Houston hockey fans gathered to celebrate the sport’s growth, highlighted by the announcement of the Houston Bulls NAHL team debuting in 2026.

HOUSTON — Houston hockey fans gathered on Saturday to celebrate the third annual Hockey Day in Houston. 

However, this year’s event brought a whole new meaning after Wednesday’s announcement that Houston is getting a hockey team from the North American Hockey League. 

“Hockey in Houston, it needs to be here,” Hockey fan David Kempner tells KHOU 11 Sports Reporter Luis Ortiz.

Houston is a hockey town pic.twitter.com/QYFQQCjgZF

— Hockey Day in Houston (@HockeyDayInHTX) March 21, 2026

In collaboration with the Howe Foundation, which raises money for hockey programs for all ages and levels throughout Houston, fans gathered outside Saint Arnold Brewing Company to celebrate the sport across all levels — from youth to professional. They also met with legendary hockey players from Houston and all over Texas, including former Houston Aeros player Mark Howe. 

“This is a really big week for hockey in Houston,” Howe said. “I find it amazing that there has not been a professional hockey team in 13 years, but it gives fans an opportunity. We have a high-caliber team coming in for some representation in the sport again.”

The newest NAHL hockey team, the Houston Bulls, will play in Richmond beginning the 2026-2027 hockey season. 

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