​The Houston Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that AJ Ruskowski will remain with the organization, taking on the roles of both Assistant Coach and Goaltending Coach as the team moves to the Houston, Texas area. This development comes after Ruskowski completed his first season coaching in 2025-26 with the North Iowa Bulls. The NAHL confirmed in March that the North Iowa Bulls would relocate to Houston to compete as the Houston Bulls, and Ruskowski will stay on the staff as the team transitions to their new home. Former NHL player Nathan Oystrick, who has spent time with the St. Louis Blues (2010-11) and Anaheim Ducks (2009-10), will join Ruskowski to lead the coaching staff.
In an exclusive interview, Ruskowski described the Bulls’ intent to implement an exciting, high-energy on-ice style suitable for the Houston market. He noted that every division in the NAHL has its own distinctive approach and that the South is traditionally recognized for a more physical, in-your-face game characterized by hits and competitive intensity. Ruskowski proposed a brand of play he calls “Big Boy Bulls Hockey,” emphasizing the addition of size while blending it with the speed and skill of returning players. He expressed enthusiasm about integrating new assets with the strengths of the returning roster to create a dynamic product on the ice.
Ruskowski brings a substantial playing background to his coaching role. He skated in the NAHL with the Minot Minotauros and competed in NCAA hockey for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he finished his collegiate career as a goaltender with a .902 save percentage and 23 wins. He concluded his NCAA career following the 2024-25 season. He has explained that his experiences as a goaltender continue to inform his coaching philosophy, offering him relatable perspective that he believes benefits the goaltenders he works with.
Ruskowski emphasized the value of empathy and adaptability for young players, noting that the path to success in hockey is rarely linear. He highlighted the importance of helping current and prospective goaltenders understand that each athlete’s journey is unique and that flexibility, resilience, and timely adaptation are essential for growth. His perspective as a former netminder informs his coaching, allowing him to connect with goalies on a practical level and guide them through the challenges of development.
As for the upcoming schedule, the Houston Bulls are set to open their home campaign on October 2, with a home game against the Lone Star Brahmas. The team’s season-opening series will begin with road games against the Shreveport Mudbugs on September 11 and September 12, marking the start of their first season operating in Houston. The relocation to Houston marks a new chapter for the franchise, with Ruskowski’s continued leadership and Oystrick’s addition to the coaching staff aimed at establishing a competitive, high-energy identity for the Bulls in the NAHL’s South division. The team’s branding, development programs, and recruitment will reflect the goal of building a robust pipeline of talent while delivering an engaging product for fans in the Houston area.
For readers looking to verify or explore more about this transition and the coaching announcement, The Sporting News is listed as a preferred source and can be accessed through their site. The Houston Bulls’ move and coaching appointments underscore the organization’s commitment to presenting a strong, fast-paced, and physically competitive style of play that aligns with the NAHL’s South division traditions while leveraging the unique characteristics and enthusiasm of the Houston market.