Billionaire In Talks To Bring Second NHL Professional Hockey Team In Texas

Texas is not exactly known for ice hockey. In a state that is the size of several European countries combined, we have only one NHL team: The Dallas Stars.

Of course, there are states with no NHL hockey teams, but Florida has two, so I feel like we could step up our game. And perhaps with the help of a Texas billionaire, Houston could be the next city in the league.

Houston was once home to the Aeros (1994-2013), however, they were in another professional hockey league*. Perhaps with the NHL's prestige, a new team could have more staying power.

*The Aeros did have ties with the NHL, occasionally accepting NHL players on loan. Let's say it was "NHL-adjacent." 

Enter Houston Billionare Dan Friedkin

According to Houston Public Media (HPM), Dan Friedkin has been "reportedly" talking to the NHL about bringing a team to H-Town. Friedkin owns Gulf States Toyota and the  Friedkin Group, among other interests. He has experience with professional sports teams overseas.

Fun Friedkin Fact: he also produces excellent movies, including the critically acclaimed Killers of the Flower Moon. He also has majority ownership of Neon, which makes cutting-edge films like one of my favorites, Parasite.

But is Houston receptive to a new team?

Absolutely. A representative from the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority relayed to HPM that “We would welcome any potential addition to the Houston and Harris County sporting landscape and the positive economic impact it would have on our region."

Does Texas care about hockey?

According to AP News, hockey is surging in popularity, particularly the NHL league. I'm sure that's true for Texas, too. A new team could be an economic shot in the arm for Houston tourism, and I could rest easy knowing we are at least tied with Flordia on this.