Where Did the Houston Aeros Go? A Hockey Mystery
So, you're wondering where the Houston Aeros vanished to, huh? Well, grab a beer (or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage), and let's dive into the hockey equivalent of a black hole.
The Aeros: A Brief History Lesson (Or At Least We'll Try)
Let's start with the basics. The Houston Aeros weren't just any hockey team; they were the Houston Aeros. Think of them as the David Bowie of hockey - a little bit glam, a little bit weird, and totally unforgettable. They were originally part of the World Hockey Association (WHA), a league that was basically the wild west of hockey. Think fighting, scoring, and more fighting. The Aeros were pretty good at that whole winning thing too, grabbing a championship in 1974.
But then, the WHA merged with the NHL, and things got complicated. The Aeros, like many other WHA teams, were left out in the cold. Literally. Houston, despite being a hockey-hungry city, was still in the NHL's doghouse.
The Aeros Reborn: A Phoenix From the Ashes (Sort Of)
Fast forward a few years, and lo and behold, the Houston Aeros are back! But this time, they're in the American Hockey League (AHL). They were the farm team for the Minnesota Wild, which is like saying your little brother is the heir to the throne. They had some good years, developed some solid talent, and even made it to the Calder Cup Finals a few times. But then, bam. The team up and leaves for Iowa.
What the Puck? you might be thinking. Well, blame it on rent. The Aeros were sharing a building with the Houston Rockets, and the rent was getting steeper than a hockey player's teeth. So, they packed their bags (and their hockey sticks) and moved to Iowa.
The End (Or Is It?)
The departure of the Aeros left a gaping hole in the hearts of Houston hockey fans. It was like losing your favorite pair of jeans. Sure, you can replace them, but they'll never be quite the same. But fear not, hockey-loving Houstonians! There's always hope for a new team. And who knows, maybe one day the Aeros will return. Until then, we can dream.
How To... Hockey Fan Survival Guide
- How to cope with the loss of a hockey team: Find a new hobby, like knitting or taxidermy. Or, you know, just watch a lot of reruns of old hockey games.
- How to support the return of the Aeros: Write letters, make phone calls, and generally annoy everyone you know about bringing back the Aeros.
- How to survive a Texas summer without hockey: Invest in a good pool, lots of sunscreen, and maybe a virtual reality hockey experience.
- How to explain to your kids what the Houston Aeros were: Show them old hockey highlight reels and tell them it was like the Avengers, but with ice and sticks.
- How to keep the dream of Houston hockey alive: Never give up hope. And maybe start a petition or something.
