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Dallas Stars Biweekly Links: Why Dallas Lost Out In The Hub-City Stakes

The Texas COVID-19 spike was less of a problem than the food selection, reports Sean Shapiro. Plus, meet the 2020 HHOF class, CBA talks take on Olympic significance, and more.

The Dallas Stars were never really in the running to co-host the Stanley Cup playoffs – but not for the reason you might think.

Indeed, the COVID-19 spike in Texas was not much of a factor for the NHL brain trust at all, according to Stars president Brad Alberts. The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro talked with Alberts about the role food outlets have played in the league’s hub-city decisions:

NHL players staying at the Omni would have to take buses to the American Airlines Center, a short but necessary ride to avoid outside contact for those within the bubble. The Omni has restaurants, but not nearly as many offerings as some of the other hotels in other potential hub cities like Las Vegas.

“We couldn’t compete with that,” Alberts said. “At the end of the day, that was really the differentiator.”

Alberts identified another non-factor: the Stars’ extensive network of affiliated rinks. The availability of practice ice will matter very little in the proposed playoffs format:

“It became less important as it moved along,” Alberts confirmed. “You’re not going to have a lot of time to practice; it’s going to be teams playing all the time. The practice rinks became less of a priority as the league vetted through their own process.”

Sean has more. [The Athletic DFW]

Stars Stuff

The Stars are getting ready for training camp, and that includes bringing back some of the staff.

Joe Pavelski’s LeanFeast franchise specializes in takeout meals – which is a good position when you open during a pandemic.

Everyone knew Jarome Iginla would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Hands up if you guessed he’d also be the first Stars pick to get there.

Speaking of which...Marian Hossa as another first-ballot entry, Kim St. Pierre as the first woman goaltender, Jim Nill’s longtime mentor, but still no Alex Mogilny. Sounds normal.

Around The League(s)

In the background of all the playoff prep, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association are still working on a new CBA – and there’s big news there.

And as training camps open up, brace yourself for more news like this.

With Pride Month 2020 in the books, Shapiro takes a look at how hockey can be more inclusive for fans of every stripe.

Current and former Stars Alexander Radulov, Matt Niskanen and Dan Hamhuis all play a role in Sam McCaig’s latest listicle.

Also at THN: Is the Middle East ready for puck and stick at the highest international level? Egypt Ice Hockey is planning on it.

Finally

Yesterday was a big one for the Great White North, and I’m sure the Texas Stars speak for all of us. Enjoy.

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