Dallas Stars: 2018 Could Be Year Of Hockey For Dallas
With the 2018 Entry Draft coming to Dallas, the NHL is setting the stage for the Dallas Stars to see much more opportunity in the future.
Well, the rumors are true. Everybody had better pack their portable fans and appetite for southwestern fun for next summer’s draft. Although we had our suspicions, the fact that the 2018 Entry Draft is coming to Texas is as surprising as it is exciting.
The last major NHL event that Dallas has hosted was the 2007 All-Star game, at the AAC. Since then, a lot has happened for hockey in Texas. Arguably, a major season for the growth of the sport’s popularity was the 15-16 campaign. After coming out on top of the Western Conference again and proving that they were still competitors, Dallas deserves another chance in the hockey limelight.
Even though the idea of hockey in Texas is second-nature to Stars fans, there are still a lot of hockey fans who somewhat balk at the idea. Many of us have been questioned (in inquisition-like manner) how it works- doesn’t the ice all melt?
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And while it’s sad (although expected) that the Stars’ former days of glory haven’t been enough to keep them in the public mind, the exciting thing is that the coming of the 2018 Draft to Texas could be a start back in that direction for the Stars.
On top of the bustle and activity it will bring to the city, it will also set up a lot of young, native players for recognition and a bright start. One might call the acquisition of this event the main jewel in the crown of the Stars’ 25th anniversary celebrations, and I’d be inclined to agree.
President Jim Lites mentioned the unlucky turn of events last season when speaking about the draft, saying that bringing this special annual event to the city was really a key piece to leaving the past in the past and upping the excitement over a continually brightening future for the Stars.
It’s like the perfect bookend on an off-season of throwbacks for the Dallas Stars. The offseason’s not over yet, and it seems like this event is just going to open the doors for more recognition to make its way to Dallas.
Bill Daley, the NHL deputy commissioner, cited the importance of the city for the development of the league:
"Dallas is really a trailblazer in terms of new markets, non-traditional hockey markets having success. I am not sure we would be where we are today without the success of the Dallas organization."
It’s not every day that a Stars fan gets to hear that kind of talk. But really, it’s true. Dallas helps the league reach wider audiences and branches out in a way that takes hockey outside of its traditional setting and expected crowd. For this reason, it makes sense for everyone involved that Dallas would start making its way up the NHL totem pole again.
The coming of the 2018 Entry Draft to Dallas, in all reality, could be a gateway to greater things for the Stars. After a tough and touchy season, it could be the final push that the Stars need to take an amazing offseason and turn it into an even better season.
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Will we start to see more special, time-honored NHL traditions take place in Dallas? I don’t think we should hold our breath waiting to see any outdoor games held there (or else all the questions about melting ice might actually start to hold some water). But I don’t think we’ll have to wait long to see Dallas and the Stars start doing what they do best: shine.