An estimated 4,000 fans turned out for Houston’s largest ice hockey watch party and celebration of the sport at the inaugural Hockey Day in Houston, held at Saint Arnold Brewery. The event, which was free to attend, highlighted and honored the sport of ice hockey along with local hockey organizations.
The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority provided support for the event, which took place shortly after Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta revealed discussions with the National Hockey League regarding a potential team in Houston, the largest city in the U.S. without professional hockey.
Lance Rosenberg, president of Houston’s chapter of Hockey Players in Business, one of the event sponsors, emphasized the city’s growing hockey community, with over 1,500 adult players, 1,000 children, and 2,000 figure skaters in the area. He noted the unity among hockey enthusiasts from various backgrounds.
Dominic Ortiz, a local hockey fan, described Houston as a melting pot for hockey enthusiasts, with supporters hailing from cities across the U.S. He expressed the city’s eagerness for a professional team, referencing the departure of the Aeros from the American Hockey League after the 2012-13 season.
Hockey Day in Houston featured numerous attractions, including a Zamboni, 13 NHL telecasts, youth street hockey clinics, and a silent auction.
