Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the National Hockey League (NHL).
History and League Success
The Stars started in the NHL in St. Paul, Minnesota as the Minnesota North Stars in 1967 as part of the NHL's first major expansion from the Original Six members.
From the outset the North Stars struggled with team performance and attendance issues, resulting in an unusual deal: the team was purchased by the owners of a rival NHL franchise, the Cleveland Barons, which had its own issues. With both teams in danger of folding, the NHL allowed the franchises to merge (the franchise kept the North Stars name and records; those of the Barons and a predecessor, the California Golden Seals, were retired). The merged franchise resulted in improved play: it made the 1981 Stanley Cup finals only to lose to the New York Islanders.
The 1990's, though, saw the team return to poor attendance along with disputes over a new arena (along with rumors that the majority owner had to leave town due to an affair), though the 1991 club again made the Stanley Cup finals, but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The North Stars owners twice attempted to relocate the team to California, but both times were rebuffed only to see the NHL award those same cities an expansion club (in 1990 to San Jose, California resulting in the San Jose Sharks, and in 1992 to Anaheim, California resulting in the Anaheim Ducks). Finally, a third attempt at relocation was successful, this time in 1993 to Dallas, marking the NHL's initial (and, to date, only) franchise in the Lone Star State.
As the Dallas Stars the team has made the Stanley Cup finals thrice, in 1999 (winning the team's only Cup) and again in 2000 and 2020.
Originally the Stars played at Reunion Arena (also the former home of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA) but now play at American Airlines Center which they share with the Mavericks. Though the team has good attendance it is often due to opposing fans showing up to cheer opponents (notably when either Chicago or Detroit come to town), as the team has no natural rival (such as a franchise in Houston).
Retired Numbers
Along with #99 (retired league-wide for Wayne Gretzky), the following numbers have been retired by either the North Stars or the Stars:
- 7--Neal Broten (played with both the North Stars and Stars)
- 8--Bill Goldsworthy (played entirely with the North Stars)
- 9--Mike Modano (played with both the North Stars and Stars)
- 19--Bill Masterson (played entirely with the North Stars)
- Masterson's number was retired due to an on-ice collision resulting in his death; to date he is the only NHL player to die as a result of direct injuries during a game.
- 26--Jere Lehtinen (played entirely with the Stars)
- 56--Sergei Zubov (played entirely with the Stars)
Team's Official Website
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