Hockey might not be the first sport people associate with Central Texas, but the Austin area has a long-running ice hockey culture. Fans can watch the Texas Stars play high-level professional hockey in Cedar Park, follow the modern Austin Ice Bats junior team and find recreational skating and hockey programs around the region.
Texas Stars: AHL Hockey in Cedar Park
The Texas Stars are the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars. The club began playing in Cedar Park in 2009 and won the Calder Cup championship in 2014. The AHL is a development league where young professional players, experienced veterans and future NHL regulars compete.
Home games are played at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars. The arena is also home to the Austin Spurs basketball team, so fans can catch several different professional sports without going into downtown Austin.
The 2026–27 Texas Stars regular season began in October 2026 and is scheduled into April 2027. For matchups and promotions, check the team schedule.
The Austin Ice Bats: Then and Now
The original Austin Ice Bats played minor-league professional hockey from 1996 through 2008 and became memorable for their name and energetic games at the Travis County Exposition Center and later Chaparral Ice. The old pro franchise is no longer active.
The Ice Bats name returned in 2021 with a separate junior hockey organization. The current Austin Ice Bats compete in the North American 3 Hockey League, a Tier III junior league focused on developing young players. The junior team lists its facility in Cedar Park; confirm individual home-game locations before attending.
Skating and Amateur Hockey
Recreational hockey and ice skating are available through area facilities such as Chaparral Ice and The Crossover. These facilities offer different combinations of public skating, lessons, youth hockey, adult leagues and clinics. Beginners should look for a learn-to-skate or learn-to-play program before registering for competitive games.
While hockey involves specialized equipment, local programs can help families understand what is required to begin. Availability and age divisions change, so contact rinks directly.
Tips for Attending a Hockey Game
Hockey is fast, physical and easy to enjoy even if you don’t know every rule. Arrive before puck drop to watch the warmups and find your seats. Rinks can feel cool even in summer, so bring a light layer for indoor games.
Useful links: Texas Stars, Austin Ice Bats, and H-E-B Center.
More Local Sports Teams
Austin Spurs — NBA G League Basketball | Round Rock Express — Triple-A Baseball
