Dallas Stars Ban Fan Indefinitely After Nazi Salute Incident

Team reinforces zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior at American Airlines Center

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted blues, greys, and blacks, conveying the divisive nature of the fan incident.The Dallas Stars' swift action to ban a fan for a Nazi salute incident underscores the team's commitment to an inclusive, welcoming environment for all fans.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars have indefinitely banned a fan from American Airlines Center after an internal investigation into a video showing a group of spectators appearing to perform Nazi salutes during a December home game. The team identified the individual who purchased the tickets for the group and issued an indefinite ban from the entire American Airlines Center venue, covering Stars games, Mavericks games, concerts and all other events.

Why it matters

The incident violates both the venue's fan code of conduct and NHL policy, which prohibit any language, gestures or expressions that demean race, ethnicity or other identity-based characteristics. The Stars' action reinforces their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all fans and staff.

The details

The incident took place on Dec. 21, 2025, when the Stars hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs. An 18-second video captured several male fans in the upper deck raising their arms in unison to the rhythm of the team's goal song, 'Puck Off' by Pantera. The clip was recorded by another fan who reported it to arena management with exact seat numbers, then first posted on Reddit before spreading widely on social media.

  • The incident occurred on December 21, 2025 during a Dallas Stars home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • The team issued the indefinite ban after an internal investigation following the incident.

The players

Dallas Stars

A professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

American Airlines Center

A multi-purpose arena located in Dallas, Texas, that serves as the home venue for the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“We identified and spoke with the individual that purchased the tickets and will be banning the individual indefinitely from American Airlines Center. Additionally, we are increasing in-arena messaging regarding the Fan Code of Conduct and how our fans can report violations, along with prioritizing staff training to identify and handle situations that arise. Any type of discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in our arena. Creating and sustaining environments that are inclusive, safe and respectful is a non-negotiable for the Dallas Stars.”

— Dallas Stars Spokesperson

What’s next

The Dallas Stars say they will be increasing in-arena messaging about their Fan Code of Conduct and how fans can report violations, as well as prioritizing staff training to identify and handle similar situations in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the Dallas Stars' and the NHL's zero tolerance policy for discriminatory or hateful behavior from fans. The team's swift action to identify and ban the individual responsible reinforces their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans at American Airlines Center.