I Dallas Stars were slapped with a hefty fine by the NHL after they violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHLPA and the league by holding an optional practice last week during the mandated Christmas break.
The NHL announced Monday that the organization was fined $100,000 for holding practice on Thursday, the day after Christmas, despite a mandatory three-day break that begins on December 24.
Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston, #53, and left wing Jamie Benn, #14, celebrate Johnston’s goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
“This union action was in violation of Article 16.5(b) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association,” the announcement read.
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According to the agreement, “no club can request the player’s permission to train on such days for any reason” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and December 26, unless the game is on the 26th.
Dallas’ break followed a 3-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday, December 23. Their next game was against the Utah Hockey Club. Minnesota Wild on Friday, December 27.
Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, #29, and center Sam Steel, #18, defend a goal against Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman, #38, during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Friday , December 27, 2024 in Dallas. . (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Speaking to reporters before the game, head coach Pete DeBoer said the team “had a choice, and, of course, the young guys just made a choice, as they were supposed to.”
Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, Lian Bichsel, Nils Lundkvist and Thomas Harley are among the players who attended. However, on Saturday, DeBoer described it as a “voluntary freeze” instead of an optional practice as he had originally said.
Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell, #15, celebrates after a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Utah Hockey Club on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
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Attending games is also prohibited on league-sanctioned breaks. The fine money will go to the NHL Foundation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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