Dallas Stars: An Open Letter To Dave Strader

Just yesterday, the Dallas Stars organization announced that play by play announcer Dave Strader is currently battling cancer. Here is an open letter from the Stars community.

If you have not seen it already, now you know. Yesterday, the Dallas Stars released a statement that their play-by-play announcer Dave Strader is currently battling cancer. Out of respect to the Strader family, the specifics of treatment and the illness itself were not disclosed.

“The Dallas Stars are deeply saddened to learn of Dave Strader’s cancer diagnosis,” Dallas Stars president and CEO Jim Lites said. “As he goes through his treatment, all of our thoughts and prayers are directed to Dave, his wife Colleen, their son Christopher and his wife Karen and daughter Sydney, their son Casey and his wife Dr. Mary, and their son Trevor. We wish Dave a full recovery and will support him through his battle.”

Strader, 61, has spent his career fulfilling the play-by-play duties for teams such as the Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and of course the Dallas Stars. He has also worked for national networks such as NBC, VERSUS, ESPN, and ABC. He has commentated everything from regular NHL games, to the Winter Classic, to Stanley Cup Finals, and even WNBA and women’s college basketball games.

He’s had a career like no other and it’s definitely been an entertaining one. The Dallas Stars were very lucky to pick him up after Ralph Strangis’ unexpected departure. This past season was an exciting one, and Strader helped immensely in bringing every aspect of it to the typical Stars’ fan.

It only seems right that after all the help and support he gave the entire Dallas community this past year, we return the favor. So far, it seems as though that’s what Stars fans are striving to do. Here is an open letter to the PBP guy himself.

Dear Dave,

Well this just sucks. I know people can talk for as long as they want about how it is just a “bump in the road” or an “obstacle to overcome” but in the end, cancer just sucks. Plain and simple.

I think it was December 17, 2015 that I first got to meet you. The Stars had just finished their morning skate before their game against the Calgary Flames, and the morning interviews were wrapping up. As I was walking out, I spotted you and Mike Heika in a side room for the media. I came in to ask Mike a question, and he quickly introduced me to you.

After telling you about my current stance as editor for Blackout Dallas and my aspirations for the future, you poured out praise and encouragement for my drive. Just talking to you for the five or six minutes that I did was spectacular, and your words of motivation were and still are a massive symbol of hope for me.

But in terms of the entire Dallas Stars community, we cannot thank you enough for all you did this season. On April 23, 2015, we received a fatal blow when Ralph Strangis unexpectedly stepped down from the PBP position after 19 years in the role. Needless to say, we didn’t know what to think or do.

Then on June 12, you came along. We still were unsure how to feel. The past season had not been a kind one to the Dallas Stars, and every time they played on a national broadcast with NBCSN, there was some kind of screw up (i.e. Dominic Roussel and John Klingman).

But after reading through your resume and listening back on your years and years of experience, we knew that we would more than likely be in good hands (some were still not sure).

After game one of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was clear that you were on board and ready for the task. Your “HE SCORES” call is one of a kind, and it was definitely used an overwhelming amount this year.

We want to thank you for this season. You took us, a franchise confused after such a quick loss in the booth, and helped us stand up and dust ourselves off. You and Razor gave us something to look forward to every game.

And hey, look at the spike the Stars made from last season to this year. From a team missing out on the playoffs to the Central Division champions, you could very well be our lucky charm.

You did what many Stars fans thought would be impossible to do: you replaced a longtime friend and member of the Dallas Stars’ family and practically filled the gap overnight. We cannot thank you enough for that.

It was a pleasure listening to you in each and every game you commentated this season, picking up tidbits of information and learning to eagerly wait to hear your voice in the next game. 

Cancer sucks. I think just about everyone has said this at one point or another, because nowadays it seems that everyone has been affected by it in some way. It’s an enemy to humanity, and you are now the next soldier in the fight.

In this situation, it’s hard not to look to the late, great Stuart Scott’s ESPYS speech about his own battle with cancer.

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live,” Scott said. 

He went on to talk about how a big portion of his fight was the support he received from the thousands of people on Twitter, on the streets, and even corporate executives at ESPN. 

Well, we may not be corporate executives, but you can definitely rest in the fact that you have an entire nation of victory green standing beside you. The thoughts and prayers will continue flowing every day, and when you need us, you just call. We aren’t difficult to find.

At Patrick Sharp‘s first press conference with the Stars last summer, he talked about how hospitable the organization had already been to him. From the fans, to the players, to the media, to GM Jim Nill himself (whose wife is the epitome of what it means to one-up cancer at every turn), everyone acts as a family. And that’s what we are ready to be for you: a family. A support system.

And now the Hockey Fights Cancer movement once again takes on a significant meaning. In October, the Dallas Stars will not only have the always reliable Julie Dobbs to recognize, but also yourself. 

“So live, live. Fight like hell.” Stuart Scott quickly turned this into one of the most motivational statements of all time in his ESPYS speech. Now it’s your turn, Dave. And the coolest part about it is, you’ve already lived and done more than most people could ever dream of. But now you just have to keep on living, cherishing every day, and fighting with every ounce.

And when you need someone to fight for you, call on us. You’ve got a wonderful family around you, and a massive Stars community wrapping y’all up tightly in our grasp. We are all ready to aid you in any way possible, and will do everything we possibly can. You made us feel secure and at home this past season, and it is about time we returned the favor.

You are truly one of a kind, Mr. Strader, and it was an honor to have met you. We are all so excited for what the future holds, and cannot wait for you to knock cancer out cold. And always remember, we’re just a call away.

Keep fighting and get well soon. We’ll be thinking about you.

Sincerely,

The Dallas Stars family

In Dave’s comment to the Stars media, he had this to say:

“I realize I have a challenge and fight ahead of me. With my wife Colleen and our family, along with the full support of the Dallas Stars organization, we are ready to meet this challenge.”

“We don’t have to look very far for inspiration as Bekki Nill has shown us all how to meet this dreaded disease head-on. Personally, her example will serve as a great guide. I want to thank everyone for their support as I proceed with treatment.”

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He definitely has a long road ahead, but the Dallas Stars family runs tight and runs true, and we will be with him at every step.

Throughout this endeavor, Stars fans are encouraged to do two things. First off, you can send Dave a personal message of encouragement or a notification of thoughts and prayers at WellWishesForStrader@dallasstars.com. Secondly, feel free to tweet him @TheVoiceDS and use #StraderStrong in your daily tweets.

It’s never an easy fight, but Dave is up for the challenge, as we all know. And with a mountain of support, how can you go wrong?

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From all of us here at Blackout Dallas, we love ya, Dave. We are here to support you every step of the way, and will consistently keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong, and keep on fighting. The Dallas Stars nation is and always will be here for you.