An integral part of any professional sports team is their fanbase, and teams can grow their following through community initiatives. It is important for teams to establish a relationship with their surrounding community, and offer ways for people to get involved with the sport and team. The Dallas Stars have many notable community programs that help grow the Stars’ market, while expanding the popularity of ice sports as a whole.
First, the Stars’ have built a network of StarCenters throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with rinks in McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Valley Ranch, Euless, Mansfield, Farmers Branch, and Comerica Center in Frisco. These rinks offer public skating, birthday parties, as well as countless programs for hockey and figure skating.
A unique type of program that is offered by the Stars is their rookie programs, which give people of all ages an opportunity to try hockey for free. They offer Little Rookies, Junior Rookies, Girls Rookies, and Adult Rookies. These programs allow people to borrow gear and attend several hockey classes without the financial burden of purchasing gear and committing to a team.
“Our rookies programs are great for getting people to try a sport they probably would not try. We’re looking to grow the game in a southern region where hockey is not a traditional sport,” Assistant Hockey Programs Manager Tommy Evanyk said.
They are a great initiative to allow more people to experience ice sports, who otherwise would not be able to participate. The Girls Rookies program is especially important to help support the growing involvement of women in sports.
“Girls can get involved in a sport that is not so popular for them, and they get to bond with one another. The social aspect is huge, especially for girls, so they don’t feel like they are the odd one out playing with just boys,” Hockey Programs Manager Jouni Lehtola said.
After participating in a rookies program, there are several options for people looking to continue playing. Many players chose to participate in Pre Hockey or Hockey Academy, which are programs that offer affordable group lessons to all ages. Hockey Academy introduces players to drills and scrimmages to improve basic skills of skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting.
“The best part about coaching the academy is watching the kids progress, from them falling down every two seconds to learning balance and coordination,” Evanyk said.
The Stars also offer instructional and prep leagues, which helps prepare players for in-game scenarios. Once they feel comfortable on the ice, players are able to join leagues. The Dallas Stars Metro Hockey League includes teams from ages U6 to U18. Adults are able to join SSHL, which offers different leagues for various skill levels. This season they launched a girls league to continue to promote a greater space for women in sports.
Overall, the Stars’ programming offers a great pathway for complete beginners to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment before eventually joining a team. They offer a place for players of all ages and skill levels, while also creating opportunities for women in a historically male dominated sport.
If you are interested in joining any of these programs or trying hockey for the first time, you can find more information on their website.
