On Friday, Dec. 20th, the New York Rangers handed the only Texas team — the Dallas Stars — a 3-1 loss. But let's turn our attention to another Texas city — Houston.
Houston is the ninth-most expansive city in the United States. It is also the fourth-most populous city in the U.S. after New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. The city currently has five professional major league teams including the Houston Astros (MLB), the Houston Texas (NFL), the Houston Rockets (NBA), the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) and finally the Houston Dash (NWSL). But, what they're missing is an NHL team.
Given everything stated above, Houston would be the perfect city for the league's next team. Here are four reasons why coming from a Blue Line Station writer who grew up in the city itself:
1. Population
As previously mentioned, Houston is a pretty popular city. Not only is it the fourth-most populous city in the U.S., but it is also the sixth-most populous city in North America. Houston's population comes to be at around 2,314,157 as of 2023.
It's already been proven that the sport of hockey can succeed both economically and with a fan base — as proven by the success the Dallas Stars have had since they moved there in the 1993-94 season.
And the success the Stars have had comes with a Dallas population of 1.303 million. Therefore one can infer that a Houston NHL team would be even more successful given it has almost double the population size of Dallas.
2. Venue
The Houston Toyota Center is home to the Houston Rockets and many, many concerts. It has a 19,000 capacity, with construction beginning in July of 2001. The Toyota Center opened in October of 2003.
It is the home of the Houston Rockets, and it would make a great home for a Houston-based NHL team. Besides, switching between NBA and NHL games at a venue is already proven to work.
The American Airlines Center in Downtown Dallas is home to both the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and the Dallas Stars (NHL).
3. AHL Affiliate
The surrounding suburbs in Houston provide plenty of room for an AHL team. The Houston Astros AAA affiliate — the Sugar Land Space Cowboys — are a quick less than an hour trip by drive.
The system works quite well for the Astros, and a Sugar Land based AHL team would be really convenient for a Houston based NHL team.
4. The Texas Bowl
Should a Houston based team be formed, a "Texas Bowl" between the Dallas Stars and Houston would certainly be a sight to see and bring plenty of excitement and economic growth to the league.
Just take a look at the excitement that is brought to the league and fans when the New York Islanders face off against the New York Rangers.