The NHL has fined the Dallas Stars $100,000 for holding an optional team practice on Dec. 26, the league announced Monday afternoon.
The team activity, the league said, was in violation of Article 16.5(b) of the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association.
The specific article of the CBA states, “December 24, Christmas Day, and December 26 shall be off-days for all purposes, including travel, and no Club may request a Player’s consent to practice on such days for any reason.”
Stars coach Pete DeBoer said earlier Monday he had learned the league would be fining the team.
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When asked about acclimating the young players to the roster before Friday’s game against Minnesota, DeBoer told reporters, “I was at the rink yesterday. We had an optional, and of course, the young guys all show up for the optionals, like they’re supposed to do.”
He elaborated to name Mavrik Bourque, Oskar Bäck, Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, Lian Bichsel, Nils Lundkvist and Thomas Harley as some of the young players in attendance at the Dec. 26 practice.
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DeBoer clarified Saturday at practice that it was “voluntary ice” instead of a scheduled optional practice.
The fine money from Dallas will be sent to the NHL Foundation.
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