DALLAS -- After spending nine years in a Dallas Stars uniform, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marty Turco will start against his former team for the first time on Friday.
"Pretty excited about it," Turco said. "My family is going to come on down, and we'll see some old friends. It's not that far removed."
Turco, who had 262 wins with the Stars and led them to the playoffs five times, including a conference finals appearance, signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks as a free agent last summer.
"When the schedule came out, it seemed like it was a long time away, not getting there until February, but it was probably a good thing, getting used to a new team and new city," Turco said.
Turco, who is 11-11-2 with a 3.10 goals-against average, has started just three of the Blackhawks' past 15 games as he backs up Corey Crawford. He lost his previous start Friday against Vancouver.
"It's a big game, period," said Turco, who will be honored before the game. "But on top of it, I'm sure there will be some emotions. I think I'll be all right handling them."
Jesse Rogers covers the Blackhawks for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.