Team Dallas Awarded Tier I Charter by TAHA
Team Dallas Awarded Tier I Charter by TAHA
On Saturday, February 28th, the Team Dallas Board was informed that Team Dallas has been awarded the new Tier I entity by the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA). Operations will begin immediately in preparation for the 2026–2027 season.
INTRODUCING TEAM DALLAS
Team Dallas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by experienced hockey leaders across the state to provide a disciplined, development-focused Tier I pathway in Texas. Built on our Four Pillars: Process, Value, People, and Community, we are committed to player development, strong leadership, and strengthening Texas hockey both on and off the ice. Team Dallas was created with support from many Tier II organizations, aligned on one purpose: to responsibly expand Tier I opportunities while strengthening, not dividing, our Texas hockey ecosystem.
Team Dallas will work closely with TAHA to determine a responsible growth model. For our inaugural season, we plan to field teams at:
● 13O Tier I
● 14U Tier I
● 16U Tier I
● 18U Tier I
Our leadership group, introduced below, is confident these three teams can compete at the Tier I level. Additionally, we believe 18U Tier I is a strong possibility for 2026-2027; however, we will responsibly evaluate the talent pool before making that final determination with TAHA. We do not believe 15O Tier I is the right step for next season, but anticipate that in 2027–2028, we plan to expand to a five-team organization, fielding teams from 13O through 18U.
Growth takes time. Responsible growth takes leadership.
Team Dallas is committed to working with TAHA and the Tier II community to ensure that growth is measured, sustainable, and aligned with the long-term health of Texas hockey.
We will strengthen Texas hockey by taking care of one another, providing clear, consistent communication, and ensuring the journey is competitive, enjoyable, and community-focused.
We sincerely thank TAHA for their diligence, professionalism, and thoughtful review throughout this process. Their responsibility to the integrity and advancement of Texas hockey is significant, and we respect the care taken in evaluating this opportunity.
Most importantly, we want the DFW hockey community to know this:
We are committed to delivering meaningful player development and value, and to surrounding our athletes with proven hockey leaders. We are committed to helping our players grow, improve, and advance to the next level. We believe in maximizing players'
development to move them on and, most importantly, in building a strong culture both on and off the ice. We will not always get everything right, but we believe in improving every day, just as we ask our players to do.
We have also begun formal discussions to establish a relationship with the Tier I Elite Hockey League, the premier Tier I league in the country. In year one, we anticipate opportunities to participate as a guest team, with the long-term goal of earning full membership. This ensures our players compete at the highest national level while remaining Texas-based.
Texas hockey has grown significantly. With that growth comes responsibility.
We believe Texas is ready for responsible Tier I expansion, and we are prepared to lead that effort through collaboration and experienced leadership.
LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, and OPERATIONS
Team Dallas is built on experienced, community-rooted leadership.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Smith – Chairman
Founder and Owner of Engineering11. A lifelong hockey player, hockey parent, and business leader with over 55 years in the game. Dave brings steady leadership and a long-term, community-focused vision.
Andy Gibson – Board Member
Commissioner of the Texas Hockey League. A respected statewide leader who understands every facet of Texas and USA hockey governance and community structure.
Kevin Smith – Board Member
Veteran hockey director, rink manager, and experienced coach with decades of hockey leadership experience and strong relationships across the entire DFW hockey community.
Thomas Joyce – Board Member
Dallas-raised player turned coach and hockey community leader, representing the next generation of Texas hockey leadership.
Mike Salekin – Board Member
Program builder and across multiple Texas hockey initiatives, focused on sustainable community growth, operational structure, and player advancement pathways.
ADVISORY BOARD
David Cullen – Advisor
Mike Zeibaq – Advisor
Sean Connors – Advisor
This board representation reflects our belief that Tier I should serve the entire affiliate, not just one organization.
COACHING AND FACILITIES
Team Dallas will operate with high-level Tier I practice standards consistent with programs across the country. We will integrate a robust off-ice development model led by a dedicated strength coach, delivering state-of-the-art training aligned with the demands of the Tier I athlete.
Team Dallas has completed extensive due diligence and identified the coaching staff outlined in our original application. In the coming weeks, we will finalize facility partnerships, confirm long-term ice allocation and family-centered cost structures, and
determine the location that best serves both Tier I and Tier II programs within the broader DFW community.
We are confident that arenas across the region will work collaboratively with us to create agreements that support the long-term health of Texas hockey. Our priority is simple: do
this the right way with players and the community first. You will soon see the launch of our website, coaches, spring camp details, tryout information, and a full operational timeline.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to providing players with an additional Tier I opportunity in Texas.
Sincerely,
Team Dallas Board of Directors