In this episode of The Faceoff Spot, host Adam welcomes back USA Today reporter Kenny Jacoby to discuss his latest investigative article on the Dallas Stars’ dominance over youth hockey in Texas. They explore how the Stars’ control of taxpayer-funded rinks, alleged retaliation against critics, price hikes, and controversial high school hockey takeover have shaped the local hockey scene. While the conversation addresses legal and ethical questions, both acknowledge the positive impact the Stars have had on growing the sport. The episode closes with reflections on community responsibility and the importance of investigative journalism.

00:00 – 02:24 – Introduction & Sponsor Shoutout Adam Larson opens the episode, thanks listeners, and promotes his business, Play It Again Sports Mansfield. He introduces guest Kenny Jacoby, a USA Today reporter returning to discuss a new investigative article about the Dallas Stars’ youth hockey operations.

02:24 – 05:01 – Recap of the First Article’s Origin Kenny explains that the first article stemmed from a source in Colorado with youth hockey concerns. That led him to investigate Texas, where people described the Dallas Stars as a monopoly controlling hockey operations.

05:01 – 07:28 – Why a Second Article Kenny had initially focused on whether the Stars were a monopoly and if they abused that power. Allegations emerged that Stars employees profited from “state of play” hotel booking requirements, prompting a separate article.

07:28 – 14:13 – Ethics vs. Legality Discussion of whether the Stars’ conduct is legal or merely unethical. Kenny cites antitrust experts who point to potential anti-competitive actions, including locking cities into long-term leases, retaliating against critics, and leveraging control of rinks to gain hotel market advantage.

14:13 – 21:14 – Publicly Funded Rinks Adam and Kenny discuss how many Stars-operated rinks were built with taxpayer funds, giving communities a stake in their management. Kenny notes that cities theoretically could push back against certain Stars’ actions, citing the Duncanville rink closure as an example.

21:14 – 26:10 – Blacklisting & Retaliation Kenny describes interviewing over 100 people, with documented cases of threats or retaliation against those critical of the Stars or using competing facilities. Many were hesitant to speak publicly for fear of consequences.

26:10 – 28:04 – Outsider’s Perspective Adam asks if the secrecy and fear struck Kenny as unusual. Kenny acknowledges that structural issues—like the governing body being filled with Stars employees—amplify the problem.

28:04 – 34:59 – High School Hockey Takeover Discussion of the Stars’ takeover of high school hockey operations. The Stars said they aimed to standardize fees and pay, but conflicts arose when they overrode local decisions and stopped honoring certain ice time agreements, costing Frisco’s club thousands.

34:59 – 38:03 – Rising Prices Kenny notes Stars’ program prices have risen over 30% in the past five to six years, averaging 5% annually—often considered monopoly-level increases.

38:03 – 48:14 – Private Lessons Pricing Adam shares personal experience with drastic price hikes for “pro time” lessons, eliminating affordable one-on-one training. Kenny agrees this reduced accessibility for skill development and forced some coaches to raise prices to uncomfortable levels.

48:14 – 50:09 – Moral Responsibility Adam emphasizes that while the Stars’ presence benefits Texas hockey, their power comes with a moral obligation to serve the community.

50:09 – 52:36 – Is This a Wider Problem? Kenny suspects similar issues occur elsewhere, especially in markets where NHL teams control most rinks. He’s received numerous tips from across the country since the article’s release.

52:36 – 55:03 – Positive Takeaway Kenny praises the Dallas hockey community’s passion and the courage of those willing to speak out despite risks.

55:03 – 01:01:07 – Shoutouts Kenny’s shoutout focuses on the value of investigative journalism and the importance of supporting media that hold powerful entities accountable. Adam’s shoutout urges listeners to take care of and contribute positively to their community rinks.

01:01:07 – End – Closing Adam and Kenny wrap up, with Adam sharing ways to connect with the podcast.