Mr. Montoya made history as the first Cuban American and Spanish-speaking player ever to play in the National Hockey League.
FRISCO, TX, January 26, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Alvaro "Al" Silva Montoya has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Drawing on extensive knowledge of community-building and 15 years of experience as a professional hockey player, Mr. Montoya is distinguished as the director of cultural growth and strategy for the Dallas Stars, a professional ice hockey team competing int the National Hockey League. In his position, Mr. Montoya strives to bring the sport to new audiences and foster meaningful cultural connections. In recognition of his efforts to build bridges with new communities, Sports Business Journal presented him with a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
Mr. Montoya made history as the first Cuban American and Spanish-speaking player ever to play in the National Hockey League. Now, working in the business side of the game, he uses his authentic representation to develop strategies to reach new and underrepresented fans and make a positive impact in the community. This entails engaging with community leaders and youths, conducting marketing meetings, meeting with social teams, and ensuring that the team's messages align with its objectives. In 2022, Mr. Montoya was part of launching a ball hockey program called Future Stars, recognizing the positive impact of sports in children's lives and in bringing people together.
When Mr. Montoya suffered an injury in 2019, he was forced to retire from his professional hockey career with the New York Rangers. After this transition, he had a conversation with the deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League about using his platform as a Spanish-speaking Cuban American player to help grow the game. Over two years, he talked to owners, presidents and executives, and was pleased to find that their visions aligned. During this time, Mr. Montoya also became an inaugural member of the Player Inclusion Coalition and worked with USA Hockey. In 2021, he accepted a position as the Dallas Stars' director of community outreach.
Mr. Montoya attributes his success to his grandparents and his mother, who raised him and his three brothers in Chicago. Continuing the legacy of his grandparents and mother, who came to the country as refugees and immigrants, is extremely important to Mr. Montoya. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, after pausing his studies in his 20s to play hockey professionally.
Outside of his work, Mr. Montoya enjoys spending time with his inspirational and supportive wife of 15 years, as well as their three children. Among his favorite pastimes are traveling and coaching his children.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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