In this episode of Mission Control, Houston's Hockey Podcast, Savage runs through a flurry of Houston hockey updates—from NHL expansion chatter and local college club growth, team name drama, and a reminder that nature is not to be effed with. Plus, news on upcoming local events, NHL 26 thoughts, and Savage's new Aeros jersey review. Whether you’re here for the laughs, insights, or myopic optimism, hit play and join the Houston hockey movement.

00:00 - Get your tickets!

07:40 - Houston Hockey Developments

16:00 - How Dumb Team Names Happen

24:26 - Matt's New Jersey

32:20 - Driving Around HoustonUniversity of Houston Hockey Club Tickets: https://www.houstonicehockey.com/tickets

Tickets for the UH / A&M game at the Aerodrome: https://www.simpletix.com/e/texas-a-m-vs-university-of-houston-tickets-228912Hockey Hot Stove on Houston: https://hockeyhotstove.com/houston-wants-an-nhl-team-key-issues-to-watch/

University of Houston Harris County Survey: https://www.uh.edu/hobby/harris2025/

Rice is putting a hockey team together: https://www.instagram.com/ricehockey/

Pickup Hockey & other Houston Hockey Info: https://houstonhockey.org/

ISHL: https://www.ishl.org/

The Buoy Video: https://x.com/SEAbuoy/status/1950981195208204387

Aeros stuff from Vintage Ice Hockey: https://vintageicehockey.com/collections/houston-aeros

Name / Number kit for Aeros away (green) jersey: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325412521774"Houston is a Hockey Town" from Vintage Ice Hockey: https://vintageicehockey.com/collections/houston-is-a-hockey-town

WHOAH: https://www.facebook.com/people/WHOAH-Womens-Hockey-Outreach-Association-of-Houston/61556298042134/

Hockey Day in Houston: https://www.hockeydayinhouston.com/

Follow on X! https://x.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 community.

Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.

NHLtoHouston, NHL, Houston, Houston Sports, Houston Texas, Houston Aeros, Houston TX, NHL Shorts, HoustonIsAHockeyTown, NHL expansion, Hockey, Aeros, Houston Hockey, PWHL

It's a shorter episode, but it checks out.Feeling better — but a long way from okay — Savage takes a deep breath and reassesses where Houston stands in the NHL expansion race. While arguing that Houston's NHL future deserves more than a nostalgic look at its past, Matt lays out reasons for hope amid lingering frustrations and growing impatience. This episode covers the new NHL schedule (and associated travel plans to watch hockey), the Olympic calendar, and a reminder that hockey growth happens off the ice, too.

00:00 - A Wellness Check

04:20 - Reasons for Optimism

09:12 - About the 2025-2026 NHL Schedule

13:56 - Houston Hockey Community Plans
19:19 - NHL acknowledges the expansion fee

Shannon The Hockey Guy's Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/e76qcZLOHF4?si=MTdVx2SOiRpqVl8M

Houston Hockey Community: https://houstonhockey.org/

Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastAdd 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 community. Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.

A Low-Energy Episode... because the intrusive thoughts are winning.

In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, Matt asks the uncomfortable question: Are we about to blow it? With NHL expansion rumors heating up and rival cities like Atlanta, Indianapolis, Austin, and Quebec City making noise, Houston fans have reason to feel uneasy. Savage breaks down each contender’s strengths, relives about Houston’s historical near-misses, and shares unpleasant reflections on what it means to support sports in Space City. Plus: a little on the Houston Hockey Community Gala, cool memorabilia pickups, and why the grassroots fan community matters now more than ever.

00:00 – Expansion Anxiety: “Are We Gonna Blow It?”

02:30 – The Competition

12:02 – Houston’s Strengths… and Self-Sabotage?

20:15 – Gala Recap & Community Growth

24:32 – Why you — yes, you — are key to making NHL Houston happen.Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastAdd 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 community. Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.#HoustonNHL #NHLExpansion #HockeyPodcast #HoustonHockey #NHLRumors #ExpansionAnxiety #HoustonSports #NHLNews #HoustonAeros