If you still haven't recovered from the recent hockey strike and need to make up for time lost with Mike Modano and the rest of the Dallas Stars, then the Park Place Lexus/Dallas Stars Casino Night should help you get up close and personal with the players for at least one evening off the ice. Sure, this intimidating bunch of mostly Canadian and Scandinavian hockey pros can ferociously skate and savagely body-check the opponent in a game, but the question for this evening is how gracefully they can shuffle and accurately deal. The evening also features casino prizes, live and silent auctions, autograph opportunities and a buffet from Maggiano's Little Italy. Proceeds benefit the Dallas Stars Foundation, which focuses on benefiting community children. Oh, and it's a black-tie event, so if you pony up the $250 for a ticket, then you'll also have to figure a tux into your budget. At least your oversized Stars jersey can park it on the hanger usually occupied by your wedding/funeral suit for the evening. The Eighth Annual Park Place/Dallas Stars Casino Night takes place Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Park Place Motorcars Dallas, 6113 Lemmon Ave. Tickets are $250. Call 214-GO-STARS or visit www.dallasstars.com.
Thu., Feb. 2, 7-10 p.m.