Prince George, B.C. – Dan Hamhuis didn’t even hesitate when asked why he decided to sign a two-year ($7.5 million) contract with the Dallas Stars July 1^st while in Prince George over the weekend for the team’s annual alumni charity golf tournament.

“One of the big things is they’re in a position to win and that was really attractive to us,” said the Smithers native and part owner of the Prince George Cougars.

“The negotiation with (GM) Jim Nill of the Stars went really smoothly and we were just really grateful for that offer and thought it would be a great opportunity hockey wise and for all the great things about the city for families.”

So what does he bring to the Stars?

“I asked the Stars where they could have been better in the playoffs and one of the things they said was just experience,” said Hamhuis.

“It was a great experience for the team last year to learn what the pressure environment is and they play a fast offensive game there and I hope to bring the unique experience I’ve had playing a long Stanley Cup playoff run in 2011 and playing in pretty high pressure situations internationally with Canada as well.”

He also believes his two-way kind of play “supporting the offensive fire power” the Stars have will help.

This isn’t to say he isn’t disappointed the Vancouver Canucks didn’t at least make him an offer to stay in B.C.

“It was unfortunate, we wanted to be back in Vancouver and we really enjoyed our six years that we played there in the city,” said Hamhuis. “We were disappointed not to get an offer but when we started looking at our options through free agency Dallas was one of the front runners and we’re real excited we got a deal done with them.”