ESPN

ESPN.com's Cassidy Hubbarth caught up with former Stars center Mike Modano to discuss his playing days and to get his pick to win the Stanley Cup.

Jeremy Roenick and former Stars center Mike Modano join "SportsCenter" to talk about the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Mike Modano is now a minority owner of the Allen Americans. The CHL team announced today that Modano, along with former Dallas Stars Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk and Craig Ludwig are also joining the team as minority owners.

Here's the release from the Allen Americans:

The Allen Americans Professional Hockey Team announces additions to its ownership and management. These changes are effective immediately.

Mike Modano, considered the greatest American-born hockey player, along with former Dallas Stars, Stanley Cup winning teammates Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk, and Craig Ludwig have all been added to the Allen Americans organization. Modano, Belfour and Ludwig have partnered as minority owners with current majority owner Doug Miller, owner Steve Duchesne, and minority partner and Team President, Matt Canavan. Richard Matvichuk will join the Americans in a hockey operations role.

In addition, the Allen Americans announced today that Head Coach & GM Dwight Mullins along with Associate Coach Bill McDonald will not be retained for the 2012-2013 season.

“This was a tough decision but one we feel was necessary,” said Allen Americans Owner Doug Miller. “I would like to thank Dwight Mullins and Bill McDonald for their hard work and efforts over the past three seasons. They were instrumental in helping launch and establish our franchise. On behalf of the Allen Americans organization, I would like to thank them and wish them the best.”

“Looking ahead to the new season, I am excited to have such a great group of former NHLers joining our staff. They will help take us to the next level in all aspects of the organization including hockey and business operations,” said Doug Miller. “The group will begin immediately and one of their first tasks will be to identify and hire a coaching staff to build a championship team for the 2012-2013 season.”

The group retains the experience of team owner Steve Duchesne. Duchesne was instrumental in building the franchise and brings a winning attitude and leadership to this already successful franchise. Duchesne played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League that included stops in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Quebec, St Louis, Ottawa, and Detroit. He won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2002.

Craig Ludwig’s experience includes 17 NHL seasons, two collegiate National Championships and two Stanley Cups (Montreal and Dallas). Craig is very familiar with the Americans organization as his sons, Tyler and Trevor, played during 2011-2012 season.

Former Dallas Stars defenseman Richard Matvichuk played the majority of his 14 NHL seasons in Dallas. Richard was most recently an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars Midget AAA team. He was also a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup winning Stars. Matvichuk joins the team as Assistant General Manager and Defensive Coach.

Former Dallas Stars goalie, Ed Belfour, played 18 seasons in the NHL acquiring 484 wins between the pipes, third all-time in the NHL. Belfour won the Vezina Trophy and won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Finally, the Americans are honored to have Mike Modano as a member of the Allen Americans organization. Modano was the face of the Dallas Stars franchise from the time the team relocated to DFW in the early 90’s until he left the organization in 2010. Modano was selected first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL entry draft. Mike is the all-time goal-scoring and points leader among American born players in the NHL. Modano won the Stanley Cup in 1999 as a member of the Dallas Stars.

“We are excited to bolster our lineup with the addition of these NHL Superstars. Their experience and relationships will bring a wealth of talent to the Allen Americans.” said owner Doug Miller.

“This is a great day for the City of Allen and the game of hockey in our community,” said City of Allen Mayor, Stephen Terrell. “On behalf of the citizens of this community, I would like to welcome Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk and Craig Ludwig to our great city.”

The Allen Americans will begin their fourth season in the Central Hockey League this October. The Americans achieved success early on with the franchise by making a trip to the President’s Cup Finals in 2009-2010. The team owned the best regular season record in the 2010-2011 season winning the Governor’s Cup Trophy. This past season, Allen finished tied for the second most points in the league with 87 and earned a playoff berth.

Who advanced and who didn't?

Sometimes, love hurts. And while some of your favorites -- Pudge Rodriguez, Michael Young, Mark Cuban, Jimmy Johnson, Ron Washington, Bob Lilly, Jason Witten and Josh Hamilton -- didn't make the cut, take a look at who's left!

Your voting determined our Enamored Eight, and now you have until Sunday to vote and decide who advances to the Fantastic Four of our Metroplex Most Beloved sports figure bracket.

It's much harder this time around. The matchups:

* No. 1 seed Roger Staubach vs. No. 9 Michael Irvin
* No. 4 Tom Landry vs. No. 5 Dirk Nowitzki
* No. 2 Emmitt Smith vs. No. 7 Mike Modano
* No. 3 Troy Aikman vs. No. 6 Nolan Ryan.

