Although the Stars have not “made the playoffs in four years and there is very little hockey buzz in Texas,” team Owner Tom Gaglardi, who celebrated a year of ownership on Sunday, “seems resolute that progress still can be made,” according to Mike Heika of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Gaglardi said, “We feel really good about where we’re going, and I do believe we will be able to reach our goal eventually of where we would like to be financially. This (lockout) throws a wrench into the timeline, but we also understand that’s part of the process, and it’s part of being in a pro sports league.” Heika noted Stars execs have “taken pay cuts and regular-level employees may soon have to do the same.” Gaglardi said of possible cutbacks, “We have contingency plans, and I know [President & CEO Jim Lites] is looking at a lot of different things. If it’s a full season, that’s tough. In some cases, those decisions will be made for us. We’ve invested a lot in finding these people, and we want to make sure they’re all OK.” Heika reported the team is “looking at changing uniforms, logos and possibly even colors.” Lites said, “In some ways, this is harder than when we first started back in 1993, because there is some cynicism and we have lost some fans who we may not get back. But, in some ways, it’s easier, because we know what needs to be fixed and we know how to go about fixing it" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/18).
