With a distinguished nine-year NHL goaltending career behind him, Al Montoya continues to shape hockey’s future by expanding the sport into underrepresented markets.
Montoya’s journey began at Loyola Academy before moving to the Texas Tornado of the NAHL and then the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). He later starred for the University of Michigan, where he posted a .911 save percentage as a freshman and .917 as a sophomore, earning a spot on Team USA’s 2004 World Junior roster.
That tournament cemented Montoya’s place in hockey history. Leading Team USA to its first-ever World Junior Championship gold medal, he went 6-0 with a .944 save percentage and a 1.33 goals-against average, earning Best Goaltender honours. Montoya returned to represent Team USA the following year.
Selected 6th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Montoya returned to Michigan as an assistant captain, posting a 30-7-3 record and securing a second CCHA title before turning pro.
Montoya started in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack, compiling a 66-34-4 record. With Henrik Lundqvist entrenched as the Rangers’ starter, Montoya was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes, where he became the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL on April 1, 2009, recording a shutout in his debut. That spring, he joined Team USA at the 2009 World Championship, securing a win against France.
Over the next several years, Montoya played for the Islanders, Jets, Panthers, Canadiens, and Oilers as a reliable backup before retiring in 2019. He transitioned to a leadership role, becoming the Dallas Stars’ Director of Community Outreach in 2021 and later Vice President of Cultural Growth and Strategy, focusing on inclusivity and multicultural equity in hockey. Under his leadership, the Stars built one of the NHL’s largest Hispanic fanbases.
Beyond Dallas, Montoya amplifies hockey’s reach nationwide. He represented the NHL at the Latino Action Conference hosted by The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and participated in the “Game Changers” panel on Latino leadership in sports. His advocacy continues to break barriers and inspire new generations.
Montoya’s heritage, leadership, and commitment to the game make him a key figure in hockey’s growth. His work is creating lasting change, ensuring more communities have access to the sport.
We are thrilled to welcome Al Montoya to TCS Live this June, where he will share insights on expanding hockey’s reach.
Purchase your TCS Live tickets to see Montoya and the other TCS presenters up close and in person!
