At TCS Live 2025, Al Montoya took a hard look at what it really means to build a team. Before getting there, it’s worth remembering who he is: Montoya was born in Chicago, played youth hockey (including the U.S. National Team Development Program), then went to the University of Michigan where over three seasons he went 86-29-8 under coach Red Berenson.

He was drafted sixth overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. Though drafted by the Rangers, he made his NHL debut later with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009 — in his first game he recorded a shutout. Over his nine-season NHL career, he played for Phoenix, the New York Islanders, Winnipeg, Florida, Montreal, and Edmonton.

In Ann Arbor, across campus from the rink in which he used to hear the roar of the approving Yost crowd, Montoya examined what it means to build a team. As the first Cuban American drafted into the NHL and now the VP of Growth & Strategy with the Dallas Stars, Montoya’s journey was a reminder that difference is not a disadvantage, it’s a strength.

Growing up in Chicago, Spanish was Montoya's first language, English his second, and hockey became the great equalizer. Like many players, Montoya felt different early on. What he learned over time, though, was that when teams allow individuals to bring their whole identity to the rink, the benefits show up in trust, resiliency, and performance.

“You can’t build a team with all right-wingers.”

As coaches, we hold the responsibility for our players’ emotional well-being. Wins may follow, but there’s no shortcut. When we create spaces where our players feel they belong, they play better. Montoya challenged us to consider the perspectives of those far from home, like European players in unfamiliar environments. By leaning into diversity, we give the game of hockey room to grow.

“Coaches have the power to unlock identity as a strength.”

Coaches’ Challenge: Do all of your players feel like they truly belong on your team?

Noteworthy timestamps:

• 0:00 Background
• 2:45 Sport as the great equalizer
• 3:45 Difference is a strength
• 5:30 Best teams are built on more than skill
• 11:00 How coaches drive inclusive performance