High School Hockey transitions to the Texas High School Hockey League

Texas Amateur Hockey Association Works with the Dallas Stars to transition Governance of High School Hockey to the Texas High School Hockey League

The Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) is proud to recognize the Dallas Stars organization

as a truly positive force in the growth of hockey across the great state of Texas. Since their arrival,

the Stars have transformed what was once a niche sport into a thriving statewide hockey

community.

The Stars have been very supportive of Texas hockey. From building grassroots programs from the

ground up to inspiring thousands of young players across the state and Affiliate, the Dallas Stars

have made hockey a true part of the Texas identity. Texas Hockey just recorded another year of

record participation growth. We are grateful for everything they have done, and continue to do, for

our sport and our community.

As part of an ongoing collaboration between TAHA, the Dallas Stars organization and local high

school hockey leaders, the Dallas Stars are preparing to take the final step in transitioning the High

School Hockey League into a community-based governance model. This step represents a key

milestone in the continued evolution of the league and reflects the Stars’ long-term vision to

establish a strong, community-led league that supports sustainable growth. Community hockey

leaders will continue working with existing high school clubs, TAHA, and the Dallas Stars to develop

a structure and long-term plan for the league in time for the 2026-27 high school season.

A New Chapter: The Texas High School Hockey League

Going forward, high school hockey across the DFW Metroplex will be guided by a dedicated

operational arm, the Texas High School Hockey League (THSHL), built specifically for this next

stage of growth.

Following close collaboration with TAHA, the Texas Hockey League (THL) was identified as the

right partner to lead high school hockey forward and build a dedicated solution in the image of what

made its inaugural Travel Hockey season so successful. The THSHL will serve as a dedicated

operating body, separate from the existing youth travel hockey league. While there are natural

synergies between the two, high school hockey will be managed specifically for the community it

serves, and built with that community in mind from day one. That means real processes and real

opportunities for the people who make high school hockey work: coaches, clubs, volunteers, and

families. It means putting operational oversight in the hands of leaders the community knows and

trusts. And it means giving high school hockey in Texas a presence and an identity that players and

families can attach to, feel excited by, and be proud of.

This new chapter will be built on a foundation of operational success. Over the past year, the Texas

Hockey League’s youth travel hockey programs delivered real results for clubs, coaches, and

families through transparent, community-first operations. The THSHL will draw directly on those

same operational practices and apply them to high school hockey, giving the new league a strong,

tested foundation from day one rather than starting from scratch.

What to Expect

Building a league the right way takes time, and we want the community to be included in that

process from the start. Over the coming month, families, coaches, and clubs can expect regularupdates as the THSHL takes shape, including a new website and a growing public presence as we

build out the people, processes, and partnerships behind the league.

This work is all in preparation for the 2026–27 season, when the Texas High School Hockey

League will officially begin operations. Nothing changes for clubs in the meantime; the current

season and playoffs will continue without interruption, and clubs will be notified directly as new

processes are finalized.

We are confident that this next chapter will strengthen high school hockey in Texas and create an

even better experience for every player, coach, and family who is part of it. Thank you for your

continued trust and partnership as we build it together.

To follow along as the Texas High School Hockey League takes shape, visit

www.texashockeyleague.com for the latest updates.

TAHA's Full Support

TAHA fully supports this direction and believes it represents a tremendously positive step for the

Texas hockey community. The Dallas Stars organization will remain supportive during this

transition to ensure continuity through the summer season and playoffs, and to support a smooth

path forward.

The Stars will continue to focus their efforts on the areas where they have historically made their

greatest impact: grassroots hockey development, Learn to Play programs, Little Rookies, Hockey

Academy, Skate Academy, house league hockey, adult hockey, and rink-based programming

designed to welcome new players and families to the sport. The Dallas Stars’ commitment to Texas

hockey is perhaps best exemplified by their extraordinary investment in the infrastructure our

players currently enjoy, including the newly opened StarCenter Multisport facility in Northlake, TX.

On behalf of the entire Texas hockey community, TAHA extends its gratitude to the Dallas Stars

organization for its continued investment in grassroots hockey. We look forward to building this next

chapter of high school hockey together, with the community at its center.

Mark Servaes

President, Texas Amateur Hockey Association