When you think of Texas, one sport stands above the rest, almost as a state religion — football.

But ever since the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars relocated to Dallas in 1993, hockey has emerged as a growing sport in the land of the Alamo.

And now, the Michigan hockey team is reaping the benefits of the sport's increased popularity amidst the baking sun of the Texan plains.

Yesterday, Michigan coach Red Berenson announced he received three National Letters of Intent for the 2009-2010 season, including one from the program’s first Texan, Chris Brown.

“(College hockey) follows pro hockey,” Berenson said. “That’s why you’re seeing kids come out of Texas. I guarantee if there was no pro hockey in Texas, you wouldn’t see Chris Brown playing up here.
"If there was no pro hockey in California, (sophomore defenseman) Scooter Vaughan wouldn’t be here playing on our team. Pro hockey in particular, but even the minors, has triggered a lot of interest in this sport.”

Brown, a Dallas-area native, stands tall at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, which will make him one of the biggest forwards on Michigan’s roster.

The NHL Central Scouting Service ranked Brown as an ‘A’ prospect, meaning he will likely be drafted in the first or second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in June.

Michigan assistant coach Mel Pearson said Brown could be a first-line winger for the Wolverines down the road. He said he was impressed by Brown’s good hands and big, heavy shot.

The Texan’s arrival could be the beginning of a new trend — talented hockey players hailing from all across the country. Berenson said he thinks college teams could sprout up in the South, though he admits there are several obstacles to that expansion. He didn't elaborate, but some of those challenges could include the lack of facilities and organized teams.

Along with Brown, forwards Kevin Lynch and A.J. Treais — both Detroit-area natives — also signed National Letters of Intent yesterday in the early signing period.

The three recruits currently play for the Ann-Arbor based U.S. National Team Development Program, where Brown has acclimated himself to the cold. Since 1999, 19 other Wolverines have played for the program before transitioning to the college game.

“Michigan kids look at Michigan, and they know our program,” Pearson said. “They’re excited to come here, and obviously, we have a better feel for those players having watched them over a couple of years.”

Pearson said he expects Lynch to be a hard-nosed, two-way player when he arrives next fall.

Berenson compared Treais to 5-foot-10 former Wolverine T.J. Hensick (2004-07), saying Treais, two inches shorter than Hensick, has the potential to be a prolific small centerman. Hensick led the nation in points his senior season (69).

The trio will provide Michigan with a combination of size, skill and speed next year, Pearson said.

Six players will graduate next spring, including four forwards and a goaltender, which means the coaches have many holes to fill. Yesterday’s signings were just the start.

“We’ve got eyes on other players,” said Pearson, who mentioned needing a forward, a defenseman, and perhaps an extra goalie. “We’re happy to get it started with these three kids, and we’ll go from there to address different needs.”

But the Michigan coaching staff knows one thing — it no longer needs to confine that search to just the country’s coldest regions.