In this episode of Mission Control, we bring in the experts from Hockey Hot Stove: Chief Operating Officer Bill Meltzer (Philadelphia Flyers) and Chief Content Officer Mike Augello (Toronto Maple Leafs/Buffalo Sabres). We get a national perspective on Space City's hockey viability and why insiders firmly believe Houston and Atlanta are the next two cities in line. The panel breaks down the fatal flaws of slapping NHL ice into shared NBA arenas, the critical importance of hiring scouting-focused GMs for an expansion draft, and why Quebec City continues to be left on the outside looking in. Plus, Matt expounds on the latest local rumors about the old Astroworld site and naturally, we talk about a bit about Hockey Day in Houston 2027!

00:00 - Matt poo-poo's the Astroworld talk

10:18 - Asking Mike: Why is Houston a Hockey Town?

19:26 - Mike and Matt discuss arenas

28:51 - Bill joins to discuss early indicators of success or failure

37:45 - Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix... who's going to be the 36th franchise?

Hockey Hot Stove can be found at https://www.hockeyhotstove.com

Make sure you're keeping an eye on https://www.hockeydayinhouston.com for updates on the 2027 Hockey Day!

Follow Mike Augello on X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/@MikeInBuffalo

Follow Mike's Buffalo Sabres Coverage: https://thehockeynews.com/news/author/michael-augello

You can find Bill Meltzer's Flyers Coverage on https://www.PhiladelphiaFlyers.com

Flyers Alumni Association: https://www.flyersalumni.net

Get you some sexy Mission Control merch at: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - there's also an events calendar, too.

Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/

Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcast

The NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!

If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

For my audio-only friends: I don't know how well this one's going to translate. Video is posted on YouTube, Rumble, and Spotify.

Friends and neighbors, we are taking you behind the scenes for a construction tour of the brand-new Deep South Ice & Sports Complex in Richmond, Texas! TC Lewis graciously walks Mission Control through the massive construction site to check on the progress ahead of the facility's August grand opening and the NAHL Houston Bulls' home opener on October 2nd. We get a first look at the state-of-the-art main arena, featuring 10 luxury suites, a massive party deck, and a uniquely designed press box that brings the crowd noise straight to the broadcasters. TC also shows off the sites of the facility's massive pro shop, the incoming restaurant and sports bar, the 4-court volleyball center, and the dedicated practice rink featuring seamless sled-hockey access. Houston is getting another world-class ice facility! You've been wondering what it looks like in there, so let's check it out!I was asked not to film workers, so where you see a video loop, or the camera going down - that's where I inadvertently filmed someone working, and edited accordingly.

...and if the mic picked up business being conducted, I muted it. Seemed like the thing to do.

(and I'm learning about exposure - that's not the lights dimming, that's the camera)

Thanks to TC for letting us in!

00:00 - Getting Started / The Practice Rink

06:20 - Locker Rooms

09:22 - Lower Level - Main Arena

18:13 - Second Floor - Arena Access / Party Deck

24:00 - Third Floor - Machinery / SuitesFor more on Deep South Ice: https://www.deepsouthice.com/Support Local Hockey!Houston Bulls: https://www.houstonbullsnahl.comUniversity of Houston: https://www.uhicehockey.orgRice University: https://www.instagram.com/ricehockeyInterscholastic Hockey League: http://www.ishl.orgHouston Junior Aeros: https://www.houstonjunioraeros.com/HTX Storm: http://https://www.htxstorm.com/

Get you some sexy Mission Control merch at: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - there's also an events calendar, too.

Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

Mission Control Houston's Hockey Podcast is back, and the NHL expansion rumors have officially exploded into a $3.5 billion reality! Following the NHL Board of Governors' massive announcement that the league is exploring a 33rd franchise in Texas, the battle between Houston and Austin is officially on. To make sense of the chaos, we are joined by Jennifer Streeter—hockey reporter for On SI for Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News, and the "Top Insider" for the Houston Bulls. Jenny breaks down Dan Friedkin's massive investment and clears the air on the biggest local rumors: why Tilman Fertitta is out, and exactly why sharing the Toyota Center with the Rockets and the incoming WNBA franchise simply won't work for an NHL schedule. We also dive deep into the demographic data, crunching Houston and Austin's USA Hockey enrollment numbers, population trends, and TV market rankings to see which city truly has the upper hand. Finally, we discuss how the Space City community can prove it deserves the NHL by packing the stands for the NAHL's Houston Bulls and local NCAA club teams right now!00:00 - Intro08:34 - Wait, I thought it was supposed to be Atlanta vs. Houston...18:55 - Junior / ECHL / NHL - Can Houston Do All Three?25:42 - Matt Nerds Out on Data36:12 - The Toyota Center QuestionFollow Jennifer Streeter on X: https://www.x.com/jennystreeter3Check out her work:Breakway on OnSI: https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/authors/jennifer-streeterThe Sporting News: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/author/jennifer-streeterSupport Local Hockey!Houston Bulls: https://www.houstonbullsnahl.comUniversity of Houston: https://www.uhicehockey.orgRice University: https://www.instagram.com/ricehockeyGet you some sexy Mission Control merch at: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - there's also an events calendar, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.NHLtoHouston,NHL,Houston,Houston Sports,Houston Texas,Houston Aeros,Houston TX,NHL Shorts,HoustonIsAHockeyTown,NHL expansion,Hockey,Aeros,Houston Bulls,NAHL,Houston Hockey,NHL Expansion,Austin,austin hockey,austin nhl expansion,houston nhl expansion,houston hockey,jennifer streeter,nhl,dan friedkin,houston bulls,nhl to houston,toyota center,sports illustrated,sporting news

