Tom Hicks, the former owner of the Dallas Stars, passed away on Saturday at the age of 79. Hicks played a significant role in the NHL during his tenure as owner of the Stars, contributing to the league’s landscape both on and off the ice.
Hicks, a Dallas-based businessman, acquired the Dallas Stars in 1995 and owned the franchise during one of its most successful periods. Under his ownership, the Stars captured their first and only Stanley Cup championship in 1999. The team reached the Stanley Cup Final again in 2000, underscoring a period of consistent competitiveness and national recognition.
His leadership and investment were pivotal in building a talented roster and elevating the team’s presence in a non-traditional hockey market. During his tenure, the Stars became one of the more prominent and respected franchises in the NHL, helping to expand the league’s footprint in the southern United States.
In addition to owning the Stars, Hicks also had ownership ties to teams in other major sports leagues, most notably Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, though only his role with the NHL franchise is relevant here. He was known for his business acumen and made significant investments in sports, broadcasting, and finance throughout his career.
Despite challenges later in his tenure, including financial issues that eventually led to the sale of the Stars in 2011, Hicks’ influence during the team’s peak competitive years left a lasting impression on the franchise and its fan base. His period of ownership is remembered for bringing championship-level hockey to Dallas and popularizing the sport in the region.
Hicks’ death marks the passing of a figure who made a lasting contribution to the expansion and success of the NHL in non-traditional markets. Funeral arrangements and further details have not yet been made public.
