Hockey Tonk

While it’s not been formally announced as to which city has been chosen, the Friedkin family is rooting yet another sports team here Texas. I’m going out on a statement piece and saying Houston is where they will be settling into. With an economy that can support the $3.5 billion investment into building a new arena and NHL fees, to me it’s clear the Board of Governors will only approve this extension in a city eager to fill in the stands. Between the family’s strong investments with other sports and the desire to spread the love of hockey across the whole state, I have no doubt they will choose the Houston market.

While Dallas does not have territorial rights into Austin, it just doesn’t make sense to expand into a market that already has a dedicated fan base, given there’s no arena there to move into. Not only does it come across as stepping on toes, it limits where you place the AHL team, perhaps their eye is San Antonio where the city has hosted minor league teams before. Houston just makes sense because of the range of suburbs you have to place the team and pull focus not just on a new NHL team but a fresh AHL team as well- Sugarland, Highland, Katy, once again how can you argue?

Texas hockey has a dedicated fan base which improves the NHL to expanding into other divisions. With a Houston presence in the NHL that gives an immediate in state rival with Dallas, regardless of division placement. With $113 million salary cap, which players do you handpick to try and recreate the success Vegas had in the beginning and continue to have. Of course you have the big names who are viewed as unofficial franchise players, Connor McDavid pops on the paper for me. Known for his long term grudge with Dallas and his public rants in the locker room, a chance to sweep in and continue his menacing ways towards the Stars doesn’t feel so far fetched. A name I’ve wanted in Texas is hockey-hair legend Tyler Bertuzzi, averaging a hat trick per season, this winger has presence on both sides of the ice and leadership skills that have earned him the A on his jersey with the Blackhawks. Andrei Vasilevsliy is a key piece if you can snag him for goalie while you build up a backup to takeover; adding to that defense Zachary Werenski has his name on the cup and steadily noticeable with goals on the stat sheet, he’s veteran presence needed on a team where being fluid on both sides of the ice has taken over the sport’s structure.

Will this expansion be the break Dallas is looking for to get bumped into a new division? Last post season was brutal with the top 3 teams in the whole league being in the same division- with the 2nd and 3rd going head to head in the first round. While the NHL is not afraid to have an odd number of teams in the league, as it doesn’t affect scheduling, there have been rumors for a 34th team as well. The league is going to expand where it makes sense financially and enhances the league by expanding the fan base, nothing is more devastating for both players and fans than when a team is folded. Do they risk the Arizona market again or allow a new city like Atlanta the opportunity to keep the hockey culture alive and well in the south. The eastern division could use some good competition, as much as we all love to see the Lightening and Panthers go at it, I’m ready for a new rivalry along the southeastern coastline.