About the Dallas Stars Selects
Amateur Hockey Association of North Texas (AHANT)
DALLAS STARS SELECTS
Youth Hockey Program
Member of USA Hockey and Texas Amateur Hockey Association
History:
The Amateur Hockey Association of North Texas is a not for profit organization (501c3) and began in 2001, when a group of parents were asked by the NHL Dallas Stars to assume operations of their travel hockey program. That first year was of course, a growth and learning experience for all involved. However in 2002 the Dallas Junior Stars, as they were called at the time, hosted their first Fall Round-Up tournament with 34 teams attending at the new Euless Dr Pepper StarCenter. In 2003 the association began to grow in the number of teams it fielded, and leadership within the group changed somewhat. The Junior Stars hosted their second Fall Round-Up tournament with 86 teams participating. In 2004 the Stars changed their name to the Dallas Stars Selects. The growth of the tournament and the addition of coaches set the stage for accelerated growth for the Stars which included the addition of a second tournament in, the Texas Shootout, in 2005. Since these early days, the association has grown and developed players, with several having moved on to Tier I, NCAA and Junior hockey teams. Both DSS tournaments now regularly host over 100 teams at these two events, which are the largest tournaments in the Southwest. The teams skate wearing the official uniforms of the NHL Dallas Stars. The association is a member of the Rocky Mountain District of USA Hockey and of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA). Teams compete locally in the North Texas Hockey League (NTXHL) and travel to invitational tournaments of their choice throughout the U.S. and Canada. The home rink for the Stars Selects is the Farmers Branch Dr Pepper StarCenter, and houses a fully stocked and dedicated workout facility and coaches locker room.
Philosophy:
Dallas Stars Selects travel hockey teams are for those who possess the desire to develop skills, and play at a competitive level. We place an emphasis on skill and game sense development, but also recognize the importance of learning life lessons, through hockey experiences. We believe that it's a family experience and thus involvement and interaction with the team and other parents is vital to this development process. These ideals relate directly to the coaching strategies taught through the game of hockey, and community service programs. Ultimately these experiences teach our youth valuable life lessons.
Program Goals: Teach players to understand the game, sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork.
Program Values: Players learn the game of hockey and the value of teamwork. We establish this level of expectation on and off the ice.
Benefits:
· Consistent Practice Schedules
· Participation in Local Hockey Leagues
· Reasonable Travel Expectations
· Value Oriented Hockey Program
· Authentic Dallas Stars uniforms (home & away)
· Participant Warm-up Suit, and T-shirt
· TAHA and North Texas Hockey League Fees Included
· Skill clinics and goalie coaching/clinics provided
· Home Rink - Farmers Branch Dr Pepper StarCenter
· Scholarship Program
· USA Hockey Certified Coaches with Hockey Knowledge, Skills, Integrity, and Hockey Backgrounds
· Off Ice Activities & Team Building
· Light-Conditioning and agility training for Mites, Squirts & PeeWees
· Strength Conditioning and agility training for Bantams & Midgets
· USA Hockey - Zero Tolerance Adherence
· Parent Volunteer Opportunities
· Parent Orientation Program
· Two Paid Tournaments Included (Texas Shootout & Fall Round-up)
Nationals Participation:
In 2009, the Stars Selects Bantam Major 94 AA became the most successful U14 team in Dallas and advanced to the USA Hockey U14 National Championships. To qualify for Nationals, the Stars Selects had to win the Rocky Mountain District Championship tournament in Phoenix. They became the first team from the DSS organization ever to win this tournament. After tripping up in their opening contest, the team fought back to win out and avenge their only loss in the championship game, defeating the tenth-ranked team in the country. At Nationals, the team finished 1-3, but in the top 8 nationally. Throughout the regular season, the team performed extremely well and finished 1st place in the North Texas Hockey League with a record of 17-2-2.
Team Achievements:
· Texas Shootout Bantam AA Champions
· Silver Sticks Western Regional Bantam AA Champions
· Big Bear Tournament Bantam AA Champions
· Texas State U14 Runner Up
· North Texas Hockey League Bantam AA Regular Season Champions
· Rocky Mountain 14 and Under Champions
• 2009 U14 Nationals Quarter Finalist
What Families are Saying about Their DSS Experience:
"You are family oriented. You have been very kind to us since we have moved here and the people are very approachable, this is important. You back your coaches and this is a must."
"Our coach gave so much to the team and is so committed to making these boys better hockey players. He has so much to offer them and is so giving of his time and energy. He has been a great role model for my son".
"I like the quality coaching and think some good values are given to the kids."
"Good people who care about my son and family."
"Has been a very good year. My son has really advanced his hockey skills."
"Access, professional approach, constancy and positive attitude. "
"DSS has been a unbelievable experience for our son, he has gained so much self-confidence."
"My son has made lifelong friends and priceless Experiences."
"Leadership, ethics, gamesmanship and willingness to see the kids have fun."
"We have played for other organization last year and had other offers this year but have never wavered from our decision to go with DSS."
"I really like the people that run the organization, they always take the time to stop and say hello and acknowledge you are part of the organization."
For further information on the structure of our programs, please review the Participant Guide under the Documents tab.