Mission Control takes to the road for an early June trip to Kansas City! Matt saw Game 1 of the ECHL Finals to watch the KC Mavericks. I came away with some thoughts on empty arenas, the ongoing stadium struggles in Atlanta and Tampa Bay, and the arena bottlenecks keeping Space City out of the NHL. But after flying back for the inaugural Houston Bulls NAHL Draft Party, my perspective completely shifted: Yes, we want the NHL, but there's an incredible, affordable grassroots hockey culture building right in our own backyard that's also pretty great. (Plus, Matt has the perfect nomination for a Houston team's goal song).If the episode seems disjointed, so was my thought process while making it...00:00 - Intro04:20 - How's the sports fandom in KC?08:43 - How's the hockey fandom in KC?13:25 - Why (I think) we're not hearing a "Grand Plan" for NHL in Houston...19:13 - Thoughts on the Bulls Draft PartyWTF? Florida won that series? Wow, okay. Just goes to show that a big Game 1 win does not get you the whole thing.The Michel Petit Interview I mentioned: https://youtube.com/live/WvjcPIYZdNY?feature=share Houston Chronicle: Why Do So Many Artists Skip Houston? https://www.chron.com/culture/music/article/housotn-live-music-scene-issues-22301732.phpHouston Bulls: http://www.houstonbullsnahl.com ...and for you kids that have never heard a guitar: https://youtu.be/ruT5nmwhiic?si=FHmKbK5lkF_N5KltGet you some sexy Mission Control merch at: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - there's also an events calendar, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

The wait is officially over—hockey is charging back into the Houston area! In this special edition of Mission Control, we sit down with Devon Buckland, the Vice President of Business Operations for the brand-new Houston Bulls. Devon pulls back the curtain on the massive logistics of relocating a historic franchise from North Iowa down to the Lone Star State. We discuss the incredible surge in fan interest, with over 3,000 season ticket requests already flooding the front office for the new 2,000-capacity arena at the Deep South Ice & Sports Complex in Richmond, Texas. Devon breaks down what fans can expect from the notoriously fast and physical NAHL South Division, gives us an insider update on the building's progress ahead of its August grand opening, and teases major upcoming events. Whether you're a die-hard fan or completely new to the sport, get ready to find out how the Bulls are establishing a premier development pathway for young athletes eyeing NCAA Division 1 programs, and exactly what the gameday experience will look like for local fans. Are you still anxiously awaiting your season ticket email? The next chapter of Houston-area hockey is hitting the ice!

00:00 - Introduction

10:52 - When Does Deep South Ice Open?

20:10 - How to Sponsor the Bulls

35:00 - Where to Get your Bulls Merch

42:25 - Broadcast InfoSHOW LINKS:The Houston Bulls: http://www.houstonbullsnahl.com

Partner with the Bulls: [email protected]

Billet the Bulls: [email protected]

Official Bulls Merch: http://officialmerch.shop/houston-bulls-hockey

Deep South Ice & Sports Complex: https://www.deepsouthice.com/

NAHL: http://www.nahl.com

NAHLtv: http://www.nahltv.com

NAHL free audio broadcasts: http://www.mixlr.comThe Mission Control of Mission Control: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - you can get sexy merch there, too.

Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/

Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

This episode of Mission Control is a massive Space City hockey roundup! We dive into the latest news, the roaring success of the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet, and the incredible 6,000-fan turnout at the 3rd annual Hockey Day in Houston at St. Arnold Brewing. The weekend proved once again that Houston is a Hockey TownThe episode caps with a brief on-site interview with Houston hockey royalty: Terry Ruskowski. The two-time WHA Avco Cup Champion, inaugural IHL Aeros coach, and the only player to ever captain four different pro franchises sits down to share his memories. Terry discusses the tight-knit culture of the WHA Aeros, the chaos of the NHL merger, drawing massive playoff crowds with the Laredo Bucks, and why he firmly believes Houston is more than ready for an NHL franchise.

00:00 - Brief News Bullet Points

08:43 - Thoughts on the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet & Hockey Day in Houston

18:06 - Favorite Parts of the Weekend (and what went horribly terribly wrong for me)

26:10 - Terry Ruskowski: Playing Days in Houston

35:00 - Terry Ruskowski: Coaching Career and if Laredo can do it...SHOW LINKS:Hockey Day in Houston: http://www.hockeydayinhouston.comThe Howe Foundation: http://www.howefoundation.comInter Scholastic Hockey League: http://www.ishl.orgWHOAH (Women's Hockey Outreach Association of Houston): http://whoahhtx.wixsite.com/homeChampions Club Texas: http://www.championsclubtexas.comBeer League Warriors Apparel: http://www.beerleaguewarriors.comoh hey, the website doesn't suck as much now: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - you can get sexy merch there, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

In this massive episode, we assemble the "Brady Bunch" of Hockey Day in Houston, Powered By Main Event: Lance Rosenberg, Ryan Brooks, Marc Tushnet, Mary Adler, Michel Petit, and Eric Kimmel preview everything happening this Saturday at St. Arnold Brewing Company. We cover how a simple block party idea evolved into a massive, free festival featuring the Dallas Stars' Ice Girls and Victor E. Green, Chilly Dog, street hockey, and adaptive sled hockey clinics with the Houston Hellhounds. The panel also dives into the serious impact of the event, from the Howe Foundation's incredible scholarship match to the sold-out Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet, and how this surging demand is highlighting the urgent need for more ice rinks in the city. Whether you are a lifelong beer-leaguer or have never watched a shift in your life, find out why there is a spot for you at Hockey Day in Houston!00:00 - The Brady Bunch14:17 - What's Different About Houston20:38 - Is Hockey Day in Houston Just for the Players?29:14 - The Impact of the Howe Foundation40:53 - When Should You Arrive?Make Sure You're At Hockey Day in Houston on March 21st: https://www.hockeydayinhouston.com/Main Event Entertainment, Powering Hockey Day in Houston: https://www.mainevent.com/St. Arnold's Brewing: https://www.saintarnold.com/HTX Storm Hockey: https://www.htxstorm.com/Houston Hellhounds Sled Hockey: https://www.facebook.com/houstonhellhounds/American Special Hockey Association: https://www.specialhockey.org/University of Houston Ice Hockey: https://www.houstonicehockey.com/Rice University Ice Hockey: https://www.instagram.com/ricehockey/Women's Hockey Outreach Association of Houston: https://whoahhtx.wixsite.com/homeBlueline Slapshot: https://www.bluelineslapshot.com/The Howe Foundation: https://howefoundation.com/Dallas Stars: https://www.nhl.com/stars/oh hey, the show's website doesn't suck as much now: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - you can get sexy swag there, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

Hockey Day in Houston,Houston Hockey,St. Arnold's Brewing,Dallas Stars,Gordie Howe,Mark Howe,Marty Howe,Howe Foundation,Houston Sports,HTX Storm,Houston Aeros,Sled Hockey,Texas Hockey,NHLtoHouston,NHL,Houston,Houston Texas,Houston TX,NHL Shorts,HoustonIsAHockeyTown,NHL expansion,Hockey,Aeros,St. Arnold's,Beer League,Hockey Players in Business,USA Hockey,NHL to Houston

