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NAHL Approves North Iowa Bulls' Relocation to Houston for 2026–27, Rebranding as Houston Bulls

The junior club will anchor a new 1,800-seat Richmond venue focused on developing college-ready players.

Overview

  • The NAHL Board of Governors approved moving the North Iowa Bulls to the Houston area for the 2026–27 season, with the franchise to be known as the Houston Bulls.
  • Home games are planned at the privately owned Deep South Ice & Sports Center in Richmond, scheduled to open in summer 2026 with a 1,800-seat arena, 14 suites, two party decks and a second NHL-size practice sheet.
  • The team will compete in the NAHL’s South Division as the ninth club, joining established Texas and regional rivals for its inaugural season in the market.
  • Team operations will be led by vice president Devon Buckland, while management group president Tyler Shaffar projects more than 30 nights of high-level hockey and entertainment each season.
  • The move restores organized hockey to the Houston area for the first time since the AHL Aeros left in 2013, while the NA3HL’s Mason City Toros will remain in Iowa.