Vegas fan hospitalized following assault by Stars fan outside American Airlines Center

A Vegas Golden Knights fan was hospitalized early Thursday in Dallas after he says he was assaulted by a Dallas Stars fan outside American Airlines Center following Game 2 of the first-round series between the Stars and Golden Knights.

Jason Bowen, 46, of San Antonio attended the game Wednesday night with his fiancée. He said a fan dressed in Stars apparel punched him in the face at the entrance to PNC Plaza as he was getting into an Uber.

A police report filed with Dallas Police says an ambulance was dispatched at 1:12 a.m. Thursday. Bowen said he was taken to Parkland Health where he was diagnosed with extensive facial fractures, face lacerations and a misaligned jaw — which will require surgery in the coming days.

After watching the Knights defeat the Stars 3-1 and take a 2-0 lead in the series, Bowen told The Dallas Morning News he and his fiancée, dressed in their Golden Knights jerseys, went to Hero bar in Victory Park before calling an Uber about an hour later. On their way out, they were confronted by two Stars fans — one male and one female — who yelled out to them. Bowen said he responded by saying, “Go Knights,” causing the man to approach him and yell derogatory comments toward his fiancée.

During the exchange, he said another man, whom he believes was also dressed in Stars apparel, came from behind and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground and causing excessive injury and bleeding. The three Stars fans fled and are still unknown.

Bowen said he contacted American Airlines Center seeking surveillance footage and has followed up with DPD but has not yet heard back. He has taken to social media, seeking help in finding video footage, additional witnesses or any information about the assailant.

Bowen has been to multiple Stars games before and has many friends that are Stars fans. He said he never had any issues with the fanbase before.

“It’s Dallas fans. It’s different,” he said. “It’s not like going to Philadelphia or somewhere. I’ve been to a game before with a Knights jersey, and we had no problems. Nothing. … I’m still shocked. I know they’re mad at the Knights. I know they’re mad at [Mark] Stone. That was something out of the ordinary.”

On X/Twitter: @Lassimak

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.