Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay Random
It's not all that surprising, really. The Houston Aeros were one of the most successful teams in the WHA. Their owner, Kenneth Schnitzer, wanted to bring the team into the NHL, but the NHL was only willing to accept four WHA franchises. He also tried to buy an existing NHL franchise and move it to Houston, but the NHL wouldn't allow that either. If the league hadn't been so stubborn, the Aeros might have taken over the Cleveland Barons' franchise in 1978 and brought NHL hockey to Houston.
Instead, the Barons merged with the Minnesota North Stars and the NHL contracted to 17 teams. The Aeros folded, along with several other WHA clubs that the NHL refused to accept in any merger deal. One of those was the Calgary Cowboys. In fact, the Cowboys folded a year before the Aeros. From that, a hardcore troll could make the case that Houston is a better hockey market than Calgary.
Unfortunately, it's all moot now. From all I've read, Leslie Alexander does not want a hockey team in his arena anymore — not even an AHL team. And there really is no other arena in Houston that could house an NHL team, unless someone wants to buy the old Summit back from Lakewood Church and reconvert it.
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I am not sure if Alexander is against an NHL team, he just wants more $$$ on the lease. The Aeros couldn't afford that, an NHL team might be able to. I am not saying the next team should go to Houston. Seattle would be a really good destination as would Portland. I also wonder if San Fran could support a team with San Jose being so close. There is so much $$$$ in that area and a new arena coming for the Warriors on the SF side of the bay.