In this episode of Mission Control, we are joined by former NHL defenseman Michel Petit. Michel shares incredible locker room stories from nearly two decades of pro hockey experience, including what it was like to room with his childhood idol, and the wild reality of fighting a player one game, only to defend him as a teammate weeks later.But this episode isn't just about the past—it’s about the future of Space City. As a key figure behind Blueline Slapshot, Michel breaks down the ambitious plan to build a state-of-the-art, 8,000-seat dual-sheet ice facility in the Houston suburbs. We discuss conversations with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the immediate goal of landing an ECHL franchise, and Houston is the most untapped hockey market in North America. Plus, we talk about the upcoming Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet and Hockey in Day in Houston!Learn about Michel's Blueline Slapshot initiative here: https://www.bluelineslapshot.com/Get Tickets and Attend the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet: https://hockeyplayersinbusiness.org/event/hpib-hou-houston-hockey-hall-of-fame-banquet-march-20th/Make Sure You're At Hockey Day in Houston on March 21st: https://www.hockeydayinhouston.com/00:00 - Introduction15:24 - How Do All these Pro Hockey Players End Up in Houston?25:23 - Michel's thoughts on Bettman38:26 - Today's ECHL52:07 - Of Course, We Talk about Hockey Day in HoustonThe NHL isn't in Space City yet - but the fans are.Welcome to Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast — a fan podcast for a team that hasn't arrived yet. Whether you’ve been following NHL relocation rumors since 2013 or are just hyped from the Winter Olympics, this channel is for those who believe Houston has deserved a team for a long time. The show covers Houston’s hockey history, NHL expansion gossip, and local events. With throwback stories, occasional interviews, and poor attempts at humor, we’re building the fanbase before the 33rd franchise gets here. Subscribe, interact, and be part of Houston’s hockey future.

NHLtoHouston,NHL,Houston,Houston Sports,Houston Texas,Houston Aeros,Houston TX,NHL Shorts,HoustonIsAHockeyTown,NHL expansion,Hockey,Aeros,Hockey Players in Business,USA Hockey,Hockey Day in Houston,Houston Hockey Hall of Fame,Houston Hockey,World Hockey,Philadelphia Flyers,Hockey Podcast,Michel Petit,New York Rangers,ECHL,Blueline Slapshot,NHL History,Guy LaFleur,Chris Nyland,Hockey Fights,Texas Hockey

What does an Emergency Backup Goalie (EBUG) for the Philadelphia Flyers and a former KHL executive have to do with the resurgence of hockey in Space City? In this episode of Mission Control, we sit down with Lance Rosenberg—Co-Chair of Hockey Day in Houston and President of the local Hockey Players in Business chapter. Lance shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his time with the Flyers organization, navigating Far East Russia, and ultimately finding a new hockey family in Texas.We talk about the massive grassroots effort behind the 3rd annual Hockey Day in Houston at St. Arnold's Brewing and preview the incredible Houston Hockey Hall of Fame banquet, which will feature the return of a unique Houston hockey artifact and honor local legends. The conversation also highlights the incredible generosity of the Howe Foundation. Hear Lance detail exactly how Mr. Hockey's family continues to directly shape the future of the game right here in Houston.THREE THINGS TO DO:1) Join us at Nick's Place on Saturday, March 7th at 10am for Team USA Paralympic Sled Hockey. Let's get that Triple Crown this year!2) Get Tickets and Attend the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet: https://hockeyplayersinbusiness.org/event/hpib-hou-houston-hockey-hall-of-fame-banquet-march-20th/3) Make Sure You're At Hockey Day in Houston on March 21st: https://www.hockeydayinhouston.com/00:00 - Lance's Flyers Background13:45 - Lance's Adventures in Russia27:15 - The Howes Involvement in Hockey Day in Houston41:56 - What You Might Not Realize about Hockey Day in Houston58:14 - The Future of Hockey Day in HoustonFor more information on Hockey Players in Business: https://hockeyplayersinbusiness.org/The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation: https://johnandmatty.orgHouston Storm (Girls Hockey): https://htxstorm.comWHOAH (Women's Hockey Outreach Association of Houston): https://whoahhtx.wixsite.com/homeHouston Junior Aeros: https://houstonjunioraeros.com-oh hey, the website doesn't suck as much now: http://www.mchockeypodcast.com - you can get sexy merch there, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential pro hockey franchise in Houston since the Aeros left, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.

Matt spent a few minutes talking to Marc Tushnet, who's involved in nearly everything in Houston hockey. He's got some great evidence as to why Houston is a HUGE market for Pro Hockey. We'll talk a little about the Oil Kings Hockey Club, the HUGE Memorial Day tournament, and - naturally, Hockey Day in Houston.00:00 - Let's Meet Marc Tushnet!08:45 - What Really Grows the Player Base?11:22 - Evidence that Houston is a HUGE market for Hockey17:26 - Hockey Day in Houston is coming soon!29:43 - A Special Cameo and the Houston Hockey Events Calendar

Hockey Day in Houston: http://www.hockeydayinhouston.comHouston Oil Kings Hockey Club: http://www.oilkingshockeyclub.comHouston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet: https://hockeyplayersinbusiness.org/event/hpib-hou-houston-hockey-hall-of-fame-banquet-march-20th/oh hey, the website doesn't suck as much now: www.mchockeypodcast.com - you can get sexy merch there, too.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchockeypodcast/Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your people. Mission Control exists for the Houston hockey fans.