Looking for hockey in Dallas area (Arlington, TX)

[sabby47 2]

Well, looks like we will be moving down to Arlington this summer. What rinks should we avoid and what rinks are closer to that area? Any input is greatly appreciated along with possible team leads. I plan to talk with some teams that come up for our tourney but I appreciate any suggestions.Thanks in advance.

[IniNew 53]

I both ref and play at Nytex located in North Richland Hills. Solid rink, but only 1 sheet during the summer. Other is converted to indoor soccer. The Dr. Pepper Stars Center in Euless is probably closer, and again solid. The ice may be a bit better as well. The Wednesday afternoon pickup is very solid, though thats my only experience with that rink out of one game I subbed in.

[Chris Gent 7]

I both work part-time and play at the StarCenter rink in Euless, which is the best ice in Tarrant County for sure. At what level(s) have you played in the past? I can probably direct you to a team coordinator at the appropriate level, as I play in one league, help "coach" a team on which my wife plays, and know people at several other levels as well. Many women who are not long-time players do play in the "Saturday Night D League," which is part of the Instructional League. If you are ok with playing with guys who are more experienced, then they have leagues that play on other nights as well. My current team has a one former college playing female on it (though she works for the Stars and can't be there much), and there are several women in the league.

The StarCenter website is: http://www.drpepperstarcenter.com The current (part-time) Euless hockey manager is Jerry Slaughter (jslaughter@dallasstars.com). I have known him for a long time. He is a really good guy and will be your contact other than the front desk staff if you decide to join a league.

Have you contacted the Metroplex Hockey Officials Association about reffing here? Unless you do so, there is very little officiating to be done here in D/FW, as they hold the contracts for most rinks. I beleive the above mentioned NyTex facility hires officials regardless of MHOA membership, but I am not sure if others do.

Avoid the Parks Mall (or any mall ice in this area) like the plague unless you like skating in sludge. Their ice sucks (and that IS being nice). The StarCenters are generally cleaner and better-run than the independent rinks. The one exception would be the Ice Training Center in Richardson. They generally have really good ice and decently run leagues.

Let me know if you need more info. I can probably get you the names of people more quickly than using the web to search, as there has been a lot of turnover amongst the Stars management after the sale to Mr. Gaglardi bought the team in November and the websites at most of the rinks are not up to date.

Good luck! There is a ton of hockey to be played in Dallas / Fort Worth, and Arlington's pretty close to 3 decent rinks (Euless, NyTex, and Farmer's Branch StarCenter all within 25 minutes), so you can probably play 2-3 times a day if you have the time and can afford it...and that's really not a joke. There is that much ice time here.

[memphishockey06 0]

I just moved to DFW area in October (I really need to change my name haha), and there is a ton of adult league hockey going on. I think the best ice in at the Dr Pepper Starcenter in Farmers Branch, but adult leagues will play in a couple arena's depending on availability. The closest sheet to you will probably be Euless, which is also the closest rink to the Perani's store. Looks like there are plenty of people from the area on here so it shouldn't be hard at all jumping on a team.

[wetwilly17 6]

Chris gent, what happened to tom yockey?

[Chris Gent 7]

I would love to say I really knew, but I don't. My guess is that it was a mutal decision based up on dissatisfaction on both the Stars' and his parts. Anything more would be a pure wild guess...