More details have emerged about how the Dallas Stars have monopolized Texas youth hockey
A USA TODAY investigation reveals how the Dallas Stars built a taxpayer-backed monopoly over Texas ice rinks, leaving families afraid to speak out.
When Lisa Bry became president of the Frisco Ice Hockey Association, she thought she'd be supporting kids and organizing teams.
She didn't expect to be threatened by a top executive from an NHL team.
In April 2023, Bry met with Keith Andresen, a longtime Dallas Stars official who helps run several Stars-owned rinks.
She had just helped remove two poorly reviewed coaches after parents complained. But at that meeting, Andresen made a comment she says she'll never forget:
«Let me remind you where you get your ice from.»
To her, that meant one thing, if she didn't bring back those coaches, the Stars could take away ice access for hundreds of kids.
Parents say the Stars used public rinks and threats to control the future of Texas youth hockey
According to an in-depth report from USA TODAY, the Stars have turned what used to be a community sport into a money-making business, and they now control nearly every full-size rink around Dallas.
Over time, they bought up rinks, made deals with cities, and pushed out competition. That gave them complete power over who gets ice, who coaches, and how much families pay.
One parent told USA TODAY:
«If I have a grievance, there is no process for me, because they control everything.»
When Bry refused to rehire the coaches, the Stars stripped her association of control and imposed new fees while cutting ice time. Some families were even billed for ice hours that were supposed to be free, in violation of city contracts.
Those who spoke out say they faced retaliation, including threats to their kids' hockey futures and demands to delete social media posts.
Stars COO Dan Stuchal defended the organization, saying they've helped grow the sport and are proud of what they've built. He said,
«We're committed to continuing to grow hockey in the community and across the state.»
But families say this came at a high cost.
Personally, I think it's wrong that parents have to choose between staying silent or risking their kids' ability to play the game they love.
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