Bettman: Stars fans re-engaged in Dallas

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, via DallasNews.com, on the positive direction of the Stars under owner Tom Gaglardi.

“You can’t simply turn things around overnight, but he brings in Jim Nill, he brings back Jimmy Lites,” Bettman said. “He’s engaged in a process of long-term commitment toward excellence, and you’re beginning to see the results. Again, this is his first full season of ownership and the results speak for themselves.”

Bettman was asked if that meant he was happy with the Stars, and he replied: “My happiness is not the issue. Are fans re-engaged? And the answer is yes. I think they sold 1,000 new season tickets since April 1. The game’s sold out tonight. I remember when the Stars won the cup and I remember the city’s reaction to it. There is a passionate fan base for the Dallas Stars and it’s being re-engaged. We’ve seen other places where the city, the fans and the team and to reengage. Chicago is a good example. It happens. When you have strong ownership and that’s where it starts, committed ownership, then you can have process and that’s what Tom represents."

Source: Mike Heika, DallasNews.com