PETA Protests in Dallas Mark Start of "Save the Sharks Campaign"

Dallas, TX—The Dallas Stars returned home today after defeating the San Jose Sharks 5-2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best of seven playoff series.

Instead of cheering fans though, they were met by rabid PETA protesters and animal rights activists.

On Monday, PETA officially kicked off their “Save the Sharks” campaign by targeting the Stars, and more specifically, center Mike Modano.

“We are tired of Mike Modano's repeatedly driving stakes through the hearts of the Sharks going unpunished. Our efforts will hopefully turn the spotlight on this brutality and end Modano's season,” read the press release sent out late Sunday evening.

It was following what PETA characterized as Modano's “both participating in, and even leading, another Shark killing.”

Festivities started an hour before the Stars’ charter was scheduled to arrive.  It included spirited walking in circles while chanting, waving of crude homemade signs, and even the burning of various Modano jerseys.

Protesters on the scene expressed excitement about joining the “Save the Sharks” cause.

“I'm really glad PETA has chosen to finally step up and say something. Things on the activist front have been pretty slow since Mike Vick went to jail, so it’s nice to get out again. I've never vilified an NHL player before either, so this is a fun first for me,” remarked self described “full-time animal rights activist” from Arlington named Chad Chadlington.

When the Stars’ plane did arrive, the team filed off as usual, despite insults and catcalls from the unruly mob of protesters that had gathered.

Modano appeared the most relaxed.  He could be seen laughing heartily and pantomiming scoring an easy goal with Captain Brenden Morrow and defenseman Sergei Zubov as they made their way from the plane, inciting rage among the activists.

“See that,” screamed one protester clad in a jersey wearing Shark outfit who called himself Sharkie. “He enjoys killing the Sharks!”

PETA has promised to have a visible presence at Tuesday night’s game at the American Airlines Arena. Many of the gathered protesters expressed sentiments that they hoped Partick Marleau and Joe Thornton would also be visible in game three.

“When dealing with the likes of Modano, sometimes you have to give a taste of his own medicine,” commented Ronnie Wilson, who traveled from San Jose for the chance to support PETA's effort to save the Sharks. “Timely goals by the Sharks would also go a long way toward ending Modano's savage reign of Shark Killing. As would winning face-offs and not turning the puck over in their own zone.  Converting power plays and killing theirs would be good too.”

The Dallas Stars and Mike Modano declined to comment for this story.