You clicked on this? With that thumbnail? Might as well watch the whole episode, then.

In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, host Matt Savage tackles a fan identity crisis — is supporting the Dallas Stars from Houston like seeing someone else’s team? He shares his thoughts on a recent Stars game, breaks down harsh takes from the Dallas Stars subreddit, and explains why Houston needs its own NHL franchise. Along the way, we hear from a WHA legend, celebrate Houston’s hockey community, and invite you to join our NHL playoff bracket challenge. It’s part reflection, part rant, and 100% Houston NHL fandom.Follow, subscribe, and remember: you are the Houston hockey community.

Those Reddit Threads:https://www.reddit.com/r/DallasStars/comments/1ikfu3n/a_close_proximity_nhl_team_will_only_help_the/https://www.reddit.com/r/DallasStars/comments/1jh7us6/nhl_eyes_potential_expansion_during_next_cba_in/

The Face-Off Spot Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tXLwuwUbyHxWsxkubsi75?si=b984a1873c59464f

Join the Bracket League! (Password: MCHockeyPodcast) https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/leagues/19664

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 | #HoustonHockey | #DallasStars | #AerosLegacy | #MissionControlHockey

GO JR. AEROS!Is Houston really ready for an NHL franchise? In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, Matt responds to the online haters following the Dan Freidkin expansion buzz. Instead of yelling into the void, we did the math. Using weighted data across corporate presence, media market size, income level, fan interest, and more, we ranked 15 potential NHL expansion cities based on how the league actually thinks.Plus: a shoutout to the Houston Junior Aeros' playoff run, an interview with THE expert on Houston hockey, and some final thoughts on how we build a real fan base before the puck ever drops.If you're following the NHL expansion rumor mill, this is the video you’ve been waiting for. Who takes the top spot? Stick around to find out.00:00 Say Hi To Our Haters05:04 The Criteria by which "deservedness" is judged10:31 How it all shook out36:11 News that Can't Really WaitJr. Aeros News courtesy of Tanner Wilson at the Texas Sports Review: https://x.com/TexSR_Tanner1Get your University of Houston Hockey Club gear here: https://xjerseys.us/collections/university-of-houston-club-hockeyFollow 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.#NHLtoHouston | #HockeyExpansion | #HoustonHockey | #AerosLegacy | #MissionControlHockey

(That thumbnail's as close as AI was willing to get to Sam Houston teaching a history course to hockey players)Welcome to Mission Control, Houston’s Hockey Podcast! In this deep dive into Houston’s rich and often-overlooked hockey history, host Matt Savage—longtime history teacher and Houston hockey fanatic—takes you from the days of the Skippers and Apollos to the iconic WHA Aeros and their unforgettable legacy. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, learn why aesthetics matter, and enjoy a special guest interview with WHA goalie Ron Grahame. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just learning the difference between icing and offside, this episode brings the passion, trivia, and local flair that make Houston’s hockey story one-of-a-kind. Subscribe for more Houston hockey content, nostalgia, and insight into why we still don’t have an NHL team—yet.ON THIS EPISODE:0:00 - Houston's Hockey History19:03 - University of Houston Hockey / ISHL High School Hockey23:00 - Making Fun of Arizona26:35 - More on Stadiums28:28 - Thoughts on the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet & Hockey Day in HoustonRelevant Links:The one Houston Skippers pic I could find was from http://www.hockeydb.comMost of the older Houston hockey pics were from http://www.pucktastic.comhttp://www.royalretros.comUniversity of Houston Hockey Club: https://x.com/uh_hockeyTickets to the A&M / UH game can be found here: https://www.houstonicehockey.com/games/game-vs-texas-am-university-on-09122025-m8etlv4u/ticketsInterscholastic Hockey League: https://www.ishl.org/http://www.hockeydayinhouston.comhttps://www.htxstorm.com/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.#HoustonHockey, #WHAHistory, #AerosLegacy, #HockeyInHouston, #NHLtoHouston

Last week, we talked about why Houston doesn't have a team. One word: Stadium. Today, we'll take a deeper look at Houston's stadium issue, referencing a recent headline.Welcome back to Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast with your host Matt Savage! In this episode, we dive into the latest NHL expansion rumors and what they could mean for Houston’s shot at finally landing a team. We’ll break down Gary Bettman’s 2017 comments on Houston, explore the four keys to expansion (ownership, market, arena, and league strength), and take a hard look at Houston’s stadium situation—including the Texans’ $1.4 billion renovation creams. What does it all mean for hockey fans in the fourth-largest city in the U.S.? Plus, Savage introduces “Savage’s Law” and shares his unfiltered thoughts on stadium aesthetics, public funding, and why Houston deserves better. If you're passionate about bringing the NHL to Houston, this is the episode for you.ON THIS EPISODE:00:00 - Corpus Christi Ice Rays are Playoff Bound01:12 - Matt Rants about the Stadium Series03:39 - The Traditional Expansion Speculation07:28 - On Stadiums (Why We Don't Have a Team)21:09 - Hockey Day in HoustonFollow 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.#NHLtoHouston, #HoustonHockey, #NHLExpansion, #NHLinTexas, #HockeyinHouston

With apologies to New Orleans…

ON THIS EPISODE:

• 4 Nations, 1 Cup
• That ridiculous NOLA rumor
• The Jr. Aeros are going to state!
• Why Don’t We Have a Team?
• Hockey Day in Houston

For some of this, I’m going from memory. If my details are wrong, feel free to correct me.

Links:

Jr. Aeros info came from Tanner Wilson, Texas Sports Review: https://x.com/TexSR_Tanner1

WHA maps from: Billsportmaps.com

1970s NHL map from: Icelethics.com

Attendance Data was compiled from: HockeyDB.com

Hockey Day in Houston is March 15th: HockeyDayinHouston.com

#houston #houstontx #houstontexas #houstonsports #hockey #nhl #nhlshorts #NHLtoHouston #HoustonIsAHockeyTown

At a certain point, you have to hit upload...Stumbling out of the Starting Blocks to announce a NEW Houston Hockey Podcast. The NHL isn't here yet, but the fans are. Let's build the online community!If you've been obsessing about every NHL expansion rumor, headline, and innuendo since the Aeros left in 2013, you have found your community. Talking Houston hockey is fun - join in!Okay, yes, I'm aware that the mic should've been louder - and shame on me for getting Lukowich's name wrong, and the editing was sloppy and and and... the first step to being good at something, is being bad at something.Sites and YouTubers mentioned:Houston Hockey Hall of Fame Banquet and Hockey Day in Houston:http://www.hockeydayinhouston.comThe Face-Off Spot Podcast:https://faceoffspotpodcast.com/The Hockey GuyYouTube.com/@TheHockeyGuyThe "Houston is a Hockey Town" shirt can be found at:http://www.vintageicehockey.com