A New Hub for Hockey in the Rio Grande Valley
The Dallas Stars have announced a partnership with the City of McAllen to revitalize the McAllen Multipurpose Pavilion and to launch floor and roller hockey programs that aim to spread the sport across Texas.
Al Montoya, the Stars’ Vice President of Cultural Growth & Strategy, described the pavilion as a true community hub and highlighted the team’s ‘One State, One Team’ philosophy, which seeks to bring hockey to every corner of the state.
The upgrade includes fresh paint, a new scoreboard, a modern playing surface and added safety netting, creating a safer and more inviting environment for players of all ages.
Denny Meline, McAllen’s Director of Parks and Recreation, said the focus will be on youth programs and ball hockey, giving elementary school children a chance to try the sport for the first time.
Dwight Mullins, the Stars’ Director of Hockey Development, noted that the organization has grown its outreach from just five to 35 recreation centers in North Texas, providing equipment, training and mentorship to budding players.
Groups from Mexico will also use the facility, fostering cross‑border engagement, while the ribbon‑cutting ceremony featured elementary school kids who received street hockey sticks from the Stars.
The collaboration underscores a broader vision of cultural growth through sport, positioning the Rio Grande Valley as a new frontier for hockey development in the United States.