Youth hockey monopoly? Dallas Stars accused of silencing parents and coaches

Despite success on the ice, the Dallas Stars are facing backlash off it, with families accusing the team of intimidation and retaliation in local youth hockey

The Dallas Stars have been one of the NHL's most consistent teams in recent years, reaching the Western Conference Final three straight times and building a strong fanbase in Texas.

But away from the bright lights, a different story is emerging.

In a detailed investigation by USA Today's Kenny Jacoby, multiple families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are speaking out against what they describe as the Stars' control over youth hockey.

According to the report, the Stars control 10 of the 13 rinks in the region and own three outright.

That grip gives them the power to raise prices, enforce rules, and retaliate against anyone who questions their authority.

Parents say the Stars use rink access and threats to silence criticism

Former Frisco Ice Hockey Association president Lisa Bry says she was warned by Stars executive Keith Andresen after she tried to replace two underperforming coaches.

"I needed to be reminded where we got our ice from," Bry recalled him saying in her interview with USA Today.

Another parent, Jeremy Thompson, started a petition against fee increases and rule changes. In response, he was banned from the rink by a Stars manager, who accused him of defamation.

One more shocking example involved Kat Pierce, whose son suffered a concussion.

She claims a Stars employee told her to stop posting in a Facebook group if she wanted her son to have a future in Dallas hockey.

Stars COO Dan Stuchal denied any wrongdoing, saying,

"We would never threaten or oust any individual from our programs, as long as they were behaving within the rules."

Still, families say the damage has already been done.

Personally, I believe no family should be afraid to speak up in youth sports, no matter who runs the rink.