History of Dallas Stars in Timeline

The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, competing in the NHL's Western Conference, Central Division. From 1993 to 2001, they played at Reunion Arena before moving to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks.

1967: Minnesota North Stars Inaugural Season

In 1967, the Minnesota North Stars began play as part of the league's six-team expansion at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.

1967: Minnesota North Stars Founded

In 1967, the Minnesota North Stars were founded as part of the NHL expansion.

1967: Hall of Fame Inductees with Minnesota Ties

The Dallas Stars acknowledge an affiliation with several inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame whose tenure occurred when the franchise was based in Minnesota from 1967-1993.

1978: Merger with Cleveland Barons

In 1978, the Minnesota North Stars merged with the Cleveland Barons due to financial struggles.

1980: Reunion Arena Built

In 1980, Reunion Arena was built, and would later become the home of the Dallas Stars upon their move to the city.

1981: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1981, the North Stars reached the Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the New York Islanders.

1983: Previous Division Title

The Central Division title in 1996 was the first division title since 1983-84 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars.

1987: Oettinger Records Second-Highest Saves in Playoff History

In game 7 of the 2021-22 playoff series against the Calgary Flames, Stars' netminder Jake Oettinger recorded 64 saves, the second-highest in playoff history behind only Kelly Hrudey's 73 during the 1987 Easter Epic.

1990: Post-Season Decline

After the 1990-91 season, the North Stars suffered through declining profits coupled with distraction and uncertainty caused by relocation attempts.

1990: Relocation Request and San Jose Sharks Expansion

In 1990, declining attendance led ownership to request permission to move the team. The league rejected this request but agreed to award an expansion franchise, the San Jose Sharks, to the Gund brothers.

1991: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1991, the franchise appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals.

1992: Anaheim Expansion Franchise Awarded

In 1992, the league decided to award an expansion franchise to The Walt Disney Company to play in Anaheim's new arena, eventually becoming the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

March 10, 1993: Approval to move the team to Dallas

On March 10, 1993, Green obtained permission from the league to move the team to Dallas for the 1993–94 season.

October 5, 1993: First NHL Game in Dallas

On October 5, 1993, the first NHL game in Dallas took place, a 6–4 win against the Detroit Red Wings.

1993: KLIF Broadcasts First Season in Dallas

In 1993, KLIF broadcasted the first season in Dallas.

1993: Stars Move to Reunion Arena

In 1993, the Dallas Stars moved from Minnesota and began playing their home games at Reunion Arena, which they shared with the Dallas Mavericks. Reunion Arena had a capacity of 17,001 for NHL games.

1993: Dallas Stars relocation to Dallas

In 1993, the Minnesota North Stars relocated to Dallas and became the Dallas Stars, playing at Reunion Arena.

1993: Relocation to Dallas

In 1993, the franchise relocated to Dallas and was renamed the Dallas Stars.

1993: Stars Simulcast Games on TV and Radio

In 1993, upon arriving in Dallas, the Stars began simulcasting all of their games on TV and radio. The original broadcast team from 1993 was Mike Fornes and Ralph Strangis.

1993: Stars Keep Minnesota Uniform Design

In 1993, when the Stars debuted in Dallas, they kept the same uniform design from their Minnesota days, adding the Texas logo patch on the shoulders. Away uniforms were black and home uniforms were white.

1993: Second Reverse Retro Uniform Released

In the 2022–23 season, the Stars released a second "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, using the 1993–94 black uniform but with the current Victory Green and silver stripes.

1993: Dallas Stars New Point Record Set

Jason Robertson set a new Dallas Stars record for total points in a season with 109 points, surpassing the previous record of 93 points set by Mike Modano in the Stars' first season in Dallas back in 1993-94.

1993: Hall of Fame Inductees with Minnesota Ties

The Dallas Stars acknowledge an affiliation with several inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame whose tenure occurred when the franchise was based in Minnesota from 1967-1993.

1994: WBAP becomes Radio Broadcaster

In 1994, WBAP became the radio broadcaster of the Dallas Stars games, replacing KLIF who broadcasted the first season in Dallas in 1993.

