When the Dallas Stars are in the postseason, Al Montoya said everyone wins, especially the community.
Montoya is the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL and is currently the Dallas Stars’ Vice President of Cultural Development and Strategy. Montoya is passionate about growing the stars and the game of hockey with underrepresented communities both locally and internationally.
“We just came back from a trip to Mexico City and we’ll be going back there soon,” Montoya said. “For us, this is an opportunity to really showcase what we’re doing and get our message across.”
That message is that hockey is a game for everyone. Their mission is to bring that message to children who might not otherwise have access.
“We launched a Learn to Play program. It’s a six-week program for kids ages four to 10 in Mexico City. We started it in April and they’ll graduate from the program in May. This is an opportunity for them to have that Introducing the game that we love so much and giving them an opportunity to play,” Montoya said.
Fifty kids are part of the program in partnership with the National Hockey League.
Locally, Montoya has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas on the free Future Stars initiative, introducing hockey to schools and facilities throughout the region. The Future Stars program has expanded from two places in 2023 to nine places in 2024. Programs receive support and equipment to implement weekly youth hockey programs in underserved communities.
The team said the Stanley Cup Playoffs provide a huge increase in fan engagement and community outreach. The increased attention and awareness has led to increased 50/50 raffle fundraising efforts at home games. Fifty percent of the jackpot proceeds benefit the Dallas Stars Foundation, which nurtures and enriches the lives of North Texans through youth hockey, community engagement, and health and education.
The Dallas Stars are in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche.
