The NHL is investigating after video showing several fans seemingly making a Nazi salute during a game between the Maple Leafs and Stars in Dallas surfaced on social media this week.
The league, the Stars and the American Airlines Center in Dallas reportedly are looking into the incident, which occurred during a game between Dallas and Toronto on Dec. 21, 2025.
While the game took place several months ago, the clip was only posted recently and quickly went viral on social media.
“American Airlines Arena (AAC) has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination, and we aim to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behaviors, including foul/abusive language and obscene gestures,” the venue said in a statement on Wednesday, per ESPN.
“As such, we strongly denounce the actions that appear to be depicted in the video footage and are conducting an internal investigation. All fans and attendees are expected to adhere to AAC and, as applicable, NBA or NHL Codes of Conduct when attending events.”
What happens in the video?
In the clip, which has been viewed more than four million times on X, at least four men are seen repeatedly extending their arms in a manner similar to the salute used by the Nazis. Two of the fans are wearing Stars jerseys.
WARNING: Language
The incident took place in section 324, in the upper seating area of the arena.
A post on Reddit asking for help identifying the fans in question was locked and the clip deleted from the site.
A spokesperson for the Stars told ESPN on Thursday that the team is “fully aligned with the arena’s statement and working with them to find out exactly what happened.”
The AAC added that any person attending an event at the venue who violates a code of conduct may be subject to “the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of applicable law, prosecution.”
What is the NHL’s code of conduct?
According to the NHL fan code of conduct, it is expected that fans “fully support the values of respect, inclusion and safety at all times through their words, actions, and interactions with other fans, arena staff, Club and event personnel, Players, Coaches and Officials while attending all NHL games and events.”
The league’s punishment for violations could include a potential lifetime from NHL events.