What does the new Toyota Center naming rights deal mean for hockey in Space City? In this episode of Mission Control: Houston's Hockey Podcast, Matt breaks down the latest arena news, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly’s comments on expansion, the Stars’ playoff collapse, and goes on a weird tangent about seat colors. Plus, we take a look at the Utah Mammoth rebrand, the "BEARS Act" in Illinois, and how U.S. politics keeps colliding with the sport we love. If you’re following every whisper of NHL expansion to Houston, this one’s for you.

00:00 – Toyota Center Deal: Ermahgawd, they're working together!

05:12 – Bill Daly Speaks: What “No Expansion Process” Really Means

12:09 – Stars Eliminated: Savage Rants, Otter Criticized

15:04 – The BEARS Act... sounds familiar, doesn't it?

17:30 – Utah Mammoth Rebrand & Jersey Money-GrabFollow 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.

This episode has it all: costumes, inappropriate memes, and a Very Special Guest drops by the studio.Houston is inching closer to NHL expansion, so we're going to give some attention to the man rumored to be the franchise owner: Dan Friedkin. In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, we break down why ownership matters, and what kind of NHL franchise owner Friedkin might be, based on his ownership style of AS Roma and Everton. Where will this new team play? Join Detective Savage's investigation of what Houston fans should expect from the man aiming to bring the NHL to Space City.(Note: Since recording this video, new info dropped: https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2025/05/12/houston-rockets-toyota-extend-arena-naming-rights.html ... so maybe they ARE going to play at Toyota Center?)Also, here's that Landman speech I referenced: https://youtu.be/fmbZwxEnAFc?si=aML6OIKiElBqMevWOh, and the definitive Sherlock Holmes is Jeremy Brett, from the 1984 BBC television series.I might've gotten a detail wrong (besides my suburb guessing / speculation). I'll be happy to correct if that's the case.0:00 - The Rumors Confirmed5:35 - The Houston Barnacle Hit-Piece9:49 - Why Ownership Matters15:20 - What Kind of Owner Has Friedkin been?19:32 - Where Would the New Team Play?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.

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…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 Cup04:54 - That ridiculous NOLA rumor06:29 - The Jr. Aeros are going to state!07:19 - Why Don’t We Have a Team?21:49 - Hockey Day in HoustonFor 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_Tanner1WHA maps from: http://www.Billsportmaps.com1970s NHL map from: http://www.Icelethics.comAttendance Data was compiled from: http://www.HockeyDB.comHockey Day in Houston is March 15th: http://www.HockeyDayinHouston.comFollow 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, #WhyNotHouston, #AerosHistory, #HockeyDayInHouston

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!Welcome to the very first episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, hosted by Matt Savage! If you’ve ever asked, “Why doesn’t Houston have an NHL team?” or if you've been obsessing about every NHL expansion rumor, headline, and innuendo since the Aeros left in 2013, you have found your community. In this launch episode, Matt lays out the vision for the podcast: short, insightful episodes focused on Houston’s hockey past, present, and future. From Houston’s long-lost Aeros to current expansion chatter, from the dream of filling the Toyota Center to building a real fan community before the franchise even arrives—this is where the movement begins. Hockey fans, welcome home. 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.00:00 - Starting the Fan Community05:35 - Thoughts on the Channel10:51 - Why the name "Mission Control"?15:23 - About Your Host20:23 - Upcoming EpisodesSites 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 Guy @TheHockeyGuy The "Houston is a Hockey Town" shirt can be found at:http://www.vintageicehockey.comFollow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastAdd on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!#NHLtoHouston, #HoustonHockey, #AerosLegacy, #HockeyinHouston, #hockeypodcast