Hockey is making its return to the Houston area with an exciting announcement from the North American Hockey League (NAHL) on Wednesday. The league’s Board of Governors has approved the relocation of the North Iowa Bulls to the Houston Metropolitan area for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
The newly established junior team will be known as the Houston Bulls.
Excitement for the New Team
Tyler Shaffar, president of the management group overseeing the Houston Bulls, expressed enthusiasm about bringing NAHL hockey to the region. “We are excited to be part of a rapidly growing hockey market,” he stated. “The Deep South Ice Facility will provide a tremendous home for our players and fans, and we look forward to delivering over 30 nights of high-level hockey and entertainment each season, while contributing to the continued growth of the game in the Houston community.”
Home Arena Details
The Houston Bulls will play their home games at The Deep South Ice & Sports Center, which is set to open in the summer of 2026. This expansive 150,000-square-foot facility will boast a state-of-the-art arena seating 1,800 spectators, along with 14 suites, two party decks, a second NHL-sized practice ice sheet, and a volleyball center, making it a multi-sport destination for Richmond and the greater Houston area.
General Managers TC Lewis and Caren Bell shared their excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome junior hockey to our facility and the community. The Houston Bulls will bring exciting, high-level hockey to our city and create new opportunities for local players and fans to connect with the sport.”
Team Management
The team’s operations will be led by Vice President Devon Buckland, who brings valuable experience from both the NAHL and the United States Hockey League (USHL). Buckland emphasized the commitment to creating a first-class organization in Houston. “Our goal is to create a great experience for both longtime hockey fans and those discovering the sport for the first time, while also becoming a strong partner within the local business community,” he remarked.
NAHL’s Commitment
Mark Frankenfeld, President and Commissioner of the NAHL, expressed support for the Bulls organization, noting the importance of developing college-ready athletes. “The move to the Deep South Ice & Sports Center provides an exciting opportunity for the athletes and the community,” he stated. “We look forward to the continued investment in the players while growing the sport of hockey in the Houston area.”
Joining the NAHL South Division
For the 2026-27 season, the Houston Bulls will be part of the NAHL’s South Division, competing alongside eight other teams, including the Amarillo Wranglers, Corpus Christi IceRays, El Paso Rhinos, Lone Star Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors, and Shreveport Mudbugs.
