"With one of the largest Indian American populations in the United States here in the Metroplex, our organization is proud to host its first Indian Cultural Night," said Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts. "This is a chance for us to honor an integral portion of our community while continuing our commitment to expanding this sport to underrepresented audiences."
Indian Cultural Night will include a plethora of festivities throughout the evening. Beginning at 4 p.m., PNC Plazawill be converted into a community partners bazaar featuring DhariNation Beard Co. (men's facial and beard grooming products), Magic Bus(charitable organization), Orchid Giving Circle(Asian sisterhood), US India Chamber of Commerceand Coppell ISD. Party on PNC Plaza will also feature a live set from British Columbia-based DJ Heerand performances by Nruthyashakti Dance Academyand Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak(rhythm ensemble). The Stars are also providing complimentary henna from local artist Mehndi by Nirmala.
Punjabi drummers known as "dholis," presented by Dhari Nation, will welcome fans into American Airlines Center with Dhols - a double-headed drum typically used in weddings and festivals. The drum players will also welcome the Stars and Canucks onto the ice prior to the start of each period, while Nruthyashakti Dance Academy and Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak will perform during the first and second intermissions, respectively.
Prior to puck drop, the Stars will host a pregame networking panel featuring trailblazers of Indian descent. Topics will include the rise to prominence of Indians in hockey, sports, media, arts/culture and business - both in Texas and across North America. Moderated by SMU Cox School of Business Professor Radhika Zaveri, the panel will include Board President of the Dallas Museum of Art Gowri Sharma, Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Reporter Amrit Gill, Apna Hockey Co-Founder Dampy Brarand former NHL player Robin Bawa- the first athlete of South Asian descent to play in the National Hockey League. The networking panel is invite only.
Bawa, who made his historic NHL debut with the Washington Capitals on Oct. 6, 1989 and went on to appear in 61 career games with Washington (1989-90), Vancouver (1991-92), San Jose (1992-93) and Anaheim (1993-94), will take part in a ceremonial faceoff at center ice.
Proceeds from the Dallas Stars Foundation 50/50 Raffle will benefit Orchid Giving Circle.
