Why Doesn't Houston Have a Hockey Team?

With apologies to New Orleans…

Why doesn’t Houston have an NHL team? In this episode of Houston’s Hockey Podcast, your host Matt Savage dives deep into the tangled history of arena politics, expansion drama, and the legacy of Les Alexander to explain exactly why Houston still doesn’t have an NHL franchise. From the collapse of the WHA and missed merger opportunities to the AHL Aeros’ heartbreaking move to Iowa, Savage lays out the story with insight, humor, and receipts. We also break down the Four Nations Cup, rumors about New Orleans expansion, and celebrate the Houston Junior Aeros' state tournament run. Plus: a heartfelt invite to Hockey Day in Houston.

If you care about hockey in the Bayou City, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

ON THIS EPISODE:
00:00 - 4 Nations, 1 Cup
04:54 - That ridiculous NOLA rumor
06:29 - The Jr. Aeros are going to state!
07:19 - Why Don’t We Have a Team?
21:49 - 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: http://www.Billsportmaps.com
1970s NHL map from: http://www.Icelethics.com
Attendance Data was compiled from: http://www.HockeyDB.com
Hockey Day in Houston is March 15th: http://www.HockeyDayinHouston.com

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