Al Montoya to be part of NHL Player Inclusion Coalition

One of the driving forces in Al Montoya's life is to complete his degree with the University of Michigan.

So, it makes sense that the Stars' Director of Community Outreach would use a grant from the NHL's new Player Inclusion Coalition to help students. Montoya is one of 20 members of the coalition who will set up programs that foster inclusion in the sport of hockey. The newly formed coalition is a joint effort between the NHL and the NHL Players Association, and the group has earmarked more than $1 million for projects selected by each of the members.

Montoya's grant will allow the University of Texas at Arlington to offer financial support for students interested in a career in sports management, to inspire students from more backgrounds to consider careers in hockey.

It's a perfect fit for the 38-year-old who played 10 NHL seasons and then joined the Stars two years ago in his current position. Growing up in Chicago as a hockey player of Cuban decent, Montoya said his mom, Dr. Irene Silva, always emphasized education. That's why he is still pursuing his degree after completing three years at the University of Michigan in 2005.

"It's extremely important," Montoya said of earning his diploma. "Being raised by my mother, a single parent who put herself through medical school and raised four boys, who sacrificed everything. At the top of her list was you can try anything you want, but you have to go to school and you have to maintain your education. For that reason, I continue to go to school and show my kids how important education is."

The scholarship will hopefully help students who are trying to find their way into sports. Montoya started with the Stars in September of 2021 and has been working tenaciously to promote inclusion in Texas. Good friends with fellow Michigan goalie Marty Turco, the president of the Stars Foundation, Montoya was seeking a path to work in hockey, while simultaneously following his passion of creating diversity in the sport.

"I was very fortunate to be around when he was having those discussions, and it just seemed like he was a perfect fit for us here," Turco said. "Al Montoya is so passionate. He lives it and breathes it every day. He's a very intelligent person who has a tremendous amount of respect for the game of hockey, that he believes has given him a lot. He wants to give back to as many people as possible."

Growing up in Chicago, Montoya was unique as a Spanish-speaking hockey player, and he understood that fact early on.

"I realized I was different when I heard my mom scream in the stands, speaking Spanish," Montoya said. "But hockey is that equalizer, and I can tell you first-hand it really is."

Part of the league's efforts to increase diversity is having people of all cultures participate. Montoya's ability to speak Spanish has made him a valuable asset in creating inclusion.

"We talk every day about the importance of representation and how that creates a level of trust and credibility with these communities that historically maybe haven't thought they belonged in our sport or just needed to see themselves in our sport," said Kim Davis, the NHL's Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs. "So, we think it's vital."

Montoya was heavily involved in outreach as a player, and when his career ended, he spoke with Davis and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly about options and how to continue his efforts.

"I remember when Al came in, his passion for the game was contagious," Davis said. "He was talking at that time about the ways he wanted to contribute to the game and now when you fast forward a couple of years and having him land in Dallas in this role, to see a former players being involved in the community and being a member of the PIC, it's all of the things he talked about wanting to do in his post-playing career. Genuine, authentic, credible, and I think all of that has proven to help the Stars really develop, particularly in new communities. Al is the real deal, in my opinion."

Stars President Brad Alberts said the initial appeal of hiring Montoya was that he would definitely appeal to the Spanish-speaking community, which is significant in Texas. However, Alberts said Montoya has found a reach that is much bigger than that.

"Our city is diverse, and Al is tapping into those diverse populations and is trying to make sure that they understand that hockey is for everyone," Alberts said. "We want to make sure that people feel comfortable around the game, that they feel comfortable bringing their kids, just even taking that first step to come and get introduced to hockey and see if they like it."

Alberts said he has been impressed with Montoya's ability to communicate with fans, helping everyone feel included.

"His story is a real good one," Alberts said. "It's genuine and authentic, which is what we are. He's a great fit because he is authentic and real. I think he cares deeply about the sport, and he gets the mission, and I think he's really relatable."

The announcement of the Coalition on Tuesday is a step forward in the process of making the league more relatable. It started as the Players Inclusion Committee, which was designed mostly to discuss possible improvements. The Coalition now provides funding and allows players to take the extra step.

"I think in its simplest terms, moving from committee to coalition is about moving from educating, to advocacy, to now impact," said Davis. "They bring the true impact of the work that they have been doing to bear and help us grow the sport. It's exciting to see their work maturing."

Each of the participants selects an outreach personal to them. Montoya said that money does make a difference.

"What we're trying to do is eliminate barriers, and money is a big part of that," he said. "If you're talented and you're capable, we don't want money to be an issue. Whoever we can help out and ease that burden, we're going to try to do that."

That's one reason Montoya is good at his job. While a big part is going to clinics or connecting with fans, another major responsibility is making an impact in the business community to create the infrastructure needed to make change.

"I think Al has always been very conscious of his ability to be a positive role model. We've seen that at youth hockey events, playing street hockey. He made a point to speak in Spanish to players who were native Spanish speakers, so that he could bring that authenticity into that moment so they could feel the cultural representation into the game." said Melissa Parnagian, the NHL's Manager of Player Programs and Culture Initiatives. "And as much as he is that role model at community youth hockey events, I think he is that same person in the corporate environment where he's bringing his insights, reflections, and experiences into the day-to-day functions of the Dallas Stars. So, he's definitely been conscious of his ability to be a change agent."

Consider it a part of his "education."

"We talk about representation all of the time," he said. "To be able to see it, to be it - it is such a big thing. Our coalition is made up of all walks of life, all cultures, all genders, and I think that really makes a difference. To see the changes we're making, and the impact we're having, it makes me proud to be a Dallas Star."

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.