The Dallas Stars were hit with a hefty fine by the NHL after violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHLPA and the league by holding an optional practice last week during the mandatory Christmas break.
NHL announced Monday that the organization was fined $100,000 for holding practice on the Thursday, the day after Christmas, despite the mandatory three-day break that begins Dec. 24.
Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston, #53, and left wing Jamie Benn, #14, celebrate Johnston’s goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
“This team activity was in violation of Article 16.5(b) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players Association,” the statement read.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
According to the agreement, “no club shall seek the consent of a player to train on such days for any reason” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and December 26, unless the game falls on December 26.
Dallas’ shutout came after a 3-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday, December 23rd. Their next game was scheduled against Minnesota Wild on Friday, December 27.
Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, #29, and center Sam Steel, #18, defend against Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman, #38, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
WILL FERRELL APPEARS AT KINGS GAME AS TOUGH ELF BUDDY
Speaking to reporters before the game, head coach Pete DeBoer said the team “had an option, and of course all the young guys come in for the option, as they should.”
Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, Lian Bichsel, Nils Lundkvist and Thomas Harley were among the players in attendance. However, on Saturday, DeBoer described it as a “voluntary ice out” instead of a planned optional practice as he initially said.
Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell, #15, celebrates after a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against Utah on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Travel to games is also prohibited during the league-mandated break. The fine will go to the NHL Foundation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