Choose wisely by voting here through Sunday. And join the discussion afterward.

DALLAS -- Prior to Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild, the Dallas Stars honored former goaltender Ed Belfour for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame

Former Dallas teammates Joe Nieuwendyk, Jere Lehtinen, Mike Modano and Brett Hull were part of the ceremony, listing Belfour’s career accomplishments which included a Stanley Cup, two Vezina Trophies and 484 career wins, which ranks third all-time in the NHL.

As Belfour walked onto the ice fans greeted him with a chant of “Eddie! Eddie!”

The Stars presented Belfour with a Breitling watch and a plaque that will be displayed in the Stars’ Walk of Legends.

During the ceremony, Belfour was asked about his favorite memory of his stay in Dallas.

“Winning the Stanley Cup in 1999,” Belfour said. “It was a dream come true.”

Prior to the ceremony, Belfour was asked about those “Eddie! Eddie!” chants.

“Oh for sure [I could hear them],” Belfour said. “Yeah, that’s definitely one of those adrenaline builders. It always makes you want to play that much better.”

Belfour, who is building a house north of Dallas, said he has been taking it easy and could get back into hockey someday.

“Just pretty much taking it easy, enjoying my time -- a little bit of fishing, camping, outdoor stuff and hunting, enjoying my family and friends,” he said. “Maybe someday (I’ll get get back into hockey), been building a house the last year and a half has kept me real busy. Now that that’s done, maybe I can look at something like that.”

Belfour was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November along with Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour and Mark Howe.

“That was awesome. It was a great weekend, first class, treated us right from the time we got there,” Belfour said. “My mom and dad and all my friends were there. It was just overall a great weekend and something I’ll never forget.”

Prior to Saturday night’s game against Minnesota at American Airlines Center, the Dallas Stars will recognize former goaltender Ed Belfour for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Saturday’s ceremony starts at 7 p.m. sharp and fans are encouraged to get there early. Four of Belfour's former Dallas teammates - Joe Nieuwendyk, Mike Modano, Brett Hull and Jere Lehtinen - will participate in the ceremony. Stars broadcasters Ralph Strangis and Daryl Reaugh will be the emcees.

Belfour, who helped lead the Stars to the 1999 Stanley Cup, was inducted into the Hall along with Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour and Mark Howe in November.

The Dallas Stars continue to talk to Mike Modano about a job in the organization, according to team president Jim Lites.

Modano announced his retirement in September after a 21-year career in the NHL, 20 of them with the Stars franchise.

Lites said Modano, the franchise’s all-time leader in just about every offensive category, likely will join the team on the business side of things, but the Stars want to make sure they find the right job for Modano, not just any job.

“Mike will do whatever we want; I just want to make sure we use him effectively. I want to make sure he is comfortable with what he is doing and it is substantive,” Lites said. “So what we want to do with Mo is get him comfortable and know what he wants to do because if we have him do things he is not comfortable doing, it will fail and that won’t be good. We hopeful and we’re getting closer.”

Modano’s met with Lites several times and he’s met with Tom Gaglardi, who discussed Modano joining the Stars when he took over the team last month.

“The guy is the most important player I think to ever have worn a Stars jersey. In my opinion, he’s the best American-born hockey player to ever play in the NHL. I’ve gotten to know Mike in the last little while and enjoyed my time with him,” Gaglardi said. “I’ve expressed an interest that I’d like to have him involved in some capacity with the Dallas Stars and Mike has expressed the same thing to me, and more recently to Jim Lites. Those are discussions I expect to have with Mike to figure out what he wants to do and where he might be able to fit. It’s my intention to include Mike Modano with the Dallas Stars organization.”

Lites said he’s not sure when Modano might join the organization, but he did not rule out the possibility of it happening at some point this season.

As for Modano’s number being retired by the Stars, a team official said that is in the early planning stages. No date has been set.

Here are some quotes from new Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi on a variety of topics, including his philosophy on spending, being involved in personnel decisions, bringing Mike Modano into the organization and his love of the Dallas Cowboys.

On his optimism about where the Stars are as he takes over

“The great thing about Dallas is this isn’t a rebuild. We’ve got fabulous pieces in place here. Some of our best great players are young. We’ve got so much flexibility going forward with where we sit in payroll. I know that I’ve talked with enough people around the NHL who have said that most teams would love to be in our position with where we sit today.”

