Photos: Nick White/Dallas Sports Fanatic
In what he termed “the worst kept secret in the hockey community” Bill Daly, the deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League, formally announced Saturday night that the City of Dallas would host the 2018 NHL Draft June 22-23 at the American Airlines Center.
“We believe it is a fitting way to help celebrate the 25th anniversary season of the franchise,” he said.
The 2018 NHL Draft™ will be held over two days – Friday, June 22 (Round 1) and Saturday, June 23 (Rounds 2-7). NHL club executives, scouts and coaches will be present on the NHL Draft floor while thousands of fans and hundreds of print, television and radio media are expected to attend.
This will mark the first time the Stars and the City of Dallas will host the NHL Draft. The Stars will celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary during the upcoming 2017-18 season, and will host special events throughout the year to commemorate this silver season.
Thousands of die-hard and some new Stars fans gathered at the site of the old Reunion Arena – the Stars’ former home – to hear the announcement and enjoy a Reunion Lawn Party with food, music and video of Stars moments throughout the years.
On hand for the big announcement was Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings who told the excited audience, “I’m a happy man knowing we will be able to do this.
“This continues to lift us up as that Tier 1 city in America for sports. You’ve got to have an event like this here.” Mayor Rawlings also touted the economic benefits of hosting the Draft.
“Six thousands rooms will be booked like tomorrow because of this,” he said to cheers from the audience. “We’re going to have people from all over the county and North America coming here and to have fun doing it.The Draft will generate an estimated $14 million in economic impact as we welcome fans from all 31 NHL clubs, members of the hockey community and potential draftees and their families from countries around the world.
“Our city being granted this honor is yet another example of how Dallas continues to be one of the most sought after locations to host first-class events, Mayor Rawlings continued. “I say thank you to the NHL We will do a good job and roll out the red carpet for you.”
Dallas Stars Owner and Governor Tom Gaglardi said: “The Stars organization is honored to host the 2018 NHL Draft during our 25th Anniversary season in Dallas. Since our team moved to North Texas prior to the 1993-1994 season, we have been embraced by the community from day one and are lucky to have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL.
“Over the past 25 years, we have seen the tremendous growth of our sport through youth hockey programs, community involvement and grassroots efforts in the greater Southwest region. The 2018 NHL Draft will serve as a showcase for the next generation of NHL talent and celebrate the success of hockey in the state of Texas.”
Ticket plans, related events and other details pertaining to the 2018 NHL Draft™ For more information on the Dallas Stars 25th Anniversary season, visit https://www.nhl.com/stars/
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