In April 2019, the Dallas Stars Foundation pledged $2 million to build a new multi-sport athletic complex and assist with funding for after-school and summer initiatives. The NHL joined the Dallas Stars Foundations' efforts to make hockey, and all sports, more accessible to the community with the donation of a brand-new ball hockey court. The ball hockey court will be located right alongside the new athletic complex.
As an additional gift to the St. Philip's School & Community Center, more than 500 kids and their families from the South Dallas community will attend the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®.
"The Dallas Stars and the Dallas Stars Foundation are proud to partner with the NHL to continue supporting the efforts of Dr. Terry Flowers and St. Philip's School and Community Center," said Dallas Stars President Brad Alberts. "For over 70 years, St. Philip's has been actively invested in providing education and resources for South Dallas. We are grateful that we have been allowed to be part of the St. Philip's community and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come."
"The NHL is thrilled to work with the Dallas Stars and the local community to leave behind an impactful legacy for thousands of youths in the Dallas area as part of the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic," said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Brand Officer & Executive Vice President. "This new ball hockey court at the St. Philip's School & Community Center will provide boys and girls with the opportunity to play the great game of hockey while also promoting the physical fitness needed to play the sport. Through this collaborative effort, the League is pleased to continue the vital work the Stars are doing in their community and continue our longstanding tradition of supporting our Club's local community organizations across North America."
The announcement was made at an event earlier today at St. Philip's School & Community Center with Dallas Stars Foundation president and NHL alumnus Marty Turco as well as Stars players Jamie Benn, Anton Khudobin, Jason Dickinson, Denis Gurianov, and Jamie Oleksiak. The event included a holiday party and ball hockey in conjunction with the new 'Badges on the Blueline' program, with local officers from the Dallas Police Hockey Foundation's leading skills and drills with the players and more than 50 kids from the community.
The Legacy initiative is an ongoing philanthropic endeavor in which the League and the local club support community organizations in the host city of an NHL event. Since 2003, the League, its teams and partners have collectively donated more than $5.9 million to communities across North America. In the past decade, the Legacy Projects have aided thousands of hospital patients in recovery; helped at-risk youth and families gain better access to educational and vocational training; and provided greater access to people of all ages to learn and play hockey.
