When the Dallas Stars are in the postseason, Al Montoya said everyone wins, especially the community.
Montoya was the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL and currently serves as vice president of cultural growth and strategy for the Dallas Stars. Montoya is passionate about growing the Stars and growing the game of hockey in underrepresented communities both locally and internationally.
“I just got back from a trip to Mexico City, and I plan to go back there soon,” Montoya said. “For us, this is an opportunity to really show what we've been up to and get our message across.”
The message is that hockey is a game for everyone. Their mission is to get that message to kids who might not otherwise have access to it.
“We launched the Learn to Play program, a six-week program for children in Mexico City between the ages of 4 and 10. We started in April and they We're graduating from the program in May. This is an opportunity for them to introduce the game that we love and give them an opportunity to play,” Montoya said.
In partnership with the National Hockey League, 50 children are participating in the program.
Locally, Montoya has worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas on their free Future Stars initiative to bring hockey to schools and facilities throughout the region. The Future Stars program has expanded from two locations in 2023 to nine locations in 2024. The program receives support and equipment to conduct weekly youth hockey programs in underserved communities.
The team added that the Stanley Cup Playoffs will greatly boost fan engagement and community contributions. The increased attention and awareness has also led to an increase in fundraising through 50/50 raffles at home games. His 50% of the jackpot proceeds raised will be donated to the Dallas Stars Foundation, which fosters and enriches the lives of North Texans through youth hockey, community engagement, health and education.
The Dallas Stars are facing the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
