Álvaro "Al" Montoya is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender and a trailblazer as the first Cuban-American to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected sixth overall by the New York Rangers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He currently serves as the VP of Cultural Growth & Strategy for the Dallas Stars.
Montoya's NHL career spanned nine seasons, during which he played for the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, and Edmonton Oilers. He concluded his playing career in 2019.
In September 2021, Montoya joined the Dallas Stars as the director of community outreach, a role dedicated to promoting hockey among underrepresented communities, particularly Spanish-speaking populations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His efforts have been instrumental in expanding the Stars' Hispanic fan base, establishing the team as one of the NHL franchises with over 1.4 million Hispanic fans.
Montoya's commitment to diversity and inclusion in hockey extends beyond his work with the Stars. He has represented the NHL at significant events, such as the annual Latino Action conference hosted by the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus, where he participated in discussions on enhancing Latino leadership through sports. Through his ongoing dedication, Montoya continues to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive environment within the sport of hockey.