On his philosophy on spending money on players

“I learned in the Western Hockey League that they only way you win is you build from within. You build, draft, develop and coach. That’s the philosophy I come with. I think there have been enough cases around the NHL to know that you cannot buy a winner, so I believe in the old fashioned way of building teams. Having said that, we’re here to win. This isn’t about anything other than becoming a great team and pursuing championships. If Joe (Nieuwendyk) and his staff think that is something we can do in terms of stepping up and doing more in that regard, then we’re going to do it.”

On being involved in personnel decisions

“If any owner tells you he doesn’t want to be involved in a conversation about who your personnel are, I think they are lying to you. I am not going to make those decisions. I hope that I have an opportunity to have a seat at the table when we discuss people and I’ll have a chance to impart what I know of them. In some cases I know that we have players in the organization that were drafted that I know very well. I watched them play four years of junior in the Western Hockey League. I just want to have a say, and I know I’ll get that. At the end of the day it’s Joe’s team and Joe is going to make those decisions. That’s what general managers do and that’s what I’ll expect him to do.”

On bringing former Dallas Star Mike Modano into the organization

“The guy is the most important player I think to ever have worn a Stars jersey. In my opinion, he’s the best American-born hockey player to ever play in the NHL. I’ve gotten to know Mike in the last little while and enjoyed my time with him. I’ve expressed an interest that I’d like to have him involved in some capacity with the Dallas Stars and Mike has expressed the same thing to me, and more recently to Jim Lites. Those are discussions I expect to have with Mike to figure out what he wants to do and where he might be able to fit. It’s my intention to include Mike Modano with the Dallas Stars organization.”

On his experience as owner of the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League

“I’ve learned so much the last four years. I’m fortunate to be partnered with four pretty successful NHL players (Shane Doan, Jarome Iginla, Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor). I spent plenty of time with those guys, getting to know them, how they’re wired and what made them what they are. They attribute so much of what they are to what they experienced in Kamloops because they all four played for the Blazers and they’ve gone on to be fantastic NHLers. I’ve learned so much, and I come here with some knowledge. I’ve got lots to learn, I’m a good listener and I drive people nuts asking questions. That’s not going to end anytime soon.”

On being a Dallas Cowboys fan

“Absolute fanatic. If you go to my closet at home, most of my casual clothes – t-shirts and sweats I wear around the house – are Dallas Cowboys stuff. I’ve been crazy for the team ever since I can remember. I got that from my dad. He went to college here and brought the Cowboy love back and I was raised in it.”

FRISCO -- It was a pretty quiet day in Frisco. The Stars practiced in two groups again today, a little less than two hours for each group.

I talked to a couple more guys about Mike Modano’s retirement. This time it was captain Brenden Morrow, who played with Modano starting back in the late 90’s, and Toby Petersen, a Minnesota native who followed Modano when he was playing for the North Stars.

Here are a couple of quotes.

Morrow on Modano’s impact on hockey in Dallas

“We all owe a lot to him. He put in a lot of time and effort into getting the groundwork done here in Texas in selling the game and starting it from the grassroots. None of us were part of it, but we’ve heard the stories of the time and effort that he put in. The stuff off the ice we are very grateful for and then his career speaks for itself.”

Morrow on his first pro season (1999-00) and playing with Modano

“He was in his prime. I remember training camps, just watching him shoot pucks and skate down the ice. Everything seemed effortless, but it was done with a lot of power and grace. He was a fun guy to watch. Playing with him you had to tell yourself to quite watching him and go play because it was pretty impressive to watch.”

Petersen on Modano’s impact on USA hockey

“It was and still is huge. Growing up in Minnesota, when he played for the Stars, he was the guy and it was nice to see a guy who wasn’t from Canada coming in and making such a big impact on the American hockey scene. I don’t think it can be stated enough how big an impact he had on the USA Hockey program.”

Petersen playing with Modano

“It was an awesome experience, seeing the way he went about his business and just seeing the raw talent he had. It was great to be part of a team with him.”

Modano notes

* Mike Modano has been added to the Dallas Stars alumni game, which will be played October 2.

*The Stars added Modano to the team’s roster today, placing an “A” next to his name.

*The NHL Network will be airing a tribute to Mike Modano on Saturday at 6pm ET/5pm CT titled "Mike Modano: American Icon." The program takes a look at his life and career, starting from his childhood in Livonia, Mich., through his final game with the Dallas Stars in 2010.