1994: Playoff Qualification

In 1994, the Stars made the playoffs, despite a shortened season and a losing record.

1994: Earlier Totals Bested

In 1996, the Stars bested their 1994 totals, posting 48 wins and reaching the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history.

1994: Minor Trim Changes to Uniforms

In the 1994-95 season, the Stars made minor trim changes to their uniforms, using a darker shade of green and adding the word 'Dallas'.

December 1995: Team Sold to Tom Hicks

In December 1995, Norman Green sold the team to businessman Tom Hicks due to financial problems.

1995: Tom Hicks takes over and Trades

In 1995, Tom Hicks became the new owner, the Stars traded for Guy Carbonneau, and later traded Corey Millen and Jarome Iginla for Joe Nieuwendyk.

1995: Fornes leaves after 1995-96 season.

Mike Fornes left the broadcast team after the 1995-96 season and Strangis moved to play by play.

1996: Fornes Leaves Broadcast Team

After the 1995–96 season, Mike Fornes left the broadcast team. Ralph Strangis moved to the play-by-play role, and Daryl "Razor" Reaugh was added as color commentator.

1996: Roster Revamp and Central Division Title

In 1996, the Stars added Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov to their roster, won the Central Division, and reached 100 points for the first time in franchise history.

1997: Signing of Ed Belfour

In 1997, the Stars signed star goaltender Ed Belfour as a free agent after his departure from the San Jose Sharks.

1997: Introduction of Alternate Uniform

In the 1997–98 season, the Stars introduced an alternate uniform that partly resembled those worn during the NHL All-Star Game at the time. The uniform was mostly green on top and black at the bottom, in a star-shaped design.

1997: Stars Host Home Game on New Year's Eve

Since 1997, the Dallas Stars have hosted a home game on New Year's Eve every year.

1998: Signing of Brett Hull and Division Realignment

In 1998, the Stars signed Brett Hull and moved to the Pacific Division after the NHL division re-alignment.

1998: Presidents' Trophy and Central Division Title

In 1998, the Stars won their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title, with Ed Belfour setting franchise records.

1998: First Central Division Title Since 1998

In the 2015-16 season, the Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998.

1998: Start of the 1998-99 Season

The 1998-99 NHL season marked the start of the Stars eventual Stanley Cup winning season.

1999: "Puck Off" Becomes Goal Celebration Song

Following the team's Stanley Cup win in 1999, the Pantera song "Puck Off" became the team's goal celebration song. Members of the band had become friends with members of the Stars in the 1990s.

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1999: Alternate Uniform Becomes Primary Away Uniform

For the 1999–2000 season, the Stars' alternate uniform became the primary away uniform.

1999: Reverse Retro Jersey Announced

For the 2020-21 season, the Stars released a "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform in collaboration with Adidas, bringing back the 1999–2007 uniform design but with the current color scheme in place of the original green, gold and black colors. The design also featured white pants.

1999: Stanley Cup Victory

In 1999, the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup, with Joe Nieuwendyk winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1999: Record-Breaking Season and Awards

In 1999, the Stars won 51 games and recorded 114 points, won their first Pacific Division title, a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy, the Jennings Trophy, and Jere Lehtinen was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

1999: Original Uniform Design Kept Until After Stanley Cup

The Stars kept their original uniform design, with minor trim changes, until after their 1999 Stanley Cup-winning campaign.

December 31, 1999: Brett Hull scores his 600th and 601st career goals

On December 31, 1999, Brett Hull achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 600th and 601st career goals in a 5–4 victory against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

2000: New Home Uniform Introduced

For the 1999–2000 season, the Stars introduced a new home uniform featuring the same basic design as the new away uniform, with white on top and green at the bottom.

2000: Neal Broten Inducted into US Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2000, Neal Broten was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

2000: Minnesota Wild Expansion Franchise

In 2000, the NHL fulfilled its promise to the Twin Cities by awarding an expansion franchise in the form of the Minnesota Wild.

2000: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2000, the franchise appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals.

2000: Stars Advance to Stanley Cup Finals

In August 2020, the Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2000.

