Nill made the following remark in a statement: “The Dallas Stars expect all of our workers to represent and work for our organization with honesty and professionalism. The Dallas Stars and the National Hockey League’s basic values and ideals were violated by the unprofessional behavior that led to this decision.”

The Stars had a 17-11-3 record as of Tuesday morning, good for the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 37 points.

Nill declined to provide specifics on Montgomery’s dismissal during a press conference on Tuesday, citing “respect for everyone involved.” According to Nill, the decision was made before NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s announcement on Monday of a multi-point plan intended to avert future problems. Nill stated the plan had “no links to players past or present.”

The sudden termination occurs at a time when accusations of misbehavior and abuse are flying in hockey. After being accused of punching and kicking a player who was born in Nigeria and using racist epithets against him while coaching the Carolina Hurricanes, former Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters announced his resignation on November 29.

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking into claims that, during a Los Angeles Kings game in the 2006–07 season, assistant coach Marc Crawford kicked former NHL player Sean Avery.

Former players have accused former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock, who was sacked on November 22, of psychological abuse.

Johan Franzen, who spent more than ten seasons as a player with the Detroit Red Wings, stated of Babcock, “He’s the worst person I’ve ever encountered.” He was attacking people because he was a bully. It might be anyone, even the cleaner at the Detroit Arena. He would verbally abuse people without cause.”

On a “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast episode, retired Red Wing and Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios told a story about Franzen, which Franzen verified. In the Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators Game 5 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Chelios claims Babcock “blatantly verbally abused him during the game on the bench.”