What does the new Toyota Center naming rights deal mean for hockey in Space City? In this episode of Mission Control: Houston's Hockey Podcast, Matt breaks down the latest arena news, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly’s comments on expansion, the Stars’ playoff collapse, and goes on a weird tangent about seat colors. Plus, we take a look at the Utah Mammoth rebrand, the "BEARS Act" in Illinois, and how U.S. politics keeps colliding with the sport we love. If you’re following every whisper of NHL expansion to Houston, this one’s for you.

00:00 – Toyota Center Deal: Ermahgawd, they're working together!

05:12 – Bill Daly Speaks: What “No Expansion Process” Really Means

12:09 – Stars Eliminated: Savage Rants, Otter Criticized

15:04 – The BEARS Act... sounds familiar, doesn't it?

17:30 – Utah Mammoth Rebrand & Jersey Money-GrabFollow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastAdd on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your community. Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.

This episode has it all: costumes, inappropriate memes, and a Very Special Guest drops by the studio.Houston is inching closer to NHL expansion, so we're going to give some attention to the man rumored to be the franchise owner: Dan Friedkin. In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, we break down why ownership matters, and what kind of NHL franchise owner Friedkin might be, based on his ownership style of AS Roma and Everton. Where will this new team play? Join Detective Savage's investigation of what Houston fans should expect from the man aiming to bring the NHL to Space City.(Note: Since recording this video, new info dropped: https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2025/05/12/houston-rockets-toyota-extend-arena-naming-rights.html ... so maybe they ARE going to play at Toyota Center?)Also, here's that Landman speech I referenced: https://youtu.be/fmbZwxEnAFc?si=aML6OIKiElBqMevWOh, and the definitive Sherlock Holmes is Jeremy Brett, from the 1984 BBC television series.I might've gotten a detail wrong (besides my suburb guessing / speculation). I'll be happy to correct if that's the case.0:00 - The Rumors Confirmed5:35 - The Houston Barnacle Hit-Piece9:49 - Why Ownership Matters15:20 - What Kind of Owner Has Friedkin been?19:32 - Where Would the New Team Play?Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcastAdd on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcastThe NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your community. Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.

You clicked on this? With that thumbnail? Might as well watch the whole episode, then.

In this episode of Mission Control: Houston’s Hockey Podcast, host Matt Savage tackles a fan identity crisis — is supporting the Dallas Stars from Houston like seeing someone else’s team? He shares his thoughts on a recent Stars game, breaks down harsh takes from the Dallas Stars subreddit, and explains why Houston needs its own NHL franchise. Along the way, we hear from a WHA legend, celebrate Houston’s hockey community, and invite you to join our NHL playoff bracket challenge. It’s part reflection, part rant, and 100% Houston NHL fandom.Follow, subscribe, and remember: you are the Houston hockey community.

Those Reddit Threads:https://www.reddit.com/r/DallasStars/comments/1ikfu3n/a_close_proximity_nhl_team_will_only_help_the/https://www.reddit.com/r/DallasStars/comments/1jh7us6/nhl_eyes_potential_expansion_during_next_cba_in/

The Face-Off Spot Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tXLwuwUbyHxWsxkubsi75?si=b984a1873c59464f

Join the Bracket League! (Password: MCHockeyPodcast) https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/leagues/19664

Follow on X! https://x.com/MCHockeyPodcast

Add on Discord - @MCHockeyPodcast

The NHL isn't in Houston - but the Hockey Fans Are!If you've been obsessing over every rumor about a potential NHL hockey franchise in Houston, you've found your community. Mission Control exists to help build a hockey fan community in Houston.

#NHLtoHouston | #HoustonHockey | #DallasStars | #AerosLegacy | #MissionControlHockey