Friday’s practice lineup

Group 1

Barch-Ribeiro-Ryder
Ott-Benn-Eriksson
Petersen-Wandell-Fraser
Roman-Garbutt-Schultz

Grossman-Daley
Souray-Robidas
Dillon-Fistric
Labrie

Lehtonen
Bachman

Group 2

Burish-Fiddler-Dvorak
Tousignant-Dowell-Godard
Gazdic-Sceviour-Vincour
Wathier-Morin-Sawada

Goligoski-Pardy
Spang-Larsen
Jordie Benn-Fortunus
Coyle

Raycroft
Beskorowany

DALLAS -- Karen Modano, tissue in hand, couldn't take it anymore. After watching her 41-year-old son spend 20 minutes wiping tears from his eyes on stage at his retirement news conference Friday, she did what she's done since he was born: She gave him a hug and a kiss.

"It went by so fast," Karen Modano said of Mike's hockey career. "It's been a mom's dream to have a son like that. Everybody loves him. I've never had anybody say anything bad about him. He's so sweet. I just love him."

Modano thanked his parents as a finale to his remarks on Friday, his voice breaking.

Thanks for your love and support," Modano said. "Thanks for the sacrifices you made to give me a life in hockey."

And they were sacrifices. There was one main rink near Modano's home in Michigan and the only free ice time was 6:30 a.m. each day. So Mike Sr. or Karen would get up and make sure Modano got there on time.

"It was the only free time they had there," Mike Sr. said. "We did that for years."

Karen remembers Mike coming home from school, putting on his hockey uniform and sitting in the living room watching cartoons until his dad came home. Either that, or Modano would coax his mom into grabbing a garbage can lid and becoming a goalie trying to stop pucks in the basement.

"There's not a pipe in our basement that's not nicked up," Karen Modano said. "A guy came over from our old neighborhood and said the garage door is still the same. We put a great big smiley [face] in there and that becamse the net. Now, go for it. A garbage can was not enough. He brought home a piece of broken Plexiglass from the rink and used that."

Many fans wonder why Modano decided not to retire as a Star after the 2009-2010 season. It ended so perfectly, with him scoring the tying and then winning goals in his final home game and waving goodbye to the Wild fans in Minnesota wearing his old NorthStars jersey. But Modano wasn't ready to take the skates off. And when the Red Wings called, it was a chance to give his family one more opportunity to see him.

"I had dinner with them twice a week," Modano said. "I saw them more than I did when I lived there."

Modano left home at age 16 to play junior hockey in Canada. He never returned, leapfrogging into an NHL career that spanned more than two decades. So to have that final year at home was important for him and his parents.

"Last Thanksgiving was the first Thanksgiving he's been home in 20 years," Karen said. "Last Christmas, the same thing."

Karen said she never went to a game by herself as Modano's sisters and friends wanted to attend the games.

"We only got to go a few times each season when the Stars came to Detroit," Karen said. "Last year, it was really wonderful until he was injured. That took a lot out of it."

A wrist injury forced Modano to miss half the season and he wasn't much of a factor in the postseason. His body was telling him it was time to stop, even though his mind wasn't so sure. He ends his career still in good shape.

"It's over," Modano said. "The build-up was probably worse than the reality, but it was hard to get through that up there today. So many people helped me and they are still there. That's the great thing about this sport."

DALLAS -- As Mike Modano took one last look at his remarks before going on stage for his retirement news conference on Friday afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, he knew he was going to have trouble holding back tears.

PODCAST
Dallas Stars great Mike Modano officially announces his retirement during an emotional news conference Friday. Listen

"I thought I'd make it through the first sentence," Modano said. "I couldn't."

Modano sat on stage by himself as Stars play-by-play announcer Ralph Strangis read of the litany of impressive numbers. Then a video played, including footage from Modano's early years and interview following his selection as the top overall pick in the 1988 draft as a teenager that included a lot of "you knows" that made Modano chuckle.

But there he was, sweater swaying has he skated around players as if they were standing still on the ice. So many goals, so many assists, so many memorable moments. The video showed him lofting the Stanley Cup, talking with former coach Ken Hitchcock and, of course, wiping tears away after his final home game in April 2010.

Back when Modano was that teenager still getting used to doing interviews, the idea of a news conference like that one on Friday was completely foreign. At that time, Modano figured retirement would never come. Veteran players told Modano to enjoy the ride more.

"They told me it would be over soon," Modano said. "I said, ‘You’re 35 and old and out of the game soon so why would I listen to you?' They were right.

Then came all the thank yous. Modano struggled to even get the words out. He thanked players, coaches, front office folks and fans in Minnesota, Dallas and Detroit. As he did so, many members of the current Stars were sitting in the front row and many of his former teammates too.

