The NHL fined the Dallas Stars $100,000 on Monday after determining that the team held an unauthorized practice during the holiday break last Thursday. According to the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NHL Players’ Association, December 24, 25, and 26 are mandatory off-days for all teams, with no practice or travel allowed on those dates.
The practice was meant to be optional for the Stars’ younger players. However, coach Pete DeBoer later clarified that it was simply “voluntary ice,” not an actual practice. The Stars played against the Minnesota Wild on Friday, with the Wild arriving that morning, in compliance with the rule. While the younger Stars players skating might have provided an advantage, Minnesota came back to win the game 3-2 in overtime.
The $100,000 fine will be donated to the NHL Foundation.