DFW is not traditionally a hockey market. But the Stars have been building a loyal and growing fanbase. If you are hockey-curious, this guide will get you up to speed.
The basic rules in 90 seconds:
- 3 periods, 20 minutes each. Clock stops on whistles.
- 5 skaters plus a goalie per team on the ice at a time.
- Offsides: The puck must enter the attacking zone (past the blue line) before any attacking player. If a player crosses first, play stops.
- Icing: You cannot dump the puck from behind the center red line all the way past the opponent's goal line. This prevents teams from just clearing the puck mindlessly.
- Power play: When a player commits a penalty, they sit in the penalty box for 2 minutes. Their team plays short-handed (4-on-5). The other team is on a power play.
- Overtime: Regular season ties go to a 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime, then a shootout if still tied. Playoffs are 5-on-5, 20-minute periods until someone scores. No shootouts in playoffs.
Stars basics:
- Arena: American Airlines Center (shared with the Mavericks)
- Conference: Western Conference, Central Division
- Stanley Cup wins: 1 (1999)
- Key rivals: Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators
Why you should go to a game:
- Speed: Hockey is the fastest major sport. In person, the speed of the skating is genuinely shocking if you have never seen it live.
- Atmosphere: Stars games at AAC are consistently loud. Hockey fans bring energy regardless of the standings.
- Affordability: Upper deck tickets for most regular season games are $25-45. Cheaper than Cowboys, cheaper than most Mavs games, and better live atmosphere than either.
- Physicality: Legal body checking, occasional fights, and the intensity of playoff hockey make it the most visceral live sport.
How to learn more:
- Watch a game on TV with the announcer volume up — they explain the rules in real time
- r/hockey on Reddit has a great beginner's guide
- The Stars social media accounts do "Hockey 101" content regularly
Sources:
- NHL.com — official rules
- americanairlinescenter.com — Stars ticketing
What do you think?
I grew up a football fan and went to my first Stars game in 2022 knowing nothing about hockey. It is now my favorite live sport. The speed, the physicality, the atmosphere — nothing else compares in person.