Dallas Stars ban fan who bought tickets for group seen with Nazi salute

The NHL team took action after a video showed fans celebrating a goal with the hateful gesture.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:40am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conceptually representing the need for inclusive, respectful fan environments in sports.A cubist interpretation of the heated hockey rivalry that can sometimes bring out the worst in fans, requiring sports teams to enforce strict codes of conduct.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars have banned a fan from attending games at the American Airlines Center after they bought tickets for a group of spectators who were seen celebrating a goal with a Nazi salute during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in December. The team said any discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in their arena.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge sports teams and leagues face in addressing hateful and discriminatory behavior from fans, which can create unsafe and unwelcoming environments. The Stars' swift action to ban the fan and increase in-arena messaging on their code of conduct sends a strong message that such conduct is unacceptable.

The details

Courtney Ripley recorded video of the group of four fans extending their right arms with straightened hands facing downward - a gesture associated with the Nazi salute - while celebrating a goal at the December game against the Maple Leafs. The Stars said they have 'zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination' and are prioritizing staff training to identify and handle such situations.

  • The incident occurred during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in December 2025.
  • The Dallas Stars announced the fan ban on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Dallas Stars

The NHL team that owns and operates the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Courtney Ripley

A fan who recorded video of the group making the Nazi salute at the December 2025 game.

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What they’re saying

“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

“The best hockey experiences happen in environments that are inclusive, safe and respectful.”

— NHL, Fan Code of Conduct

What’s next

The Dallas Stars said they are increasing in-arena messaging about their Fan Code of Conduct and how fans can report violations, along with prioritizing staff training to identify and handle situations involving hateful or discriminatory behavior.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge sports teams and leagues face in creating safe, inclusive environments for all fans. The Dallas Stars' swift action to ban the fan who enabled the hateful display sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated, and their plans to enhance in-arena policies and staff training show a commitment to addressing this issue proactively.