DALLAS — The Dallas Stars earned two points in an overtime thriller Tuesday night, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 at the American Airlines Center. But the victory wasn’t the only thing Stars fans had to celebrate.
During the game, the team showcased a video featuring players and coaches thanking fans for reaching 100 consecutive sellouts at the American Airlines Center.
“I absolutely love the consecutive sellout streak,” said Jimmy Turano, a longtime Stars season ticket holder. “It was a great thing for the players and staff to recognize the fans.”
What is it about this Dallas Stars team that keeps drawing in more hockey fans? I’ll tell you.
The Stars have continued to draw hockey fans in large numbers, and their success on the ice is a key factor. Over the last 10 seasons, Dallas has reached the playoffs six times, including three straight postseason appearances. The Stars are on the verge of locking in a fourth consecutive playoff run.
Before joining the Stars in 2022, Head Coach Pete DeBoer admired the energy at the American Airlines Center as a visiting coach.
“There are a lot of nights we drag ourselves into the game. We’ve been traveling, time zones, or late nights — the dog days of the season. The crowd really eliminates the excuse. You have to show up and play,” DeBoer said.
Of all the major sports teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the Stars’ streak of four straight playoff appearances will be the longest amongst local franchises in the past 12 years. The Dallas Mavericks previously held the longest streak, reaching the playoffs in 2011 and 2012.
“The Stars are the best sports team in Texas right now,” Turano said. “Although we haven’t won a Stanley Cup in many years, we’re always in a great position to bring one home again soon.”
With a dozen games left in the regular season, the Stars continue their playoff push, with much credit to the environment they play in.
“Fans are awesome. I think they are the best in the league,” DeBoer said. “It’s not just because the building is full, it’s the energy here in Dallas the fans bring to the game. They’re here, they’re engaged in the game, they’re a participant in what’s going on.”
Currently sitting in second place in the Central Division with 92 points, the Stars will wrap up their four-game homestand Monday night against a division opponent; the fourth-place Minnesota Wild.
Once again, both the team and fans can expect another sold-out arena as the Stars continue to build momentum heading into the postseason.
“People (fans) come out, and they deserve your best effort,” DeBoer said. “So I think that adds pressure on your group because they feel a responsibility to the people because of the effort they make. That’s helpful from a coaching point of view.”
