A Statement from the Houston Bulls

3/18/2026

NAHL Junior Hockey Coming to the Houston Metropolitan Area

The North Iowa Bulls, members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), announced today that the organization will relocate to the Houston metropolitan area beginning 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 Richmond, Texas.

“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.”

“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.”

Deep South Ice & Sports Center, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, will feature a state of the art 1,800-seat arena, 14 suites, two party decks, a second NHL-size practice ice sheet, and a volleyball center, creating a multi-sport destination for the Richmond and greater Houston community.

Team operations will be overseen by Vice President Devon Buckland, who has experience working in both the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

“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.”

The NA3HL Mason City Toros will remain in Mason City and will be rebranded as the North Iowa Bulls beginning with the 2026–27 season, continuing junior hockey in the community.