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.