2001: Move to American Airlines Center

In 2001, the Dallas Stars moved from Reunion Arena to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks.

2001: First Playoff Series vs Blues Since 2001

In the second round of the 2016 playoffs, the Stars faced the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs for the first time since 2001, but lost the series in seven games.

2003: Affiliation with Idaho Steelheads

Since 2003, the Dallas Stars have been affiliated with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. The Steelheads play home games at the Idaho Central Arena.

2003: "Mooterus" Jersey Introduced

The Stars introduced an alternate jersey for the 2003–04 season that proved embarrassing and unpopular with fans. The uniform was black with a green bottom and featured a representation of the constellation Taurus.

2004: No New Year's Eve Game

In 2004, the Stars did not host a New Year's Eve home game due to a lockout.

2005: Celena Rae Performs National Anthem

Since the 2005–06 season, Celena Rae, a Fort Worth native and a former semifinalist on American Idol, has been performing the national anthem at Stars games.

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2005: "Mooterus" Jersey Retired

The Stars retired the controversial "Mooterus" jersey after the 2005-06 season.

September 29, 2006: Brenden Morrow named team captain

On September 29, 2006, Brenden Morrow was named the new team captain of the Dallas Stars, succeeding Mike Modano in the role.

2006: End of Two-Toned Uniform Design

The Stars ended the two-toned uniform design from 2000-2006 and switched colors on home and away jerseys.

January 24, 2007: 2007 NHL All-Star Game

On January 24, 2007, the NHL All-Star Game was held at American Airlines Center. Philippe Boucher and Marty Turco represented the Stars on the Western Conference All-Star roster.

March 13, 2007: Mike Modano scores his 500th career NHL goal

On March 13, 2007, Mike Modano reached a significant milestone by scoring his 500th career NHL goal, becoming only the 39th player and second American to achieve this feat.

November 8, 2007: Mike Modano becomes the top American born point scorer

On November 8, 2007, Mike Modano became the top American born point scorer of all time, scoring on a shorthanded breakaway against San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.

2007: Reebok Edge Uniform Redesign

For the 2007–08 season, with the switch to the Reebok Edge uniform system, the Stars' jerseys underwent a complete redesign. The home jersey featured the player's number on the chest and an arched 'Dallas' in white with gold trim.

2007: Reverse Retro Jersey Announced

February 26, 2008: Stars trade for Brad Richards

On February 26, 2008, the Dallas Stars traded for All-Star center Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen, and Jeff Halpern.

2008: Alternate White Jersey Introduced

For the 2008–09 season, the Stars introduced an alternate white jersey based on the home black jersey.

2008: Affiliation ends with Iowa Stars

In 2008, the affiliation between Dallas Stars and Iowa Stars ended.

January 2009: Radio Broadcast Deal with KTCK

In January 2009, the Dallas Stars announced a five-year deal with KTCK to broadcast all games on radio, replacing WBAP. WBAP had broadcast games since the 1994 season.

June 10, 2009: Dave Tippett fired as head coach

On June 10, 2009, Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk fired head coach Dave Tippett after six seasons with the team.

2009: Brett Hull Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2009, Brett Hull became the first Dallas Stars player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2009: Departure of Sergei Zubov

In 2009, Sergei Zubov, the Stars' top defenseman, left the league.

2009: Texas Stars Become AHL Affiliate

In 2009, the Texas Stars began play in the AHL as an affiliate for the Dallas Stars. They are located in Cedar Park, Texas.

October 8, 2010: Stars win season opener against New Jersey Devils

On October 8, 2010, the Dallas Stars won their season opener against the New Jersey Devils with a score of 4-3 in overtime, marking the start of a three-game win streak.

2010: White Jersey Becomes Regular Away Uniform

For the 2010–11 season, the alternate white jersey introduced in 2008 became the regular away uniform for the Dallas Stars.

2010: Derian and Kevin Hatcher Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2010, brothers Derian and Kevin Hatcher were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

February 28, 2011: Stars trade James Neal and Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski

On February 28, 2011, at the trade deadline, the Dallas Stars traded James Neal and Matt Niskanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Alex Goligoski.

