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The Dallas Stars banned a fan from attending games at the American Airlines Center on Monday after he purchased tickets for a group of spectators who were seen celebrating a goal with a Nazi salute.
Courtney Ripley told WFAA-TV that she was the one who took video during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in December, showing the group of four fans extending their right arms with an outstretched right hand facing down.
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Fans line up outside the American Airlines Center before the start of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, October 28, 2025. (Tony Gutiérrez/AP)
The team conducted an investigation which led to the identification of the person who had bought the group their tickets and subsequently banned them.
“Any type of discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in our arena,” the team said in a statement. “Creating and maintaining inclusive, safe and respectful environments is non-negotiable for the Dallas Stars.”
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Dallas Stars players Mikko Rantanen, Matt Duchene, Esa Lindell, Jake Oettinger and Miro Heiskanen celebrate their victory against the Winnipeg Jets at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on April 2, 2026. (Jérôme Miron/Imagn Images)
“Additionally, we are increasing in-arena messaging regarding the Fan Code of Conduct and how our fans can report violations, while prioritizing staff training to identify and handle situations that arise,” the team added.
The American Airlines Center told ESPN last week that it has “zero tolerance for any acts of hatred and/or discrimination.”
The NHL has a multi-point fan code of conduct. He states that “the best hockey experiences take place in inclusive, safe and respectful environments.” Each team has a scripted segment that is shared on their video board, through their PA system, or both.
Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque celebrates his goal into an empty net with his teammates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 28, 2026. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
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The script reminds fans of their respective codes of conduct.
