle with 4th seeded Switzerland. Returning home with a gold medal around his neck was the perfect end for Hudson's banner season. 

Eric Hudson will return to Texas next season, although the future beyond that is unclear.  Hudson is on the final year of his current contract and Texas appear to be entering a bit of a rebuilding period after 2 cup wins in the last 5 season.  Hudson will have to take on a bigger role next season with the departure of superstar and league Goal Scoring Leader, Burlock Sulfurgold.  Picked 2 spots before Hudson, Sulfurgold was called up at the same time as Hudson and they broke into the league together. 

Stay tuned, as the next season of Texas Renegades hockey is quickly approaching!