June 16, 2011: Glen Gulutzan hired as head coach

On June 16, 2011, the Dallas Stars hired Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, making him the sixth coach since the team's move from Minnesota.

September 13, 2011: Stars file for bankruptcy and are sold at auction

On September 13, 2011, lenders voted for the Dallas Stars to file for bankruptcy and be sold at auction.

September 21, 2011: Mike Modano announces retirement

On September 21, 2011, Mike Modano announced his retirement from the NHL.

October 22, 2011: Bids to buy the Stars are due

On October 22, 2011, competing bids to buy the Dallas Stars were due, with Tom Gaglardi's bid being the only one submitted.

November 18, 2011: Tom Gaglardi's purchase of the Stars approved

On November 18, 2011, the NHL Board of Governors approved Tom Gaglardi's purchase of the Dallas Stars.

2011: Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2011, Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

March 26, 2012: Stars lose to Calgary Flames

On March 26, 2012, the Dallas Stars lost 5–4 to the Calgary Flames, during a crucial Western road trip.

July 1, 2012: Stars sign Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney, and Aaron Rome

On July 1, 2012, the Dallas Stars signed free agent veterans Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney, and Aaron Rome.

2012: No New Year's Eve Game

In 2012, the Stars did not host a New Year's Eve home game due to a lockout.

2012: End of the Reebok Edge Uniforms

The Reebok Edge home and away uniforms introduced in 2007 and 2008 were used until the 2012–13 season.

January 2013: 2012-13 NHL Lockout ends

In January 2013, the 2012-13 NHL lockout ended, leading to a shortened 48-game season for the Dallas Stars.

May 14, 2013: Joe Nieuwendyk fired as general manager

On May 14, 2013, the Dallas Stars fired general manager Joe Nieuwendyk after the end of the 2012-13 season.

May 31, 2013: Scott White reintroduced as director of hockey operations

On May 31, 2013, Scott White was re-introduced as the director of hockey operations for the Dallas Stars.

June 21, 2013: Lindy Ruff hired as head coach

On June 21, 2013, the Dallas Stars hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach.

2013: New Logo and Uniforms Introduced

For the 2013–14 season, the Dallas Stars introduced a new logo and uniforms. Silver replaced gold as the tertiary color, and green was reintroduced as a primary uniform color. The logo featured the letter D centering a star.

July 1, 2014: Stars Sign Ales Hemsky

On July 1, 2014, the Dallas Stars signed Ales Hemsky, a player from the Ottawa Senators, as a free agent on a three-year, $12 million contract.

2014: Strangis Retires

After the 2014–15 season, Ralph Strangis retired from the broadcast booth and was replaced by Dave Strader.

2014: Mike Modano Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2014, Mike Modano was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

April 11, 2015: Jamie Benn Wins Art Ross Trophy

On April 11, 2015, Jamie Benn secured the Art Ross Trophy after scoring four points in the Stars' final regular season game. His performance brought his season total to 87 points, surpassing John Tavares by one point with a secondary assist in the last seconds of the game.

2015: Stars Add Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya

During the 2015 off-season, the Dallas Stars acquired Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt. They also signed Johnny Oduya, also from the Blackhawks, as a free agent.

June 2016: Dave Strader Diagnosed with Cancer

In June 2016, Dave Strader was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.

2016: Stars Miss Playoffs

During the 2016-17 season, the Stars finished with a 34–37–11 record and missed the playoffs.

2016: Stars Win Central Division Title

In the 2015-16 season, the Dallas Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998. They finished with a 50–23–9 record, earning 109 points and placing second for the Presidents' Trophy, behind the Washington Capitals. In the first round of the 2016 playoffs, they defeated the Minnesota Wild in six games but lost to the St. Louis Blues in seven games in the second round.

2016: First Playoff Series vs Wild Since 2016

The Stars matched up against the Minnesota Wild in a first round series for their first playoff series versus one another since 2016.

February 18, 2017: Strader Returns to Broadcast Booth

On February 18, 2017, Dave Strader returned to the broadcast booth during a break in his treatment, for a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

October 1, 2017: Dave Strader Dies of Cancer

On October 1, 2017, Dave Strader died of cancer at age 62.

