Howdy, Partner! Yeehaw for Hockey in Texas?
You might think all Texas does is boots, barbecue, and rodeos (and let's be honest, they do those things mighty fine). But what about when the sun sets and the ten-gallon hats come off? Believe it or not, Texas has a surprising amount of hockey love simmering beneath the surface.
Hold Your Horses, There Ain't No NHL Rink in Every Town (Yet)
Let's get this out of the way first – Texas boasts only one National Hockey League (NHL) team: the dreaded Dallas Stars. Now, that's not to say hockey isn't popular in the Lone Star State. The Stars have a fiercely loyal fanbase, and the games at the American Airlines Center are a guaranteed good time (with nary a tumbleweed in sight, we promise).
But what if Dallas is a bit of a dusty trek for you? Don't fret, partner!
Giddy-Up for the American Hockey League!
The American Hockey League (AHL) – basically the NHL's minor league cousin – has Texas covered. The Texas Stars, yep, you guessed it, the Dallas Stars' minor league affiliate, light up the ice at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. These guys might not be household names (yet!), but the games are a blast, and tickets are a tad easier on the wallet than the big leagues.
Pro Tip: Catching a rising star (pun intended) in the AHL could mean bragging rights down the road when they make it to the NHL!
Now, Let's Talk About Local Legends
Texas may not have a hockey team on every corner, but there's a thriving network of amateur teams throughout the state. From the Amarillo Jr. Bulls (watch out for those horns!) to the Houston Hurricanes (we see what you did there), these teams are where the next generation of Texas hockey stars are getting their grit on.
So there you have it, folks. Texas hockey – it might not be on every stetson-wearing head, but it's definitely a sport with a growing fanbase and a whole lot of heart. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see a full-fledged NHL team down in Houston or Austin (wouldn't that be a hoot!).
