Hockey in the desert or the deep south used to be a punchline. If you grew up in Dallas or Houston in the 80s, you were probably holding a football or a baseball bat, not a Sherwood PMP 5030. But things changed. Fast. Now, seeing NHL players from Texas isn't just a novelty; it’s a legitimate pipeline that is starting to produce some of the most consistent, heavy-hitting talent in the league.
Honestly, the "Sun Belt" hockey explosion is real. It’s not just about the Dallas Stars winning a Cup in '99 anymore. It's about the kids who watched that win, grabbed some skates, and actually made it.
The Homegrown Hero: Blake Coleman
If you want to talk about a true Texan success story, you start with Blake Coleman. Born in Plano, Coleman is essentially the poster child for the "exclusively trained in Texas" movement. Most of the early guys born in the state moved to Canada or Michigan by the time they were six. Coleman? He stayed. He played for the Dallas Stars Elite program and worked his way through the ranks before eventually winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
He's currently a vital part of the Calgary Flames, though trade rumors are constantly swirling about a potential "homecoming" to the Dallas Stars. As of late 2025, those rumors have reached a fever pitch. He’s a relentless forechecker, the kind of player coaches love because he never stops moving. He isn't just a "Texas hockey player"—he’s one of the best defensive forwards in the entire league.
Seth Jones and the Arlington Roots
Then you have Seth Jones. He’s arguably the most talented player to ever come out of the state. Born in Arlington, Seth is the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones. It’s a cool bit of trivia that his interest in hockey actually started because Popeye asked Joe Sakic for advice on how to get his kids into sports when he was playing for the Nuggets.
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Seth Jones was the 4th overall pick in 2013, making him the highest-drafted player from Texas. He’s a massive, minute-munching defenseman who can play 25 to 30 minutes a night without breaking a sweat. After stints in Nashville and Columbus, and a long run in Chicago, he’s now patrolling the blue line for the Florida Panthers. His 2025-26 season has been solid, sitting at 24 points through 40 games, proving that even at 31, he’s still a premier top-four defenseman.
The Tallest Texan: Tyler Myers
Most people forget Tyler Myers was born in Houston. Standing at 6-foot-8, they call him "Big Tex" or "The Big Easy." Now, he did move to Calgary when he was 10, so he plays for Team Canada internationally, but the roots are there. He grew up watching the Houston Aeros of the IHL, which is a throwback name if I’ve ever heard one.
Myers won the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) back in 2010. He’s had a long, winding career through Buffalo and Winnipeg and is currently a veteran presence for the Vancouver Canucks. It’s wild to think that a kid from the humidity of Houston turned into one of the tallest, most recognizable defensemen in NHL history.
Why the Texas Pipeline is Just Getting Started
The numbers are growing. According to recent data from Hockey-Reference, Texas has produced roughly 14 to 15 NHL players, with several more currently grinding in the AHL.
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Why is this happening?
- Ice Availability: The Dallas Stars have built a massive network of "StarCenters" across the metroplex.
- Elite Coaching: Retired pros stayed in the area and started coaching youth teams.
- The "Modano Effect": You can't overstate how much Mike Modano made hockey look cool to kids who would have otherwise been wide receivers.
The Next Wave: Names to Watch
We aren't just looking at the old guard. There are guys like Caleb Jones (Seth’s brother), who has carved out a solid career as a mobile defenseman. You’ve also got younger prospects like Cross Hanas, a Dallas native playing in the Detroit Red Wings system who is lighting it up for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
It’s not just about birthplaces anymore. It’s about development. The Dallas Stars Elite program is now a nationally recognized powerhouse. They are regularly beating teams from Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Texas Players in the NHL (All-Time and Active)
| Player | Birth City | Notable Team |
|---|---|---|
| Seth Jones | Arlington | Panthers, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets |
| Blake Coleman | Plano | Flames, Lightning, Devils |
| Tyler Myers | Houston | Canucks, Jets, Sabres |
| Caleb Jones | Arlington | Penguins, Blackhawks, Oilers |
| Brian Leetch | Corpus Christi | Rangers (Hall of Fame) |
| Mike Christie | Corpus Christi | California Golden Seals (First ever Texas-born player) |
Brian Leetch is a funny one. He’s a Hall of Famer and one of the best defensemen ever, but he moved away from Corpus Christi when he was just an infant. Still, Texans will claim him every single time. And honestly? They should.
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Misconceptions About Texas Hockey
A lot of people think that because there’s no natural ice in Texas, the players lack "hockey IQ" or "skating fundamentals." That’s basically nonsense at this point. If anything, Texas players are often better athletes because they grow up in a multi-sport culture.
Blake Coleman, for instance, has a motor that doesn't quit. He grew up in an athletic family where his dad played college football. That "Texas toughness" translates pretty well to the grit needed for a playoff run.
What’s Next for Lonestar Hockey?
Keep an eye on the 2026 NHL Draft. The scouting reports for kids coming out of the Dallas area are looking stronger than ever. We’re reaching a point where seeing a Texas-born player on a roster isn't a "cool story" for the broadcast—it’s just expected.
If you’re a fan or a collector, start looking at the cards and stats for these local guys. The value of "homegrown" talent is at an all-time high, especially with the Stars looking to add local flavor to their roster.
To really understand the impact of Texas on the league, you should follow the Dallas Stars Elite alumni lists. Checking the box scores for the Texas Stars (AHL) is also a great way to spot the next Blake Coleman before he hits the big stage. The path from Plano to the Pros is officially open.