2017: Ruff's Contract Not Renewed

After the Stars missed the 2017 playoffs, the team announced that head coach Lindy Ruff's contract would not be renewed.

2017: Stars Lose Niemi and Sharp

During the 2017 off-season, the Stars lost goaltender Antti Niemi and forward Patrick Sharp in free agency.

2017: Benn had first 75 point season since 2017

In the 2022-2023 season, Captain Jamie Benn had a resurgent season and achieved his first 75-plus point season since 2017-18.

2017: Hitchcock Returns as Head Coach

Ken Hitchcock returned as head coach for the 2017–18 season, but the Stars missed the playoffs by just three points.

2017: Adidas Becomes Uniform Supplier

When Adidas took over as the uniform supplier prior to the 2017–18 season, the 2013 uniform design was retained, with minor changes to the inner collar.

May 2018: Bowness Joins Team as Assistant Coach

Rick Bowness joined the Dallas Stars as an assistant coach in May 2018.

July 2018: Bogorad takes over play-by-play

In July 2018, the Stars announced that Reaugh would return to color commentary for the 2018–19 season, with former studio host Josh Bogorad taking over the play-by-play.

2018: Stars Fail to Qualify for Playoffs

The 2020-21 season was the first time since 2018 that the team failed to qualify for a playoff spot.

July 1, 2019: Stars Add Pavelski and Perry

On July 1, 2019, the Dallas Stars added veteran forwards Joe Pavelski from the San Jose Sharks and Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks in free agency.

December 10, 2019: Stars Fire Coach Montgomery

On December 10, 2019, the Stars fired head coach Jim Montgomery for "unprofessional conduct inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of the Dallas Stars and the National Hockey League." Rick Bowness was named interim coach.

2019: No New Year's Eve Game

In 2019, the Stars did not host a New Year's Eve home game due to their participation in the 2020 Winter Classic.

January 1, 2020: Stars Host 2020 Winter Classic

On January 1, 2020, the Dallas Stars hosted the Nashville Predators in the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl, winning 4-2. This was the first NHL outdoor game for both teams, drawing a crowd of 85,630.

March 2020: NHL Season Suspended Due to COVID-19

In March 2020, the NHL regular season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 2020: Stars Advance to Playoffs After COVID-19 Pause

In August 2020, the NHL returned from its COVID-19 suspension, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the playoffs, eventually reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2000.

October 29, 2020: Bowness Named Full-Time Head Coach

On October 29, 2020, Rick Bowness was named the full-time head coach of the Dallas Stars after serving as the interim coach.

2020: Black Alternate Uniform Introduced

For the 2020–21 season, the Stars introduced a black alternate uniform with neon green accents and the "Texas D" logo in front.

2020: No New Year's Eve Game

In 2020, the Stars did not host a New Year's Eve home game due to the delayed off-season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Winter Classic Special Edition Uniform

In 2020, the Stars unveiled a special edition uniform for the 2020 Winter Classic, inspired by the Dallas Texans of the USHL. The uniform features the word "Stars" in the middle of the letter "D".

2020: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2020, the franchise appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals.

2020: Rematch of 2020 Conference Finals

In the 2023 playoffs, the Stars set up a rematch of the 2020 conference finals versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

2021: New Year's Eve Game Postponed

In 2021, the Stars' New Year's Eve home game was postponed to February 13 due to a team-wide COVID-19 outbreak.

2021: Stars Rebound in 2021-22 Season

The Stars rebounded in the 2021–22 season with a 98-point 46–30–6 record, earning a wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

June 21, 2022: Stars Hire Peter DeBoer

On June 21, 2022, the Dallas Stars hired Peter DeBoer to replace Rick Bowness as their head coach.

2022: Second Reverse Retro Uniform Released

In the 2022–23 season, the Stars released a second "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, using the 1993–94 black uniform but with the current Victory Green and silver stripes.

March 31, 2023: Robertson Sets New Stars Record

On March 31, 2023, Jason Robertson set a new Dallas Stars record for total points in a season, achieving 109 points during a game against the Arizona Coyotes.