Gary Bettman releases emotional statement following the passing of Stars legend Tom Hicks
Recently, the first owner of the Dallas Stars passed away, and given their close relationship, Gary Bettman has now released a very emotional statement.
Over the past few years, the NHL has been hit by plenty of tragedy, with some very beloved names in that time passing away as the league continues to mourn them.
Recently, it was announced that Tom Hicks, the first owner of the Dallas Stars and a key piece to the success of the organization had passed away at the age of 79.
Gary Bettman releases emotion statement on former Stars owner
Back in December of 1995, Hicks went through with the purchase of the Minnesota North Stars, officially turning them into the Dallas Stars, and across the next two decades, he would be instrumental in the building of this organization as well as the American Airlines Center.
He would be forced to sell the team in 2011 when he would move on to ventures including perhaps his biggest role in his involvement with Premier League giant Liverpool F.C.
Now after his passing, Gary Bettman has released this emotional statement paying tribute to someone that was clearly a good friend of his;
Tom Hicks combined his innovative business acumen with his passions for sports and the city of Dallas to transform the Stars into one of the most successful franchises in the NHL, and the catalyst for the growth of hockey in Texas. In 1995/96, his second season as owner, the Stars began a remarkable stretch that saw them win seven of the next nine division titles, two Western Conference Championships and the Stanley Cup in 1999.
Hicks was instrumental in the planning and development of the American Airlines Center and his philanthropy focused upon promotion education and helping the homeless in the Dallas area. The National Hockey League mourns his passin and sends our sincere condolences to his wife Cinda, their six children and 11 grandchildren and the entire Hicks family.
Hicks was instrumental in the planning and development of the American Airlines Center and his philanthropy focused upon promotion education and helping the homeless in the Dallas area. The National Hockey League mourns his passin and sends our sincere condolences to his wife Cinda, their six children and 11 grandchildren and the entire Hicks family.
Hicks appears to have been a very good business man with his love of sport and the behind the scenes, and while he had to sell the team back in 2011, it's clear that he set this organization up for long-term success.
We too take the time to send our condolences to the Hicks family, and to those that were close with the immense personality and businessman over the years of his involvement in sport.
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DECEMBRE 7|215 ANSWERS Gary Bettman releases emotional statement following the passing of Stars legend Tom Hicks Did you watch the Dallas Stars in their inaugural season? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 42.3 % |
| No | 124 | 57.7 % |
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