His mom, Karen, and dad, Mike, watched as well. Then, when Modano started the thank them, Karen couldn't stay in her seat any longer.

"I had to go up there," Karen said.

She went on stage and gave Modano a hug as he thanked her for all the early-morning rides to the rink as a kid.

"Go sit down," said Modano, showing a hint of that teenager that couldn't wait to get out of home and play hockey in Canada as a 16-year-old.

Modano's dad, Mike Sr., came up too. Modano thanked him and they embraced. It left those in attendance weepy-eyed too.

"Thanks for your love and support," Modano said to his parent. "Thanks for the sacrifices you made to give me a life in hockey."

Modano showed appreciation for the Stars fans, who supported him through a 21-season career. He finished the news conference by following his parents off stage.

"I couldn't draw up a better ending than being here in Dallas where home is," Modano said.

He signed a one-day contract with Dallas so he could retire a Star and he posed for pictures. He also received plenty of hugs and well wishes from teammates.

"I'm thankful for all of this, but I'm sad it's over," Modano said. "I think you think you can play forever. It’s obvious that physically things don’t match up anymore."

With Mike Modano calling it quits, it's time to look back at the Stars legend's career highlights.

The Dallas Stars will sign Mike Modano to a one-day contract so that he can retire as a Star. The deal will be worth $999,999 (for his number). He, of course, won't the collect money. Once he puts his name on the contract, he'll retire.

PODCAST
Mike Modano reminisces on his stellar career with the Stars and what it was like bringing hockey to Texas. Listen

Modano will hold a press conference Friday formally announcing his retirement.

Here's the release from the Stars:

Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the NHL club will sign center Mike Modano to an official NHL contract, giving him the opportunity to officially retire as a Dallas Star. Modano will sign the contract at Friday’s press conference. Afterwards, he will send in his retirement paperwork to the National Hockey League. Full information on the press conference is listed below.

The amount listed on the contract will be $999,999 in honor of his No. 9.

“This is a special day for all of us,” said Nieuwendyk. “Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans. We wanted to give him the opportunity to retire as a Dallas Star. Mike has given his heart and soul to this game for over 30 years. On behalf of the entire organization and the National Hockey League, we would like to thank him for his dedication.”

Modano, 41 (born June 7, 1970 in Livonia, Mich.), is the all-time leading scorer among American-born players in NHL history in goals (561) and points (1,374). Playing 22 seasons in the National Hockey League, he was the first overall pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars.

Here's some more on Mike Modano's announcement today that he has decided to retire.

ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett talked to Modano today about his decision. You can read Richard's story here.

Richard also a look at Modano's impact on hockey in Dallas.

Here are a few quotes from his former teammates with the Dallas Stars.

Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk

“So many good memories. I loved playing with him the six-and-a-half years I played with him here in Dallas. He made me a better player because I wanted to push myself to be a good No. 2 center playing behind him. What he’s meant for the city and for USA Hockey speaks for itself. In his prime, he was the best player I’ve played with. He had a wonderful career.”

Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas

“Greatest American player ever probably. Future Hall of Famer. Won a Stanley Cup. You name it. He had a great career. … Everything was so natural. Just the way he skated, the way he’d go down the ice and you could see his jersey flapping. His shot and his hands. He did everything at top speed. He could do pretty much everything. He was a fun player to watch. I had a chance to watch him growing up and then a chance to play with him. It was a lot of fun.”

Stars forward Steve Ott

“Simply the best Dallas Star to ever put on the jersey. It’s going to be a lot of years before anyone comes around like Mike Modano again. Hall of Fame career, all the accolades. Stanley Cup. You name it. He is the epitome of what it is to be a Dallas Star. …. I’ll never forget my first training camp. I lined up in the corner as we always do and Mike Modano is in front of me. To see those first see strides and to see that jersey flapping, I knew I was in the NHL. From playing my SEGA Genesis with Mike Modano to seeing him on the ice and seeing the magic that he brought, it was pretty to watch.”

The Stars have put together a series of Modano videos on the official site and you find them there.

A lot of people have been asking when Mike Modano is going to make an announcement about his future. Well, ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett talked to Modano Friday. Richard's story begins:

Former Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano said he's still mulling whether to retire and will make a decision by the middle of September. But the 41-year-old has been exploring his options for when his playing days are done.

"It's tough to think about letting go because it's been a part of your life since you were a kid," Modano said Friday. "You have to see how you feel and how much you want to do it. I'm still on the fence."

The rest of the story is here.