A junior hockey team is relocating to the Houston area, bringing a new arena and more than 30 games a season starting in 2026.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — A junior hockey team is set to relocate to the Houston area, bringing a new level of competition and a multi-sport facility to the region beginning in 2026. The move reflects continued growth for hockey in Southeast Texas and introduces a new team that will play in Fort Bend County.
The North Iowa Bulls, members of the North American Hockey League, announced they will relocate to the Houston metropolitan area starting with the 2026–27 season.
The team will compete as the Houston Bulls in the NAHL South Division and play at the new Deep South Ice & Sports Center in the Richmond area.
“We are excited to bring NAHL hockey to the Houston area and to be part of a rapidly growing hockey market,” said Tyler Shaffar, president of the management group that oversees the Houston Bulls. “The Deep South Ice Facility will provide a tremendous home for our players and fans, and we look forward to delivering more than 30 nights of high-level hockey and entertainment each season while contributing to the continued growth of the game in the Houston community.”
New facility planned for 2026
The Deep South Ice & Sports Center is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.
The facility will include an 1,800-seat arena, 14 suites, two party decks, a second NHL-size practice ice sheet and a volleyball center. Officials say the complex is designed to serve as a multi-sport destination for Richmond and the greater Houston area.
“We’re thrilled to welcome junior hockey to our facility and to the community,” said TC Lewis & Caren Bell, general managers of Deep South Ice & Sports Complex. “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.”
Leadership and operations
Team operations will be overseen by Vice President Devon Buckland, who has experience working in both the United States Hockey League and the North American Hockey League.
“We are excited to build a first-class organization in the Houston market,” Buckland said. “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.”
What happens in Iowa
The relocation comes after the organization decided to move its NAHL franchise from Mason City, Iowa, following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.
In a message to fans, the team said, “After careful consideration, the North Iowa Bulls franchise has decided to relocate its NAHL franchise to the Houston area (Richmond, Texas) following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.”
Junior hockey will continue in Mason City. The NA3HL Mason City Toros will remain in the community and will be rebranded as the North Iowa Bulls beginning with the 2026–27 season.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our billets, sponsors, fans, the City of Mason City, and Mason City Youth Hockey,” the team said. “Your dedication has allowed us to successfully operate two teams in this market and build a successful junior hockey program.”
The team added that focusing on one team in Mason City will allow it to continue building on its NA3HL program, which includes four national championships and numerous players advancing to college hockey.
Information regarding 2026–27 season ticket packages will be released shortly.