NHL Investigating Fans for Nazi Salute at Dallas Stars Game

Video of the incident at the American Airlines Center goes viral months later.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes in shades of blue, grey, and white, conveying the disruption and discord caused by discriminatory actions in the stands.A cubist interpretation of the tensions and divisions exposed by hateful behavior at a professional hockey game.Dallas Today

Officials at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, home of the NHL's Dallas Stars, are investigating after a video went viral showing fans giving a Nazi salute during a December 2025 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The arena and the Stars organization have condemned the behavior, stating they have zero tolerance for acts of hate or discrimination and are working to identify the individuals involved.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the prevalence of hateful and discriminatory behavior at sporting events, which can create an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for fans. The NHL's code of conduct explicitly prohibits such actions, and the league's response will be closely watched.

The details

The video, which was first posted on Reddit but has since been deleted, shows several fans in the stands delivering the raised-arm Nazi salute during the game. The American Airlines Center issued a statement condemning the behavior and saying they are conducting an internal investigation. The Dallas Stars organization also said they are 'fully aligned' with the arena's response and are working to determine exactly what happened.

  • The incident occurred during the Dallas Stars' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 21, 2025.
  • The video of the incident went viral several months later in April 2026.

The players

American Airlines Center

The arena where the Dallas Stars play home games, which has issued a statement condemning the fans' behavior and launched an internal investigation.

Dallas Stars

The NHL team whose fans were involved in the incident, and who are working with the arena to address the situation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are fully aligned with the arena's statement and working with them to find out exactly what happened.”

— Dallas Stars

What’s next

The American Airlines Center and the Dallas Stars organization have said they are conducting an internal investigation to identify the individuals involved in the Nazi salute incident. The NHL is also expected to review the case and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted against the fans.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing hateful and discriminatory behavior at sporting events, which can undermine the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that teams and leagues strive to cultivate. The response from the arena, the team, and the NHL will be closely watched as a test of their commitment to upholding their codes of conduct and creating a safe environment for all fans.