Dallas Stars Face Youth Hockey Monopoly Allegations, Texas Facilities Control

The Dallas Stars NHL franchise has established a near-monopoly over youth hockey in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by controlling the majority of ice rinks and local hockey organizations, leading to rising costs and limited access for young players. Parents and minor hockey officials, including Lisa Bry, a former youth hockey association president, have accused the Stars of abusing their power through threats, blackmail, and retaliation against those who criticize their policies or seek alternatives. The Stars' involvement extends deeply into governance, with connections to the Texas Amateur Hockey Association raising concerns about conflicts of interest and profit-driven motives, such as executives benefiting from mandatory hotel bookings tied to Stars-sponsored tournaments. Despite the Stars' claims of commitment to growing hockey in the community, families report diminished practice time, inconsistent coaching, and punitive measures against dissenters, effectively turning youth hockey into a high-stakes, corporate-controlled operation. This situation contrasts with the typical community-driven youth sports model and has sparked widespread criticism among local hockey families. The Stars’ dominance in youth hockey highlights the complexities and challenges of NHL teams’ direct involvement in grassroots sports in non-traditional hockey markets.