In a suite at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday night, Sandy Pavelski proudly displayed the new boots she purchased specifically for the Dallas Stars Moms & Mentors Trip. These boots, comfortable and ideal for her main objective in Nashville – dancing, were the center of attention. Surrounded by fellow hockey moms and amidst the Dallas Stars’ 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, the positive energy in the air was undeniable.
It might come as a surprise that a seasoned veteran’s mother was brimming with excitement about accompanying the team on the road. This trip marked a first for Sandy, despite her son’s 17-year tenure in the league.
“This is a first for me. Joe has been in the league for a long time. When he was with the San Jose Sharks, they never organized such trips. It was always fathers who went on those trips, so his dad had the opportunity to attend many,” Sandy shared. “So I thought, here’s my chance! I’m going to savor every moment of it.”
Only in recent years have NHL teams expanded this tradition. Nowadays, teams alternate between moms’ and dads’ trips, with some even venturing into siblings’ trips (which, if we’re being honest, should definitely happen more often).
“A dad’s trip has been a longstanding tradition in the league. It’s wonderful that they’ve introduced mom’s trips. Anyone growing up in a hockey family knows that moms often do more than dads. It’s important to acknowledge their contributions,” remarked Stars coach Pete DeBoer. “They don’t receive enough recognition for all that they do.”
While many hockey dads are involved in mentoring and coaching their players during their formative years, moms are often the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. They handle tasks like laundry, meal preparation, and managing multiple kids’ schedules to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“I was always the one supporting Joe from behind the scenes. Dad did a lot for him too. With four kids in hockey, we all pitched in to get them to their games,” Sandy reflected. “So for [the Stars] to organize this trip, it’s like a dream come true! Joe’s career is approaching its end, so I’m grateful they arranged this now rather than later.”
Amidst the demands of the season and the geographical distances separating families, NHL players have limited opportunities to spend quality time with their parents during the season. Trips like these provide a chance for players to share their day-to-day experiences with their loved ones. The moms and mentors on the trip follow the team’s schedule, participating in meals, meetings, morning skates, and the return journey home.
In addition to the structured activities, there are also leisurely moments planned in the itinerary, such as a tour of Ryman Auditorium and a visit to Tootsie’s, a Nashville landmark. To add a touch of nostalgia, customized Taylor Swift Eras Tour-style t-shirts featuring a collage of each NHL player as a child have been prepared.
“We all share smiles and appreciation for the sacrifices we’ve made to help our children reach this point. As parents, siblings, and families, we understand the dedication required for that one person to achieve their current status, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Jackie Seguin expressed. “It’s truly amazing for an organization to offer an experience like this. To let us walk in the shoes of our now-adult sons and experience what they go through. It’s truly remarkable.”