Houston, we have hockey. This past Wednesday, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) approved the relocation of the North Iowa Bulls team to Houston, where the team will make their city debut for the 2026-2027 season. Continue the article below for more details!
What is the NAHL?
The NAHL is a Tier II junior ice hockey league, with players 21 and under. The USA Hockey-sanctioned league acts as a bridge and development opportunity for younger players to higher levels of hockey — NCAA college hockey or in some cases the NHL.
Headquartered in Addison, Texas, the league features 35 teams across 19 states and four divisions. The 2026 – 2027 season marks the league’s 51st season.
By definition, the NAHL is a junior league. For reference, our sweetly missed Houston Aeros were a part of the American Hockey League (AHL) a minor professional hockey league.
Who are the Houston Bulls?
Relocated from North Iowa, the Houston Bulls will be the city’s NAHL team. The Houston Bulls will make their city debut for the 2026 – 2027 season as a part of the league’s South Division.
The South Division is comprised of the following teams:
- Amarillo Wranglers
- Corpus Christi IceRays
- El Paso Rhinos
- Lone Star Brahmas
- New Mexico Ice Wolves
- Odessa Jackalopes
- Oklahoma Warriors
- Shreveport Mudbugs
Where will the Houston Bulls play?
Houston Bulls games will be hosted at the Deep South Ice & Sports Center in Richmond. Presently, the 15,000-square-foot facility is still under construction with plans to officially open this summer. The 1,800-seat arena in its full form will see two NHL-sized ice rinks, a volleyball center and sport courts, 14 private suites, and two party decks.
“We are excited to bring NAHL hockey to the Houston area and to be part of a rapidly growing hockey market,” said president of the management group that oversees the Houston Bulls, Tyler Shaffar, in a statement.
“The Deep South Ice Facility will provide a tremendous home for our players and fans, and we look forward to delivering more than 30 nights of high-level hockey and entertainment each season while contributing to the continued growth of the game in the Houston community.”
The Houston Bulls will make their city debut in September/October 2026.
